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:

• 

  Best car I ever had - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By shielda - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had it 6 weeks, so reliability not tested yet - but Consumer Reports says its one of the best. The car is fun to drive, comfortable, powerful. My family enjoys it. Driving on mountain roads is a real treat. Hugs the highway, acceleration leaves other vehicles standing still. The sound system is excellent. Bought a new Toyota Camry in 1989, loved it, but the Maxima is even better. Best kept secret of fun cars.

• 

  Great car for the money - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By CarbUff - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Much better value than TL. Better performance and IMO more desireable mix of features. Acura owners also tend to rely on snob appeal to defend their purchase whereas Max owners know a good value when they see one.

• 

  Cool Car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Hotbod - July 4 - 2:00 am

  If you want a fun car this is the car for you.

• 

  altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By mcd2000 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  the acceleration is amazing but my Town and Country (most carlike handling minivan) handles much better than it

• 

  Glad I bought it - 2009 Nissan Xterra
  By Andy Kuchta - July 4 - 12:36 am

  I have been a Nissan Frontier owner since 1995 and have been very satisfied with the quality and engineering of Nissan vehicles. Recently I began looking at the X- Terra. I was happy to see that Nissan has continued with their quality in workmanship and "thinking of the little things" like the door in the skid plate that allows you access to the oil filter when changing your oil. The interior is well designed and the ride is comfortable. For anyone looking at a mid sized SUV Id give the X Terra more than just a passing look.

• 

  Nissan Quest aka A Lemon - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By ceevee - July 3 - 11:30 pm

  Bought this as soon as it was introduced. have about 33k miles so far. Been in dealership for warranty related service, regular service, recalls for 20 times- ~ 35 days. Had replaced wheel bearings and transmission control module already. Replaced door weather stripping, CD/Radio already. Doors and seats rattle all the time. Nissan is not able to fix it so far after 6 attempts. Never seen such a poor quality car. Buy a Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Kia, Ford or GM minivans but never this. In fact I will never buy another Nissan again. Also, customer service dept at Nissan USA is really bad. Soon Nissan will lose all its goodwill and will end up bankrupt negating their amazing financial turnaround.

• 

  DONT BUY IT! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By iadss77 - July 3 - 9:40 am

  I bought this car with fuel mileage in mind. I sacrificed ride and comfort for what I thought was going to be great mileage. Bottom line, big mistake! I live in Iowa and during winter my average mileage was 16 city and 24 hwy, now that its summer I am getting 18 city, 26 hwy which is a full 10 mpg under what it was suppose to be. I am also experiencing problems with the check engine light coming on and losing power at higher speeds. I can not trust this car on the interstates. It rides rough too. Bottom line very bad mistake!

• 

  Try One - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Anthony - July 3 - 2:46 am

  All you have to do is drive one. I read about Hondas, Toyotas, whatever... I never get tired of pulling away from VTECs (4s and 6s). I have had NO ISSUES. The gas mileage isnt fabulous, but for a car with this much zip, its quite good. Yeah, the turning radius isnt great, and there is some torque steer, but what car doesnt have one thing worth changing. I wanted a performance sedan and I got one. I have friends with 10 Hemi (390 HP) Rams that cant pull away from me. What more can you want in a 4 DOOR SEDAN. Dont forget, its a family car!

• 

  Ugly to some, but I love it! - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By Garry - July 3 - 2:00 am

  One distinctive little mover! Ok, since I am 55+ years old the purchase was not a "mid-life" thing. I was looking for something small and economical for "my" car, but something with the guts to survive in the I95 corridor. Can you say, "Juke TURBO"? I fear no merge lane, winding back road, or even the Cross-Bronx in this tight, agile, little car. Dont get me wrong, I am not the guy doing 1100 miles an hour in the left lane but I am not the guy doing 45 in the right lane. Safe, FUN to drive, and relatively comfortable. Driving in the snow should be interesting though. Well see. All in all, just what I was looking for!

• 

  Bill from NH - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Bill Page - July 3 - 12:16 am

  The Titan is a vehicle that provides both comfort and as needed is a workhorse. As a general contractor, we have the bulk of materials delivered to the job site. What is left are the odd ball items, a few sheets of plywood, bath fixtures etc. Most of my truck cargo is tools for specific needs and random items. The Titan handles well does not feel as bulky as the Tundra. The 5 speed transmission is smooth shifting and takes fewer RPMs with the extra gear compared to the 4 speed GMCs. The firm suspension is welcome, not much off roading done but many expressway exit ramps and the Titan holds firm. Good interior, no manual needed for controls. The Titan is comfortable and a workhorse.