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 Car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By rioleck - March 27 - 1:59 pm

  Ive owned this car for about 1.5 years so far and have driven it over 30k miles. It has been both a daily driver to work and used on 1000 mile trips. The car handles very well with good acceleration and braking. Overall this is a comfortable car for me at 61". The seats hug you so you dont feel like sliding out of your seat around sharp turns. There is now over 120k miles on the car and it still drives very smooth with zero problems.

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  Smooth and Roomy - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By RJ - March 27 - 11:13 am

  I was quite impressed with room and comfort that the new Sentra provides. The CVT is awesome. The power is quite good for a 2.0 ltr engine and I have no problem with freeway or mountain driving. The headroom and shoulder room is very good. The Rockford Fosgate radio is quite good and the trip computer is a must. Why buy an Altima when you can get nearly the same thing in a Sentra.

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  Love my car!!!! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Kelly - March 27 - 1:16 am

  I love the Altima! It is sporty, roomy, and most importantly fuel efficient. I just traded in a SUV and dont miss it one bit. You also get a lot more for your money compared to other vehicles.

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  Think twice -- hybrid? - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Mary Brennan - March 26 - 11:23 pm

  I like the car overall but am extremely disappointed with the gas mileage - 26 mpg in the city. When I took it in for the six month oil change, the service tech told me if the mileage didnt improve by the next change he would look into it. Today, a different service tech tells me that those numbers (29 to 41 mpg) are only estimates. Given that Im averaging more than 10% less than the low side of the estimate, I consider my car a gas "lemon."

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  Its just OK - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Mike G - March 26 - 9:36 pm

  Nice looks, powerful engine, roomy interior.6,000 miles and cant get comfortable behind the wheel. Gas mileage is dissapointing. Idles roughly when stopped at a light. Dealer cant find anything wrong, I say I shouldnt get a seat massage at every light!

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  Fair Trade - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By jfunk - March 26 - 6:03 pm

  I dont mind the typical 14MPG because the Finder of Paths makes it worth it. I live where the snow comes heavy from Nov-Feb (sometimes into April), so the heavy Pathfinder and its hardcore 4WD make driving in six or more inches of snow less difficult, and on the roads I know well, downright fun. The interior is flexible and can hold a very good amount of stuff. The engine sounds great and runs very well and has just enough power for a vehicle this size. Im glad I didnt get the 1999 with the 3.3 litre engine. I have, however, had problems with my stock stereo and the exhaust fell apart at 79,000 miles (consider the snow/salt where I live, though).

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  Avoid this 2005 Maxima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By rcs26 - March 26 - 4:11 pm

  I have bought all new cars Malibu(150k), Camry(225K) & donated both cars while running good. Then I bought new Toyota sienna ( 252K & running good), I decided to buy new & different car & I bought brand new design Maxima "Nissans Flagship Car" with so much hope. It ran good for 2 yrs & then started breaking down. Dealer fixed whatever was under warranty. After all warranties expired major things started breaking. I replaced all Camshaft sensors. A/C was fixed twice still leaking. Struts and tie-rods were replaced. Within last year timing chain guides & transmission broke, estimate ~$7000. Now I was told it leaks oil. Havent decide whether to repair/resale. I still love to buy new Nissan.

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  Daughter off to college - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By Mike - March 26 - 2:50 pm

  Nice little car with great gas mileage. Had minor electrical problem before 3000 Mi. Plenty of room inside. Sufficient engine power. Ride is good for a small car. Seats are comfortable. Not too noisy.

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  Very Pleased Maxima Owner - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By DRPIV - March 26 - 10:00 am

  Best car I have owned to date. The performance is the strong suit, great value at the time as well. Looks sharp, plenty of room and comfort. Only complaint - battery died at 8,000 miles, Nissan replaced, no problem. One recall, fixed no problem. Tire wear a bit excessive, does anyone really need $200 tires. Is a horse, get in and hold on. You will never accept less in terms of performance.

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  a GREAT car! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By mfisher150 - March 26 - 10:00 am

  loved the Nissan more than my VW convertible! And thats saying a LOT!