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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  The real Phil - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By phil - August 13 - 9:53 am

  Started out mediocre, had problem with abs module, but 100% covered, and no problems since. Rides great, good acceleration, versatile bed used many times already. My first pick up truck, has large back seat that fold up for more cargo space. Love the heated leather seats, powerful a/c, 4 wheel drive on the fly is great.

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  SUV of the year - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Miss Jones - August 12 - 11:13 pm

  If you like style then you have to see the Murano, SL, or LE. This SUV is perfect, not too big and not too small. Drives like a car, so smooth on long trips, quality cabin upgrades. Im warning you if you drive one you will buy one. I did and love it. Got it fully loaded with everything but Navigation on my 2009.

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  Poor engine choice by Nissan - 2014 Nissan Sentra
  By donp9 - August 12 - 6:24 pm

  Purchased this car about a month ago. Had only driven 200 kilometers when I noticed a loud noise and vibration from the transmission. Turns out it needed a new torque converter. Replaced by the dealer however I still notice the vibrations others have mentioned (juddering stuttering) especially in normal mode when driving at 20 to 80 kilometers an hour. Most annoying as is the constant buzz at any speed. I only drive in sport mode now as it reduces the vibrations due to the engine revving higher. The problem is that the car is underpowered. They should have left the 2.0L My 2008 Sentra has no vibrations whatsoever at any speed with the 2.0L. Piece of junk - avoid buying this car!!!

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  I Love My Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By MawmawofAC - August 12 - 6:10 pm

  After over six months of driving my 2005 “Majestic Blue” Nissan Altima, I still can’t wait to get behind the wheel – even if it is just to the local Wal-Mart! I still can’t believe I am driving a car so beautiful inside and out. Love the sunroof, all of the steering wheel controls, and that get- up-and-go which enables a quick and safe merge into Nashville’s fast-moving traffic. (Anyone who has driven in Nashville would also appreciate the “stop-on-a-dime” set of brakes!!) The trunk room is great and with the fold-down seat, I have transported 8’ lengths of quarter-round back to Home Depot.

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  1995 Nissan Maxima SE - super value! - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Gary95 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Owned since new--10 years (2004). 140k miles. Extremely reliable car. Parts worn out so far: starter motor (easily replaced it myself) and suspension (as getting too soft--upgraded to high performance aftermarket setup). Most people dont realize the customization market for the Nissan Maxima has been growing steadily for the last 5 years. Maxima.org--phenomenal resource for Maximas, especially advice from die- hard owners. Ive made extensive improvements with info I learned there. Upshot: greatest value vehicle Ive ever owned. If youre on a budget and you can find one in very good condition, GET IT! (of course, after mechanical inspection)

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  Great Buy - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By PamelaE2001 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought the SUV used... it was only 1.5 years old. I have YET to do any work to it other than the basic oil changes and upkeeps... GREAT SUV~

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  Big Nissan..Big Power - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By BigKW - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Armada to tow my boat. A little overkill since my boat and trailer only weights 3,500 lbs. The vehicle has had some initial minor repairs with the rear seat cable release jammed. In addition, they replaced the left rear axle since it would make a cricketing noise when loaded (acceleration). I noticed the noise when driving with windows down.

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  Watch out Camery - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By don - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Altima,this is one fun car to drive.This car can get up and go!The interior is very cool,sporty,luxurious,roomy,great sound am fm cd player.Tail lights look great,looks like caddy rear end.LOVE IT!

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  happy owner - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By angela3p - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I love the style and look

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  THIS IS GREAT - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By brandon1234 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Nissan really did it for me. Me and my family drove every mini van under the sun, some of them twice and we kept going back to the Quest. Now a few months later we couldnt be happier with are decision.