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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  Need Better fuel and more Rear Room - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By TMAC - September 19 - 10:00 am

  Great Ride, except that it needs better fuel economy and more rear room. But for the amount of power youre getting the fuel is i guess OK. But definitely more room in the back.

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  Worth the Wait - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Prlauren - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I had it Factory ordered. Took 4 months but it was worth the wait! Horsepower, all I have to say is WOW! Ofroad package sport utility package and tow package is a must! Absolutely love it!

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  The Very Best - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By harryfleis - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I have never enjoyed driving a car as much as this.

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  An excellent trooper - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By qwerty01 - September 19 - 9:19 am

  Purchased my Altima with 75K miles, it now has 191K miles. Nothing really major that I can complain about, its taken my abuse very well. My CONS would be: Cam Shaft sensor failed around 150K miles. Both rear calipers seized around 100K miles. #4 cylinder ignition coil failed around 175K miles. BOSE CD changer is completely unreliable. Pop out gasoline door is horrendous, I need to use a prybar to get it open. Around 150K miles the car started having intermittent difficulties with engine starts...takes 10-15 seconds to start. Mechanic doesnt have a good solution to the problem. Door actuators seize when its cold out.

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  No regrats!! - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Chrika in MI - September 18 - 8:00 pm

  Love my new Murano SL AWD. Being from Mich driving in snow was a big consideration for buying a new car and this handles great. It feels like a well planted/solid car when you drive it. Interior is roomy and stylish. Great for kids.

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  Another Very Satisfied - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By FALEPIK - September 17 - 8:23 pm

  Knock on wood, I have had minimal problems compared to some of the other posts. The only problem has been with the sliding door mechanism Nissan recalled. So far, this has been an excellent car for our family of 5(3 children below 7. It rides great and has been very reliable. Also, Nissan (and Troncali Nissan in particular) has stepped up and provided excellent customer service and extended the warranty to 5 yrs/60,000 miles.

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  Amazing - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By my baby - September 17 - 8:13 pm

  Ive had this car for about a year and havent had any problems besides for an alternator because I got subs. I got it at 105,613 and now Im about 125,698 but I havent seen any loss of power or handling. This car is very fast for it size and weight. Its very comfortable and has a smooth ride. I dont think Ill ever sell my car. I have people coming up to me now thinking its a newer car than it is. This car is so much fun to drive even with an automatic

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  disturbing horn/alarm - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By george6464 - September 17 - 2:28 pm

  the altima 2009 is okay but one major pain: the remote key set. the horn button is awkwardly place that whenever the keys are in my pocket, the pad will often touch pocket contents or plain body and sound the alarm when I dont need it. I have to hold it all the time. can the next key pad be modified to ensure the alarm part is lower than other keys and cannot accidentally be triggered.

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  2005 frontier king - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Frontowner - September 17 - 1:40 pm

  Nice truck so far, took a 700 mile trip in it this past weekend, ran great for a truck getting really good gas mileage. Small on passing power, but will run good in upper 80-90mph. Shes not shy, but dont think youre gonna be passing real easy.

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  Maxima long term review - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By madmax1 - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Driven car for past 5 years. Very reliabile, has been in shop for only periodic maintenance and to replace odometer, which quit working around 75k. Currently have over 150000 miles on the car and it is in great shape. I have been looking for new vehicle with the same value to performance ratio and still cannot find anything comparable.