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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  Proud owner of Rogue - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Jegan - April 20 - 5:16 am

  We compared CRV and Rav4 before going with our Rogue. The main reason for us is the front seat comfort. I never go below the 20 miles per gallon. I also love the handsfree phone option and the reliability of the car. The cargo is little disappointing but compromisable compared to other features.

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  Best Bang for your buck out there. - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Zak - April 20 - 4:40 am

  I cant say enough about the Pathfinder. I read all of the reviews out there. The interior room is smaller than you think, but unless you lug around 4 63" adults all the time, youll be fine. XM radio is great and DOES display the song information, you just have to set it up right. Who cares about fuel economy...its an SUV! If youre buying it for fuel economy youre not buying the right vehicle. As far as SUVs go, I think the fuel economy is great. Car is priced extremely competitively and has great features. My only complaint thus far is that the sunroof and steering wheel controls do not light up at night. This truck drives like a dream and I have no regrets about my purchase.

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  Once a Max owner, always a Max owner - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By caljn - April 20 - 4:03 am

  Traded a 2003 Maxima which I was sad to trade in... solid, fast, dependable and the last Japanese built. The 2008 SE however is also powerful and an excellent freeway cruiser. Quiet, solid, and quick. Around town however it can feel over weight and lumbering. CVT took some getting accustomed to but now love it. No downshift lag when passing... just hit the gas and ZOOM! Now driving a typical "automatic" feels old school with all that engine revving up then down with each shift. Some interior materials feel a bit cheap which was a disappointment. Overall satisfied and will probably keep for 4 years then trade for 2012 Maxima. As my title states, once a Maxima owner, always a Maxima owner.

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  A Bit Disappointed - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By Raymond - April 19 - 10:26 pm

  Ive loved Maximas ever since I first test drove one in 1995. I then went on to own a 92 Maxima, 98 Maxima, 03 Infiniti I35 (Maxima in disguise) and now this 2008 Maxima. I feel that this 2008 Maxima is probably the worst of all the other cars Ive owned. Having bought this car new I have already noticed light engine ping which is downright annoying. I have used all premium fuel grades and the car still pings lightly. This is my major gripe with this car. Nissan of course says that it is normal. On a more positive note; the CVT will impress you with its quickness and eerie sense of moving the car very quickly at a very low "fuel saving" RPM. But in the end, I shouldve bought an Avalon.

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  Wills "Xterra" Files - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By CF24MVP - April 19 - 8:46 pm

  I previously owned a 1995 Nissan Pathfinder and purchased a 2003 Toyota Tundra. I missed the capabilities of an SUV and my 2005 Xterra SE 4x4 has filled the void! Love the "new" style. The 265 hp engine delivers. Solid and sturdy on the highway and looking forward to taking in off-road. Lots of storage space and the rear bumper step feature along with tubular steps helps access the roof rack. The 380 watt Rockford Fosgate audio system "rocks". You feel the deep bass in the driver seat.

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  Best vehicle Ive ever owned - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By masterelrond - April 19 - 8:21 pm

  Last year, I got a job that required a long commute, and had to get rid of my 2003 Xterra. I really miss that SUV, by far the best vehicle Ive ever owned. The only maintenance that was ever required was the scheduled maintenance, I never had a single problem with it that required fixing. It drove smooth, and was surprisingly quiet for an SUV. The V6 engine was very powerful, as we towed and carried many loads across the US without even straining it, there was always more power than we needed. By the time I traded it in after 7 years of driving, the paint was still perfect, the suspension was perfect, the engine was perfect, and the interior looked brand new. I really miss that Xterra. :(

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  Luxury, speed, and beauty.....#1 - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Craig T - April 19 - 2:03 pm

  I get so many compliments on my Nissan Maxima, its so stylish, fast, and flat out perfect. I added the seven spoke chrome high performance wheels, spoiler, and went with Ocean Grey. I test drove the Audi 4 and BMW -- not even a close second to the Maxima. I simply love this vehicle -- it makes driving fun.

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  Still An Awesome Truck After 3 Years - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Allan - April 19 - 4:30 am

  Have used the truck for a variety of purposes including towing a travel trailer, offroading, commuting at times, traveling long highway distances, hauling building materials, etc. I havent had any problems other than two factory recalls. One for the wiring harness at the back doors and the other for an A/C related component. The truck responds flawlessly to all of my needs and above all it feels like a truck, not a living room on wheels. Exactly what I wanted in this type of vehicle. Handling is very good and stable but need to be cautious around sharp curves because of higher 4x4 centre of gravity. Poor gas mileage. Dont drive it every day & can live with higher gas consumption.

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  Nice crossover - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Mr. Kevin Dude - April 18 - 9:36 pm

  Smooth riding and great pick-up. Love the style and how it doesnt blend in. The standard and optional features are great. There really isnt much one could ask for that isnt already available.

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  love the car - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By robert bates - April 18 - 10:00 am

  the car is every thing i was looking for