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:

• 

  Get One Now!!! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By ZM@N - April 2 - 4:56 am

  I have owned several Zs from 280Z- 300ZX, of all models this one is it, it handles better than any other affordable car on the road and just as good as the $50,000 cars out there. Take a drive to Lake Berryessa in the Napa Valley and I guarantee you will be driving up those curves every weekend!!

• 

  Great car, great price - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Hugh C - April 1 - 3:46 pm

  Firm ride, but not hard like BMWs and other sport sedans. Excellent highway car with the 6 speed manual and powerful V-6. Visibility and handling are great, interior comfort is good with all the controls right where you want them. Lots of back-seat room and trunk space. Everything you could ask for in a car, plus nearly 30 miles to the gallon, original cost just over 20k.

• 

  Frontier Better than expected - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By YellowRubi - April 1 - 8:40 am

  Purchased for utility and tow vehicle, this LE model performed better than expecting during the first 4000 miles and vacation. Towing it had great power. Space was very good for kids and pets. The handling is very good and responsive. The features are the best. Auto sunroof with self closure keeps you from forgetting. Auto windows full down is a plus. Electric adjust seats make for a great ride on trips. Bed tie downs are a big plus. Mileage on the road with this 4x4 was much better than anticipated. Better than 20 MPG consistently. Very good choice for trips, towing, and general utility.

• 

  Great car! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By sbjacobs - April 1 - 4:18 am

  Third Altima after 4 Infinitis and this is as good, or better, than any of the previous. One year old with only 7000 miles and not one problem! The previous 6 were all V6 and this is my first 4 cylinder and I have no problem with less horsepower. Actually got 41 MPH on a recent trip to Phoenix. Quality of build is excellent, ride and handling are super and my dealer is superb. I see no reason for me to ever consider another brand.

• 

  Keeps on going (FAST) w/140K! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By jdub - April 1 - 4:03 am

  When I traded a 2000 Acura TL for the Maxima, it had about 25K miles. I drive about 30K per year and wanted something that had a lot of power with a manual transmission that also got decent gas mileage. Roominess was also important to me since I have a family. I got exactly what I was looking for, and the car now has about 140K miles. The Maxima is the perfect commuter for my needs. The V6 is amazing. I think it may be the best motor in any car Ive ever driven. Torque is plentiful and available everywhere in the rev range. The 6 speed is not the slickest, but it keeps you involved, even though you do not have to work very hard shifting because of all of the torque. This is a great Q-ship.

• 

  In love - 2012 Nissan Xterra
  By prosha28 - March 31 - 8:46 pm

  I have had my xterra for about 2 weeks (1000 miles now) and so far it has been a great vehicle. I sold my 2012 camaro because I wanted something simple and less extravagant. Plus, the camaro was giving me a headache of problems and I wanted to make the switch back to import. The gas mileage of the xterra is just ok, being able to take it on recreational trips will make up for this in the long run. Also, it feels solid and very secure to the road which I like, while being able to sit up high and in a comfortable position. I love how it rides like a truck, but does not knock you around too much.

• 

  More happy than not.... - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By h20diver2 - March 31 - 6:13 pm

  So far Ive been more happy than not. There are the little things that everyone else mentions (mpg, blind spot caused by rear seat headrests, console too far back, and poor turning radius). If I had to pick the most annoying issue it would be the poor turning radius. I cant remember the last time Ive made so many 3 point turns. Its irritating but Im adjusting. You just have to plan out your route prior to initiating a turn. On the plus side the power is great, truck is solid and smooth (feels like your going 60 mph when youre actually going 80 mph) and interior comfort is good.

• 

  Amazing SUV for what you pay! - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By slakshman - March 31 - 6:09 pm

  I bought this car after two months of analysis and ground work and test drives. I will not say this is the best SUV you will get. But this is the best SUV if you like the options it is giving and ready to forego a few if you dont need them. I am not sure about the mileage still since it needs to drive more than 2000 miles for the engine to get into appropriate mileage. Other than that, this is absolutely best. We love it in our family. Overall, if you dont want more space or more cargo area, then Rogue is for you at a "cannot beat me" price with nice technology package. Hope this helps!!!

• 

  A Blast to Drive! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By roadranger - March 31 - 10:23 am

  This car is a blast to drive. The interior is stylish, but some areas are awkward. The cup holders are located too far back on the center console to reach and occasionally my elbow will turn on the heated seat option. The interior "plastics" are not impressive, but the ride and exterior design more than make up for it. Engine sounds great. Wicked blind spot takes some getting used to. Bose stereo sounds excellent, and the seats are very comfortable. Great sports car for the money.

• 

  Outstanding value!!!! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By WillieJ - March 31 - 10:00 am

  My previous cars were a Volvo Turbo, and an Acura Coupe. All pale in comparison to the Maxima SE.