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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  best car ever had - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By altimaguy1 - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Totally recomend this car! fun to drive, no problems at all, reliable and powerful. Get one if youre on the market for a new car.

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  97 pathfinder - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By pathfinder - September 23 - 3:23 pm

  I owned alot of cars and the mechanics on nissans are great. In 128000 miles I just had been doing basic maintenance. It is truly not as easy SUV to work on in comparison to GM and Fords, but I definitely have not had to work on the nissan nearly as much. I noticed the little things are much better quality and this makes it last longer. I am very particular about squeaks, noises, and handling perf. My 97 nissan has a full frame and handles much like a car. I can not stress that the components are what seperates the nissan from the others. I always bought American for are economy but nissan is made in the USA now. I am done spending my money on making Am. cars run to my satisfaction.

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  Loving My New Rogue!!! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By lay - September 23 - 6:46 am

  I just purched the 08 Nissan Rogue SL Premium and Im absolutly in love!!! It was a HUGE upgrade from my 2001 Camry. I got everything I wanted with this car. The style,comfort and price is unbeatable. Its a quiet, smooth ride with great electronic features and roomy. Makes tight turns and the look is SeXy! I am very pleased with the Rogue.

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  Great mid-life transition car! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By CD - September 22 - 12:23 pm

  I have owned 4 mini-vans over the past 17 years which I liked a lot. They served the family well for trips, hauling stuff, etc. I wanted a sporty, fun-to-drive car that handled well, had some zip, was sharp looking, but could also carry a load if need be. My Rogue is it! The 4-cylinder engine has plenty of power and is surprisingly quiet. The ride is a tad stiff, but the steering is tight and seats very comfortable. Took it on a 1200 mile trip and didnt get sore bottoms. With the back seats folded down, it can hold a lot. It lets you sit up (like a van), but drives like a sports car. Love the CVT - avoids constant downshifting. Takes getting used to. Been getting 26-27 mpg. Fun.

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  Love it ! - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Y Johnson - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I wasnt in the market for a Nissan Maxima but a friend of mine had done a lot of car and SUV research and loved the new Maxima. She ended up buying an SUV but she said if should would have bought a car, it would have been the Maxima. So, I started doing my own reasearch on them and after a few test drives, I decided I wanted one. Mine is fully loaded and I have the bigger wheels (17"). Everyone always comments on how roomie my car is even when the front seat is slid back. The leather still looks great. Good sound system. Good size trunk. I am very happy with this car and would buy another one.

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  One of the best values out there! - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By usmcbigguns - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I drive this car very hard and have not had a problem with my max. Bought an extended warranty with the car, big mistake, it was a waste of money. Only items that need replacement were belts (85k)brake pads(35k and 75k) and the battery(87k). The pick-up this car has is amazing considering the engine output. Handles well and the transmission is relatively smooth.

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  Altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Shaan - September 22 - 10:00 am

  This car is great.It is fun to drive my only complaint is that my brakes are making a squeeking on occasion but otherwise this car is great. It has more standard horsepower than any full size vehicle under 30$cdn. Thank you for your time Shaan

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  They Dont Make em Like They Used To! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Fetts - September 21 - 11:03 pm

  I bought this truck 4 years ago new with all the options. Interior/exterior is good and the engine is surprisingly fast (60,000 miles). I passed on the MBZ ML back in 05 and wish I hadnt. The engine light has come on serveral times, each time costing me around $300-$400. The drivers side window consistently pops out of the slide and leaves the truck unprotected. The rear windows stopped rolling up/down and the truck randomly locks when the keys are inside. There has been a rattle in the dash from the start, and the rear shocks went out at 50,000 miles. Worst of all, the dealer just told me the timing chain tension is bad and needs replacement. Cost? $4,000. Huh, time to sell.

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  Dream Vehicle is now a Reality - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Daddygirl - September 21 - 10:53 pm

  I LOVE the 09 Murano. This is my first vehicle that I have purchased on my own. I love the way it drives, looks, the back up camera and the truck in general. I wish I couldve gotten the dual panel moonroof. Regardless this is the best vehicle Nissan has created. GOOD JOB

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  Time bomb after 36K miles warranty expired - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By ddobluis - September 21 - 7:46 pm

  This is my second Nissan. First one was a 98 Pathfinder that had 210,000 miles. That was very reliable and no major issues. This one had power steering fluid hose leak at 45K miles ($400). At 60K, an electronic board limited my power to almost none. When I pressed on gas, the car would go very slow. ($450). Battery drained too fast and on my 4th. ($90 a pop) Visor would just fall on its own ($400 bucks for a visor at the dealer??? come on). Two leaks, one from engine oil, one from transmission. ($850). Engine oxygen sensor failed (($450). Now, my drive train feels very rough and certainly doesnt feel as smooth as before). Im scared to go to the dealer and see what they find.