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 overall car - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By OneCoolGi - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car 2 months ago with just over 40,000 miles on it. The car took me by surprise when I first sat in the car, much roomier than it looks from the outside. The car is also very fast, I burnt rubber right out of the dealership on the test drive. Passing speed is no problem, it does it in the blink of an eye. I just drove from NJ to NC and got 32 mpg, at an average speed of 75 mph. City driving it will get 21-22 mpg. Overall its getting 26 mpg combined. All-in-all a great car for the money. Great fuel economy for the power that comes with it. Interior is very nice, lots of gadgets. Great look too. only problem is that I see a ton of them on the road.

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  Like the Rogue - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By lilbit - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my rogue in May and I really like it. The gas mileage is great for getting me too and from work in the Atlanta area. I looked at other small suvs and found the rogue to be the roomiest for a vehicle of its size. I have the navigation system in my rear view mirror and when it is on, there are times when it shuts off during normal driving, then comes by on. The next time its in the shop, will have it looked at.

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  Very Dependable - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Dave - July 9 - 11:00 pm

  Hands down the best car I have ever owned. I bought the Nissan new and now have over 160,000 miles on it, no major repairs at all, just change the oil and tuned it up twice. Brakes once at 90K, I get the dealer breaks which are much better quality. I gave this car to my son to drive, and I am sure he will get another 100k out of it.

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  Perfect so far.......... - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By rp65 - July 9 - 10:40 pm

  I bought my Maxima with only 2k miles on it and currently have over 90k without any problems. The only thing I have replaced are the brakes and still have the original tires on it but I wouldnt recommend going that long on them. It has never let me down and I cant say anything bad about it.

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  Nissan Keeps Getting Better - Maxima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By shinks - July 9 - 2:13 pm

  In considering many different vehicles for this purchase I couldnt neglect the reliability of my past Nissans. The 2005 axima did not take long to be moved to the top of the list with its unique, noncomformist styling and the performance it offered. Togehter with the reliability that I have found with Nissan products, this car was not a dissappointment. It has been everything one would expect in a sedan of this quality that is targeted for those looking for more than a family sedan. Its performance and handling are excellent.

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  HOT HOT HOT!! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Nor-easter - July 9 - 11:13 am

  I waited a year to write my review and I still love this car. It is fast, it corners, and it just wants to go!! Its like an anxious race horse at the starting gate. If you want to change lanes on the freeway - this car will throw you back in the seat from any speed. Most professional reviews fail to note that Nissan designs and builds race cars. I suspect most of the professional reviewers have not even driven this car. If you are any kind of a race enthusiast then you will not find a better ride for the money. It is just plain fun to drive.

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  Dont be fooled by looks - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Cheryl G. - July 9 - 9:03 am

  My new Nissan is in the shop at less than 4,000 miles. The gear shift assembly needs to be replaced and I am told with getting the part from Nissan and shop time it will be approx. one week. Reading another review I see it might be longer. I was unsure of Nissan reliability when I purchased this car but was impressed with the looks. Looks can fool you and I no longer have the confidence in this car that it can outlast my payments. I am trading it off before it comes out of the shop. Look hard at this car before you buy.

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  Stepping up to an ALTIMA - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Linda - July 9 - 5:36 am

  After driving a Dodge Neon, Im enjoying the roominess of the Nissan Altima. It gives a smooth ride and has the looks of a luxury car. Best car purchase Ive made to date!

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  3 year update - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Tiny - July 9 - 1:26 am

  Its coming up to 3 yrs since I bought my Titan. The cabin is very comfy, seats are soft, leg room all around is fantastic. Loads of power from the big V8, the truck is quiet with a decent sound system and has lots of fun toys like the bluetooth and an ipod connect. It rides very well for big a truck, easy over the bumps but feels very rugged at the same time. Definitely underrated in the truck segment. I just turned 50,000 miles with ZERO problems. Im just now looking at purchasing new tires... GREAT TRUCK

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  2004 SL - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By amy crawford - July 8 - 8:36 pm

  The only problem I have had with my Maxima is the sunroof. They cant seem to get it fixed. It wont close properly or even open sometimes. Everything within it from the motor to a new switch panel. Also both of the front struts had to be replaced within a few months of each other. I just think that was the actual manufacturer of the struts themselves not Nissan. I have some serious concerns over the sunroof since I have over 33,000 miles on the car an very little warranty left.