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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  Not Great, But Definitely Good - 1999 Nissan Quest
  By NissanFan - March 10 - 4:53 am

  We purchased this van with 45k mi on it and have added another 60k w/o a major problem. I change the oil every 5k, and thats about it for service. Brake, shock, and tire wear have all been minimal. It starts and runs well in all weather, with one exception of a moderate lag at idle speed when the A/C compressor turns on. MPG is fair, usually 20-22. Seats are firm and comfortable. Driving position/feel is more carlike than other minivans. A little rust is beginning to show at the bottom of the sliding door panels, but the rest of the paint is good. One annoyance is that the latch on the passenger side sliding door window will not stay screwed in, but I would still buy this van again.

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  Woooooow! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Love Nissan - March 9 - 11:06 pm

  The is an awesome car!! I think Nissan nailed it! It has the looks, power, luxury & it sooo fun to drive & this makes it better than the competition. 80k miles and only requires regular maintence. It has the quality & reliability that rivals that best. This car is truly in a class of its own. Would definitely buy again.

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  true excitement - 2010 Nissan GT-R
  By LMSTENT - March 9 - 7:00 pm

  This car has been a thrill to own! When it first came out, I agree the stats were impressive but based upon pictures alone, I thought it looked horrible...then I saw one in person. Wow, was I wrong with my intial thoughts. The look is aggressive with its wide stance and multiple angles...pictures definitely dont do it justice. I had to purchase it before driving it, but am exceptionally happy with the performance. All the positive reviews can be trusted. The GTR moves out like nothing I have driven before (coming out of a audi RS4). Its acceleration and cornering ability are amazing for such a large heavy car. The significantly rear-biased all wheel drive add a level of fun over my Audi.

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  ntitan23 - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By ntitan23 - March 9 - 2:33 pm

  I love this truck it has great power even when im pulling items with it. Ive owned a silverado and a tundra the power of those two trucks does not compare to the power of the titan.

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  the best car ever! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Peyton - March 9 - 8:23 am

  I recently bought a 2007 altima 2.5 SL 4 cyl. and its great! its very powerful, quiet, and comfortable. i give this car an A++++++

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  Quest Comforts - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By kim - March 9 - 7:30 am

  I am not happy with the seats in the front. On very long trips the drivers seat tends to be a bit uncomfortable. I have the leather seats, dont know if that makes any difference.

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  WILL NEVER BUY NISSAN AGAIN - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By melissa34 - March 9 - 6:06 am

  Bought this car in 06. I bought it with 33K miles on it. Its now at 115K miles. 4 months after my brakes failed. I called the dealership that sold it to me and they told me theres nothing they can do. It did run well for a while. Its now sitting because nobody can figure out whats wrong with it. I was told that I need to replace my piston rings cuz they are shot. My spark plugs keep fouling out so then the car wont start. It might run for a week if Im lucky with new plugs in it, but then it just wont start. I give up sinking money into it. I will definitely never buy another Nissan again even if its my only option!

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  Love It Man! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By TeeJay - March 8 - 10:46 pm

  Just bought the car as a xmas gift to myself and I love it. 270 hp! Car runs great, looks nice, and get a lot of comments every where I go. The acceleration is great once the car is broken in, passing is easy and breaks are great. Love the push button start, everyone that sees it is like WOW just like a Lexus or Mercedes. Makes ya feel good. Only bad thing I would say is that the fuel economy is rated 22- 26. Window sticker says actual is more like 18-24. Im getting 16.7mpg mixed driving. But hey guess you cant get it all, performance and mileage. Overall, GREAT CAR!

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  Alternator Problems - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By LFOS - March 8 - 7:36 pm

  Actually a great car, EXCEPT it just quit in the middle of a parkway, battery light came on and car stopped. Towed to dealer, cant find anything,replaced battery. Two days later car quits again, this time a referburshed alternator put on, (note 8K miles on a 2009), also replaced wiring harness for alternator with after market, not listed on repair order because they purchased seperately, to wait for a new one from Nissan would take 3 days, THEY didnt want to wait, not me! Now Im driving a car with 8K and a used alternator and who knows wiring harness, Still no answer on why the alternator went out and the harness burned!!I should have my head examined!!

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  Considering a Rogue? - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By willbearepeat - March 8 - 2:45 pm

  Purchased new SL in September 2010 and have been very pleased. Looked at CRV, RAV4 and Mazda CX7 and chose the Rogue and have no regrets. Now have almost 20K miles and have had no problems other than loose gas cap caused Check Engine Light to come on. In city gas mileage is right at 24 and best highway has been 31 when driving at 55mph with no AC. Im 62" and fit comfortably in the drivers seat. My 16 yr old son who is also 62" fits comfortably in the back. This is not a sports car and doesnt drive like one. It is a small SUV that is a pleasure to drive, even on long trips.