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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  Maxin - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By iceprinzes - November 22 - 7:50 am

  I purchased this just before taking a road trip roughly 1200 miles round trip. This car is perfect, every where I go someone was asking me what it was. I got the white SV Sport Package. The leather seats are to die for and the pick is just outstanding. Another thing that I love about this car is when taking off from a full stop and punching the gas peddle I dont have to grab onto the steering wheel to control it. I live in the suburbs of DC and have only seen one other 09 on the road. I love this car!! Oh by the way this is my 3rd Maxima and 4th Nissan.

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  Great "Full Size" Truck - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By TitanSteve - November 21 - 11:06 pm

  I purchased my Titan a month ago and have enjoyed driving it every single day. I drove the F-150, Dodge Ram 1500, and the new Chevy Silverado before driving the Nissan. I felt the Nissan had the most power, most rear seat room, was very comfortable, and had many features the other 1/2 ton trucks didnt even have (power rear window WITH defroster, side lock box, utili-trac bed, self damping tailgate, extendable tow mirrors, and more). The interior is comfortable. The power seems endless. The Rockford stereo sounds great, and I love the killer exhaust note that some complain about (no need for aftermarket exhaust!). Over all the Titan is a very versatile truck for the money and fun to drive.

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  Loved My Nissan - 1995 Nissan 200SX
  By Michael - November 21 - 6:16 pm

  I purchased this 200SX new from dealership in CA. Moved home to NC and drove all the way. In 8 years I put 200K on this car. Other than normal maintenance, the alternator was the only thing I ever replaced. I gave this car to my sister 2 years ago and shes still driving. Im convinced if it has lasted her 2 years, I could have driven it 10 more. She only knows how to pump gas and drive. I regret the day I parted with this car. Im searching for another today. I am a Nissan fan, with 3 others in my drive.

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  Great Value, Nice Style - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By rufus1959 - November 21 - 5:50 am

  I was really torn between the Altima, Camry, and Accord. I chose the Altima basically because of the sale price which was considerably lower mainly due to the 1500 dollar rebate. The Altima style is nicer in the 2005 model over previous years,in my opinion. Great fit and finish. More horsepower than the Camry and Accord.Good standard features included. More room than the Camry and Accord.Handling is good and things are kept simple, but have an elegant glow.Plenty of trunk space.The only "cons", if you can call them that, are ABS brakes are not standard, somewhat noisy ride, and auto tranny shifts a bit harsh. But these are very minor and are not bothersome. Besides, I like that engine growl.

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  116000 miles and still going!! - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Momma to the Max - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Fabulous car for the money and age. I bought my car new- its the black/green metallic with buff leather interior,moon roof, heated seats(nice) and ABS brakes & all other options which came with the car. Its been to Florida & back several times, Canada (opened her up to over 100mph on the Northway) and she cruised at 75-80 mph. You would never know how fast youre going until you look at the speedometer...I LOVE THIS CAR! Oxygen sensor after 110000 miles and brakes/tires only repairs made.NOT EVEN A TUNE UP. I changed filters and plugs..thats it! I dont want to give it up its just a fab car ...scale 1 - 10 its "10" !!!!

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  Good as they say... - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By himura_kenshin - November 20 - 2:00 am

  I was finally fed up with all of the reliablility and fit and finish issues with my 1999 Ford SVT Contour and was looking for a new vehicle. All of the reveiws said that the Sentra SE-R Spec V was an affordable and fun to drive car (including Edmunds)and I have to say that they were correct.

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  I love my truck! - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By kas00 - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my truck for 2 years, drive it pretty steadily, and have never had any problems with it. Its a great truck.

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  Love that Altima! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By audiologist - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Have owned 3 sentras and a 95 altima, this is by far the best. Great reliablility in a car. I have had the 2003 Altima for a week now and still cant get over the smooth, quiet ride. Considered Jetta and Accord but they have boring styling, this V6 has pep even in an automatic. Drove the 2002 Maxima for a day while removing pinstripes on new Altima. Altima much improved over Maxima. Watch out for the new 2004 maxima though.

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  WOW - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By jmaxima - November 19 - 5:30 pm

  I looked and looked and Maxima was finally my choice. You cant beat the rebate and you cant beat what you get. Mine is a fully loaded SE. The ride is a little harsher than the GLE....but its a sports car! The closest in price ans features would have to be the Acura TL Type S which to me feels like a much bigger car. When you compare you see you cant go wrong with MAX!

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  Best car for 10 years of ownership - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By BSR - November 18 - 1:16 pm

  This car has been great for 10 years!! I drove this car on the east coast when I had to travel for my job. It was comfortable, had great acceleration, and gas mileage. I now have 192K miles on it. I havent had any major problems with the car. I hope Nissan has built a comparable car the last few years when it comes to reliability