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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  Slight Problem - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By TSM1116 - April 18 - 9:16 pm

  I have had several Maximas in the past and have always been pleased but this one has me scratching my head. Love the car with a few exceptions. The front end squeaks like a 90-year old wooden wagon. Have taken it into the dealership 14 times for repair, cant pinpoint the problem even with the stethoscope. Have gone back now and tried to drive several other year models with the same body style and ALL have the same squeaking noise coming from the front end. Doesnt do it all the time only when the weight of the car is on that side. Very embarrassing going thru parking lots or areas where the ground is not level. Love the CVT - man this car will fly!!! Just cant get past the noise.

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  The Truest Sports Car at a Bargin Price - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By SIMON SIONI - April 18 - 7:26 pm

  Incredible value! New & improved, even more powerful V6 Engine; Hood Design; 7500 RPM Redline; Bluetooth now available; Improved switch visibility (example; Open/Close - Top).

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  Excellent mileage - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By super9 - April 18 - 4:49 pm

  The versa manual 5 speed sedan is excellent on mileage. AT speeds of 55-to 60 miles per hour I am getting about 53-56 miles per gallon as indicated by the on board mileage computer. I did not know this is possible, but I guess, it is as the manufacture does not advertise this mileage on its window sticker. The ride is smooth at faster speeds. Mileage increases at 45 miles per hour, to 60 miles per gallon.

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  2007 350Z touring - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By David Colas - April 18 - 4:06 pm

  Very happy with the car, comfort gets an "8" because of road noise. but overall very happy with the car, had owned a 71, 240Z, a 77, 280Z, and an 86, 300ZX, by far this is much more car.

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  2006 Nissa Maxima-Disappointment, Costly - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By bmcgavin - April 18 - 3:04 pm

  So, like everyone else that seems to be writing reviews, my 2006 Maxima had transmission issues. Ill start at the beginning (which wasnt long ago). I bought the car for $12,000 from a used car dealership less than six months ago with 117,000 miles. I loved the car. It was one of the nicest cars I ever bought. I also bought a 2002 Altima brand new (loved it). Two weeks ago the transmission started slipping between 2 and 3rd gear and it would downshift when I let up on the gas. Also, the Service Engine Soon light came on. Took it in and low and behold, Transmission was all but gone and the catalytic converter was needing replaced. Out of luck the dealer told me. Traded for a 2010 Chev Impa

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  New Altima - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By M.A. Davis - April 18 - 2:23 pm

  Getting 23-24 mpg in town, 30-31 highway. Steering is easy, parking even easier. All accessories work well and are within easy reach of driver. Has back support for comfort. Get loads of compliments on design and color (pewter)

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  Blast to drive - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Jedi Z - April 18 - 11:16 am

  This has to be the most enjoyable car I have ever owned. Sure, its small and other cars are a little faster but the combination of Japanese quality and unique styling make a true winner.

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  Electric Wonder - 2012 Nissan Leaf
  By mikelaw1 - April 18 - 11:16 am

  The Leaf has great acceleration up to about 40 mph, because of the high torque of the electric drive, it is only two wheel drive but feels like four wheels drive, maybe because of large wide tires (55 series) and a low center of gravity, Batteries under floorboard have a lot of weight, so it really hugs the road. Keeps the car about forty mph in ECO mode, (slower mode, slower acceleration ) should get you 150+ mile range. It really begins to use up the juice over 50 mph and by 60 to 70 mph range is only about 75. Frost on inside if left outside is a problem requiring defrosting before starting out. It is a really about town car. Most charging stations appear to charge $3 for a charge.

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  I was set to purchase the Outback until - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Female Road Warrior - April 18 - 11:03 am

  I read about the Rogue on Edmunds! I purchased the Rogue S w/360. I love this car! It is very comfortable, fun to drive, and affordable! I am a middle-aged female, 52" and I find this car suits my need to carry my sales samples, suitcases,etc. It is peppy, quiet, easy to maneuver. I really enjoy driving this car. I have put 1800 miles on it in just 2 weeks. I travel by car for my job and this vehicle gives me the room and ride that I require. I have the 360 pkg and I love that backup mirror option! Its "no frills" package is just what I need. the AWD is awesome! Winters should be a breeze with this car.

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  MAXDOUT - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Jon - April 18 - 3:46 am

  My 2004 Maxima now has 60,000 miles. This Maxima had alot of issues. Build quality should have been much much better. Performance holds this car together. But I would NOT buy this car used & I love Maximas.