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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  Keeps Going and Going and ... - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By sbddmd1 - October 31 - 8:26 pm

  182,000 still runs good as new. I installed a k&n filter on it which improved horsepower and fuel economy.

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  Love my Altima - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By David W St. Louis - October 31 - 12:49 pm

  My husband was so impressed when he drove an Altima for the first time drove from New York to Maine that he suggested that I test drive one when I was ready to trade in my 2008 Honda CRV. I feel in love with it from the moment I drove it.

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  Everything I need, nothing I dont. - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By RacerXterra - October 31 - 12:03 pm

  My wife & I purchased the Xterra to replace a 1991 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4x4. Weve logged about 34,000 miles in 3 years. I LOVED my 4Runner, but the Xterra has proven to be superior in every way. It has been a bulletproof mechanical tank [We took a 2,700+ mile road trip last year with no issues or complaints!]. Mileage here in the Denver Area generally averages 17-18 mpg. Im easily able to strap just about anything to the roof rack, like a 10 ft. ladder, many queen size mattresses, & even a 13 ft. Christmas tree! Once I purchased a set of A/T tires, snow/ice performance has been unparalleled by any other vehicle Ive ever driven. Way to go Nissan, youve made a believer out of me!

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  more power - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By joelmart - October 31 - 10:00 am

  After one year and 12k miles, nothings gone wrong. Pros: I love the rugged look of the outside, the big tires, the material of the cloth interior, the stadium type seating on the back. Cons: It needs more power (I guess they knew that, look at the 2005 X), intermitent rear wipers, the plastic console looks cheap and the roof rack, although very nice looking and sturdy, could use some more rings to hook up straps. Overall, Im very happy with the truck. Look forward to the 05.

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  Unhappy with my Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By seaflower - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle with the notion that Nissan was a great name. I had had an Xterra & it was my favorate vehicle to date. My Quest has just fallen apart at the seams. From failing to start, doors not working, problems with the airbag, the front end shaking & the back end sounds like its ready to give way. The CD player works when it wants to as well as the LCD screen. Wish I hadnt have bought it now.

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  AC Broke within 2 months! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By TomC_NY - October 31 - 10:00 am

  My family loved this vehicle when we first purchased it, but recently the AC broke and weve been inpatiently waiting for them to order a replacement part for it. We hear that its happened to several 2004 SE models, so look out! Its been extremely inconvenient in the hot weather and Nissan is not very responsive in repairing it. Otherwise, I agree with everyone else here that it is a nice mini-van.

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  excellent vehicle as alt to full suv - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By JTDust - October 31 - 10:00 am

  After driving an audi A4 2.8Q for 5 years needed more space but wanted awd. My daily commute is 60m through mts of central PA in all types of weather. This was the choice over many other suvs. I am very happy. Great space, power, control. As my wife calls it my souped up wagon!

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  Tiida good pick - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By zaahir - October 31 - 12:36 am

  The Nissan Tiida offers alot for a small car. It gives good horsepower with an excellent fuel economy. It is extremely roomy and fill with alot of storage spaces. It certainly has redefined the small family sedan/car. Ill recmommend it to anyone.

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  Spend Less - Get More - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By TDavis - October 30 - 5:16 pm

  The Armada has made a much comfortable ride for my family. It allows my growing boys plenty of room and space from one another while being able to cargo the groceries for a family of 6. The pricing of the Armada is affordable while the style is elegant. Nissan is a reliable name and doesnt get the credit it deserves, however, for me and my family we feel fortunate to own a nice vehicle and not have it cost as much as our house.

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  As predicted the brakes failed after 14k - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Terry - October 30 - 3:20 pm

  I read reviews before i bought the car and many comments said the brakes would go after only 15. I mentioned it to the dealer and they discounted it to poor driving habits. sure enough, at 14,800kms the front brakes and rotors had to be replaced. they would not cover the replacement as i didnt get my regular maintenance done there. the service absoulutely sucks. you wonder why i didnt get my maintenance there. my first and only maintenance was to get an oil change and winter studded tires removed. when they placed the tires in the car they scratched my car and refused to admit it. When purchasing a Sentra insist in writing that they would cover a brake job if they fail after <20k.