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:

• 

  Solid Car with style - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Paul - April 17 - 12:03 pm

  I have traded in my 06 Acura TL w/ Navi. Since I was sick of driving TL (Dont get me wrong. TL is a nice car), I wanted to get infiniti G37x or Nissan 370 Z. However, my wife liked the look of Cube, and she liked it because of high gas mileage compared to our 06 TL and 07 MDX. I had this car for 4 days. So far, this car gives me a good gas mileage, and I get a lot of attention from people because of its unique appearance. Cube is roomier than it looks and 1.8 SL with SL package gives you many useful features. Interior lighting features and luminating kick plate add an accent to the car as well. Driving is not as powerful as TL, however, it serves its purpose with decency. Very nice car

• 

  Awesome Car - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By scott2007 - April 17 - 10:53 am

  I purchased the Versa 2 days ago and Im very impressed. Build quality is top notch for this price range. The interior room is exceptional for a subcompact. (I traded an Element for this vehicle). The CVT auto transmission is very smooth. The interior is exceptional for a car at this pricepoint.

• 

  Great Car - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By ioccaste - April 17 - 7:30 am

  ive had my 2000 maxima se for about 7 months now. i bought the car with 73k miles on it. so far, i havent had any problems with the car. it really is a great all-around car. interior is laid out very well, and exterior styling is great. this car really goes! you can notice the difference between 89 and 93 octane gas--better performance, gas mileage, etc. what i love is at idle, you can hardly hear the car running, you really have to stress to hear the engine. very quiet and stable at highway speeds and beyond. the ride in the SE is a little firm. if you like to toss the car around, the SE is for you. tigther suspension compared to the GLE or GXE. superior to any american car.very happy

• 

  for $23018 great - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By len - April 17 - 2:00 am

  the wife loves it, For the price what even comes close too it???

• 

  New Titan seems like a stong truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By cnewmanx - April 17 - 2:00 am

  This truck is the best thing in years that Nissan has done. I recently purchased this truck after comparing and test driving all of the 3 main big trucks and the Titan has all of them whipped. When driving it doesnt even fell like a full size truck, more like a really big car.I also have the offroad package and from what I hear it is a little more rough on the highway than without. I have been a Ford guy for quite a long time but I have to say the F-150 cant compete.

• 

  Excellent Value - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By planebev - April 16 - 11:56 pm

  Touarareg, Explorer, Cadillac owner. Retired Cadillac and got Maxima 3 days ago. Feel like Im driving Bat-mobile. Acceleration is outstanding. Fun to drive. Practical for NE with FWD. Turns heads. LOVE this vehicle. SE package with leather interior is outstanding. Gadgets galore. Strong price, value ratio. Dealers willing to deal - providing price comparisons. Could not be happier! Outstanding value with high happiness index. You wont be disappointed -- strongly consider one!!!

• 

  Great Investment!!! - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Otis K. Dribbles - April 16 - 6:16 am

  I bought this vehicle in NC with 65K miles in 99 and I just traded it in for another SUV in early 08 with over 199K miles. The only problem I ever had with the Pathfinder was the transmission. It wouldnt shift to "reverse" so I had to replace it in 04. Other than that, I had absolutely NO problems with it - I never had to fix or replace anything (other than routine maintenance). My odometer and speedometer worked improperly beginning in late 05 (probably b/c I hit a light pole) but passed inspection anyway. The actual mileage was 200K+ due to an odometer malfunction b/c I hit a light pole. Traded it in b/c of long commute, harsh NY winter, and I didnt want to put more money into new tires.

• 

  Surpassed Expectations - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Bworl - April 15 - 9:26 pm

  This is an excellent vehicle. I bought new in March 2000 and have not been disappointed. First car Ive owned for 10+ years and drives as good as the day I bought it. In all categories the Maxima has surpassed my expectations - power, acceleration, reliability, comfort, looks are all an A+. Cant think of a better car to turn over to my son next year when he starts driving. Only gripe is that it goes through brake pads pretty frequently.

• 

  Great Compact Truck! - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By TexChad - April 15 - 8:50 pm

  I traded in my beloved 2004 VW Touareg V8 due to high maintenance costs and horrible gas mileage and high octane requirements. For months I searched for the right vehicle to replace the one I loved so much, and I finally found it in the 2010 Frontier PRO-4X 4x4. This truck has everything my Touareg had as far as creature comforts and more!

• 

  2007 Awesome Altima - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By D.B. - April 15 - 8:23 pm

  I have had this car for one week and I love it. The rear spoiler really makes the car look sharp! The heated leather seats and the Bose System makes me want to keep driving. I spent 4 hours one day test driving the Accord, Camry, Maxima, and the Altima. The Altima won hands down inside and out.