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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  Well-thought design - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Delirious Dan - June 29 - 8:23 pm

  We were seriously considering the Scion xB for over a year, but when the Cube came out, decided to give it a try, as well as the Kia Soul. We disliked the new body style of the Scion, as it made it look like a pint-sized Dodge Caravan, and we were unimpressed by the cheap feel and horrendous road noise of the Kia. The Cube was perfect for us. It seats ample-sized adults easily, with loads of head and legroom. The reclining/sliding rear seats are a great feature as well. We love the quirky styling, and we are stopped by strangers frequently who want to know more about the car. It handles well and is incredibly maneuverable! This car is more fun to drive than the 71 Beetle I had in college!

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  A PIECE OF CRAP! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By rebert - June 29 - 4:58 pm

  WARNING! Bought based on Consumer Reports rating which was much higher than Camry. Chief auto tester came from Nissan then went back to Nissan! This car is a piece of crap! First week had vibration at highway speeds. Found three rims were out of round. Any wind affects the car and you must hold onto the wheel as it will drift all over the road. Interior is cheap as hell and the seat covering wrinkles easily. Under a slight load engine skips as it runs extremely lean. Engine and entire car is very loud. Solved problems by trading it in! WARNING!

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  Power and Style all in one - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Troy - June 29 - 2:16 am

  I am coming from an 03 Expedition and I am very impressed. After discounts it was $12,000 cheaper than a comparable equiped Q56. I test drove all the competition and NOTHING comes close to the performance of the Armada. The exterior styling is bold and aggressive. Interior in the LE is well laid out. I have not had any problems that plagued the 04 models. Sound system is good for a factory system but the navigation system could use a touch screen. Kids love the rear DVD and theater seating. The ride is very smooth and controlled even with 22" wheels, no shake in the steering wheel as others have indicated. The interior is quiet at any speed. Again, love the power this thing has.

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  Fun to drive! - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Sherrice - June 29 - 2:03 am

  I have had this car nearly a month and all I can say is wow! I replaced my much loved Pathfinder with this and I could not be happier. Yes, I lose space and some off-road capability (which I did not use much anyway), but the handling is terrific. I feel like I am in a sports car! Now I look for excuses to drive and I can because it uses a lot less gas than my Pathy. I totally recommend this little crossover to anyone who needs utility with a great sporty ride. Buy it for the fun of it!

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  Blown away and love it. - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Nissan convert - June 28 - 11:50 pm

  First time buying a car of this size. Compared, Camry, Accord and was almost set for buying the accord. Walked into the NISSAN Dealership and was completely blown away by the MAXIMA. The trunk space beats both the others cars hands down. I actually took two big suitcases (airline-internationl travel), and they both fit with lots of room for small bags. Tall people actually have thigh support in the back seat. The cars fun to drive (read blast). Controls are good. Like the windows down feature from the key.. handy on hot days. I am just very glad that i bought this car. Wish i can keep the new car smell forever now.

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  Great Car! - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Dano - June 28 - 3:16 pm

  Bought it with 50k and it now has almost 150k. No real problems to speak of other than having to have the stereo head rebuilt because the CD player quit. Premium gas is a bummer with prices being so high. Gets a pretty solid 25 mpg with the driving I do.

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  love this vehicle - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By andrew herkalo - June 28 - 11:06 am

  this van suits me very much. good handling. plenty of power. lots of room. good styling. family loves it too.

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  200sx - 1995 Nissan 200SX
  By DriverX - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Good value, fast motor, poor handling, ugly body, too high off ground, very cheap interior. Brings new meaning to economy.

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  Nissan Driven - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By jpier - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Super car. I owned a Pontiac Grand Am prior to this vehicle. Nissan may have earned my business for every car I buy from here on.

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  Luxury-level sports sedan - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By One_Hand_Sound - June 28 - 10:00 am

  The build quality, smoothness, quietness and sheer power are on a luxury car level. I have two new Maximas, 7 months old now and with a total of 13000 miles between the two. Absolutely not one single problem with either car the whole time. How can they make such a complex machine so perfect?