Overview & Reviews

Nissan was born in Japan, and like other marques from its homeland, the brand is known for crafting vehicles that place an emphasis on quality and reliability. The company's roster of products is broad, and includes sporty coupes, family sedans, minivans, trucks and SUVs.

The automaker got its start in 1933 as the Jidosha Seico Co., Ltd. The following year, this outfit merged with another Japanese manufacturer, and the new company was christened Nissan Motor Company, Ltd. Nissan initially marketed its vehicles under the Datsun brand, with the first Datsuns being built in 1934. Postwar, the brand made its presence felt worldwide, building a partnership with the U.K.-based Austin Motor Co. and establishing a presence in the United States. The first Datsuns hit American shores in 1958. Vehicles like the Datsun 1000 were based on Austin platforms.

The '60s witnessed Nissan's merger with Prince Motor Company, a union that helped the Asian manufacturer create more luxury-focused vehicles. In the U.S. it began offering its first vehicle styled for the U.S. market, the Datsun 510 sedan. By the end of the decade, Datsun had exported more than 1 million vehicles. Datsun rose to prominence in the 1970s on the popularity of its 240Z sports car. Powered by an inline six-cylinder engine, the car was coveted for its blend of style, performance and affordability. By the time the '70s drew to a close, the automaker's cumulative vehicle exports had surpassed the 10 million mark.

In 1981, Nissan shelved the Datsun name and began selling vehicles worldwide under the Nissan moniker. The '80s also saw Nissan's launch of a tuning division called Nismo for the development of performance-oriented vehicles and accessories. Nissan also brought its production to American shores, with the construction of a Georgia-based plant.

The early '90s saw Nissan's fortunes rise in the U.S. thanks to fun-to-drive cars like the 300ZX, Maxima and Sentra. But this trend didn't last long and by the late '90s Nissan's offerings consisted of anonymous vehicles. The company's future was uncertain.

After the turn of the new century Nissan bounced back, helped by a 1999 alliance with Renault that boosted the company's finances. Its redesigned Sentra and Altima boosted sales and consumer interest, as did new models like the 350Z sports car, Armada SUV and Titan pickup. Today the manufacturer is known for offering a wide range of well-regarded vehicles, including the popular Murano SUV, the incredible GT-R supercar and the all-electric Leaf.

User Reviews:

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Stuart - April 28 - 2:36 pm

  I just bought the 2006 Altima, great car. Great handling, very sporty. Nissan came a long way with the Altima. I would definitely recommend the Altima.

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  Exceptional Used Car. - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Zoombag5 - April 28 - 2:30 pm

  I bought my 01 Maxima SE used in 2004 with 44,500 miles. Now have 106,000 miles after 4 years of driving it. I replaced the A/C compressor & oxygen sensors soon after purchase. Since then the car has been very dependable and fun to drive. All other costs have been maintenance related (brake pads, tires, etc.) I get 19 mpg local and an impressive 27 mpg hwy driving 65-70 mph with 3 passengers & luggage. I highly recommend this make & model. My 2nd Maxima. My 1st (95 SE) was hit & totaled at 9 years & 94,000 miles, but was running like a top until then.

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  My view - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By jhbodie72 - April 28 - 3:16 am

  This is my first new car and I absolutely love it. I am a family man but this car is still a sport car. I just bought the 08 se model and I have no complaints. Sexy yet within my budget. I think it performs outstanding and looks better than everything in its class.

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  Luvmyalt - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Jenk - April 27 - 8:46 pm

  I am particularly pleased with the safety features that Nissan had put into the Altima. I was driving my car when I was hit by a tornado. The pressure and debris caused all the glass in the car to break. I did not receive a single scratch or cut. I also love the performance of my Altima. It rides smooth and accelerates on command! My only dislike is the road noise. It can be loud on certain pavements especially on the interstate.

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  New Altima almost there - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Al - April 27 - 2:30 pm

  I am a sales rep and have driven my new Altima 800 miles . The drivers seat is not comfortable after an hour on the road. It needs more padding and a lumbar adjustment available as standard features on other cars. Nissan wants you to buy leather seats to get a lumbar feature. The stereo on the 2.5 s has speakers that distort easy. The back window trim panels on my car developed bubbles after a week of owning the car. Dealer has to remove and repair them. Shouldnt happen on a new car. Test drive this car for a while before making a deal! Your back may thank you!

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  This car has my personality - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By D Doxon - April 26 - 1:40 pm

  I traded my 2004 Chrysler 300 touring on a new Maxima. Although the 300 drove nice. It had bad blind spots and every time I drove it I felt like an old man(not to mention 3 repair trips already). On one nice Saturday I stopped at the Nissan dealer and drove The Maxima. I didnt want to give the keys back. One week later I had a new car in my driveway and am enjoying it. I bought the 300 because it was the "in" car. That was a big expensive mistake. The Maxima is the true 4 door sports car.

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  Never Buy Nissan Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Robert Harrison - April 26 - 12:30 am

  After approx.6,000 miles truck would shake at 50 mph. Dealer replaced all 4 tires and rims which helped. Very poor gas mileage(14/16) hwy and 10/12 city.

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  Big Man in a Small SUV - Just Do It! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By M. Miller - April 25 - 9:36 pm

  We just returned from our second Rogue trip, This one from Nashville to Ft. Benning and back. I am 6 7" 265 lbs, not a small man by any measure and I love this vehicle. I read each and every review before purchasing and so far have not had one negative to think or say about the Rogue. The vehicle is so quiet on the inside that the Bose sound system is a true pleasure to listen to! Acceleration on the interstate was very very responsive, for a 4 cyl amazing! We averaged 27.5 MPG for both trips and find our around town MPG not much less. Bottom line if you are a big man and worried about the size of this small SUV, dont be, get in, and just do it, fun to drive - very fun!

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  I love my Murano - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By OldKingsFan - April 25 - 12:30 pm

  I have had the Murano almost 2 years and I am still glad I bought it. I wish I had gotten the Navi sys. But the cheap in me came out. I couldnt be happier this has been a great SUV. The one draw back is the gas mileage. I didnt realize I had a lead foot.

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  Fun and Reliable - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Teri - April 25 - 10:53 am

  The automatic/manual shift gives me flexibility for the road type. This car starts and stops precisely. After 4 years, I still enjoy driving it. People are always asking about the cars speed and agility. It draws a lot of attention. And its FUN.