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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  Solid Truck for the Money - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Jmac - November 15 - 10:33 pm

  Purchased in 6/04 with 20K for half of original sticker. Fully loaded with every option besides navigation. Have been pleased with the overall performance, very reliable. Gas mileage is terrible like most SUVs. Styling is great, fit and finish has held up nicely. Back seat is not the best for entry or overall room. Some scratches on fender flares from automatic car wash. Only issues: drivers power seat broke around 40K, they wanted $600 for repair. 2 oxygen sensors replaced and tailpipe joint cracked. Had sleeved at meineke for $25. Original bridgestones wear quickly, replaced with Pirelli scorpions.

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  work truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By danny harrington - November 15 - 9:56 pm

  the engine puts out excellent power, i routinely carry about 600 pounds of equipment and i dont even notice it, gas mileage is decent, around 17 in the city and 20 on the highway(driving around 80 mph) between las vegas and visalia california. going up the mountains it drops out of overdrive but no big deal.

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  I love this car! - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Cat - November 15 - 6:00 pm

  I have owned this car since early 1999, I bought it with only 35 miles on it and I now have 125000, its been the most reliable car I have ever owned.

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  Nissan all the way - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Mike - November 15 - 5:53 pm

  I went from a brand new 1999 Oldsmobile Alero to 2001 Lincon Navigator to a brand new 2004 Cadillac SRX to the latest brand new 2007 Nissan Altima. Its THE best car Ive owned to date hands down!! No more expensive SUVs for me.

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  Early Maximas rock - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Peter Williams - November 15 - 4:08 pm

  The cars were comfortable, powerful, felt like they were glued to the road, or on rails. The sound system was great, I had two, I think a 2000 and 2003 GLE, and I loved them. I got a few $800 or $900 repairs when the mileage was in the 1403. The repairs were the coils an an oil leak.

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  The Swiss Army Knife of SUVs - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Kendall - November 15 - 2:33 pm

  In comparison to my previous SUV purchases, 1) Jeep: The worst automotive experience Ive ever had, and 2) Mitsubishi Montero: A mediocre performer, the 2006 Xterra is the perfect blend of performance and comfort for thousands less. The 265 HP engine makes freeway blending a breeze and provides smooth power for backcountry exploration here at the Grand Canyon. There are dozens of easy and inexpensive add-on racks, nets and carriers for every toy I want to strap on, plus a 5000 lb. towing capacity.

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  Amazing - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Kendal Henry - November 15 - 8:46 am

  The reason I purchased my Altima was because my wife wanted a bigger car. Owned a Honda Civic, which I loved great on gas. Just not roomy enough. I like the styling. Very roomy for my wife and my 2 daughters. The 4 cyl @ 175hp is amazing. Owned a Nissan Maxima before, so I know about Nissan performance. Enjoying every minute of it. Interior styling while not great is comfortable. Some slight exterior noise, a little noisy when accelerating.

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  Fun with a few rough edges - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By 2005 Maxima Owner - November 15 - 5:56 am

  The spacious interior, good looks, horsepower attracted me to this car. After 60 days it still wows me! I had a little buyers remorse having not chosen an Acura Tl... so i went back to take a second look at the TL last week. Glad I got the Maxima.

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  Fast and Dependable - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Mike - November 14 - 11:43 pm

  Bought vehicle used with 36K on it. Now have 126K on it and still drives great. Replaced brakes and tires. Aside from regular maintenance, thats all Ive ever had to do to it. Has never left me stranded. Still accelerates like a champ and hugs the road. No complaints at all here. Looking forward to turning over 200K.

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  Miss my Sentra =( - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Renee - November 14 - 7:50 pm

  Bought this Sentra, my first car, certified-used at a dealer. Aside from the fact that I paid way too much for it because of the financing, this is a solid car! Dont let anyone tell you its bottom of the line! Not a whole ton of horsepower but it gets it done. Gave me no problems until just before 100K, then a couple little things popped up. (Spark plugs, fuel flush, nothing you cant do yourself) I drove this car everywhere. Florida and Canada were no problem! Kept up with oil changes and changed the brakes once. She never failed me. Got totaled just before Halloween, she might be the best car Ill ever have!