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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  Great little car - 1998 Nissan Sentra
  By Nissangirl - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I loved my car. It performed well and had only one problem other than basic maintenance. The one problem was the a/c died six months after I bought it. I just totaled my car and the fact that it did exactly as it was supposed to saved mine and my sons lives. The front end crumpled down to about 2 1/2 feet in length, but the inside is just as roomy as ever.

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  the Z is back - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By WayneTN - July 12 - 10:00 am

  The 350Z is a great value, a lot of performance and style for the money. I bought this car as my first sports car and I definitely have not been disappointed. My primary objective was to blend performance, reliability, fuel economy, and styling - and the 350Z delivers. Its a great looking car; it turns heads. The overall performance is comparable to that of much more expensive cars. Fuel economy has exceeded the stated values. Reliability, whether around town or on vacation, has never been in doubt. If you want a true sports car at an honest, reasonable price, this is it: the 350Z. You need look no further.

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  Nissan in the shop - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By tigger79 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  We have had our Maxima Se since 10/01. It has approximately 18k miles. At 12k miles, we found a crack in the rear spoiler. Nissan would not fix it. It was only covered up to 12k miles. Just this week-09/08/03-the car died and would not start. It had to be towed to the dealer for repair. They still do know what is wrong with it!

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  After 5000 miles - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Banker John - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I just passed 5000 miles on my Xterra. I have found that the more I drive it, the more I like it (this is my 11th new car, but my first truck/SUV) Very solid and comfortable for a truck. My wife went on a short trip (400 miles round trip) with two adult lady friends and found the ride to be very pleasant. Utility for hauling is very good. Folding the rear seats does let you haul a 4x8 sheet of plywood (with the hatch open). I have an XE 4x4 with an automatic. Id save my money and avoid buying the SE or the supercharged version. Absolutely zero problems so far.

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  Xtremely Happy Owner!! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By XterraUTE - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Im an extremely happy owner of this vehicle. I have done my research with other SUVs and came up liking the Xterra. This a very capable and solidly build SUV, the vehicle does double duty for me as my wife utilized it as a daily driver and then for family recreation utilizing it for camping/fishing go offroad to some places (exploring). So far we luv the Xterra and hope to enjoy its usage. Highly recommend the top of the line model SE/SC model.

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  Excellent car!! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By bettio - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. I think it is a cross between the SUV and a sporty car. Good Job!!

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  Quest for the best - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By coleman_lot - July 12 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is very fun to drive and an eye catching machine. Finally the minivan doesnt feel like a minivan. It truly feel luxury, futuristic, fun to drive and tons of gadgets.

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  HMMM...Very nice - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Bryant Cox - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Everything is unbelievably nice. One thing on the exterior I dont like is the back end doesnt look sporty enough...and its torque isnt as high as I want. But theres nothing that a turbo charger wont fix. lol

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  Unhappy 2 the Max - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By bizyB - July 11 - 10:56 pm

  I purchased this vehicle used, after trading in my Acura RL (mistake!). With this car you feel every bump. My passenger side door has become so hard to close, that you get a work out every time you close it. My ABS sensor went bad which cost me big $$$ before they found out what was causing my brakes to make such an awful noise. When I first got it the power steering came and went whenever. I see why the younger crowd like the car, it is fast and sexy, but us older guys like luxury with our speed. I am trading it for a BMW the first chance I get.

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  Nostalgia Strikes - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By GAR - July 11 - 7:56 pm

  I owned 72 240Z and my wife had a 280ZX. I have several similar cars over the years. When I first drove 370Z I was reminded powerfully of my 240. This is a drivers car. You dont step into it but instead you wear it. You feel the road in your hands and the seat of your pants. You hear the roar of the road and judge its condition from the sound. The sport package makes the handling even more precise. The car seems to go where you want it too by thought control. This car demands your full attention but you are rewarded with an exciting driving experience that makes any trip even the daily commute fun. If you want a 2-seater sports car the Nissan 370Z deserves your serious consideration.