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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  Nissan Murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By jojames - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. Easy access for senior passengers was a great selling point. Smooth riding.

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  02 Altima Review - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By trueauto - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The Altima is good choice if you prefer a family car with some performance. The car is dependable has decent power, good handling, and has looks good.

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  2004 Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By P. Ernsberger - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Purchased 4/18,have driven it to Glacier Park and back and around home area. The most comfortable car Ive ever driven; very smooth the ride. On Glacier trip the car drove itself.Did return trip to in 2 1/2 days;second day over 600 miles was a breeze. Only problems I had are: getting used to fact it is wider than previous car and being careful not to oversteer on curves. Other than that, no problems so far. Great looking car,for an over 60 it doesnt look like an old ladys car. 12 year old "grand" cousin calls it a cool car.

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  YOU GET A BANG FOR YOUR BUCK!!!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By joe g - January 24 - 10:00 am

  NOTHING TO SAY I CANT EVEN TELL YOU YOU GOT TO DRIVE IT!!!!!

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  Best Compact for Your Money! - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By Darren - January 24 - 4:56 am

  I love the design of this truck. I compared it with the Toyota Tacoma before I bought it. This is definitely a better truck. The Tacoma looks too plain and a little too conservative for my taste. The interior design of the Frontier is the best in its class. Overall a great truck for a very reasonable price!

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  More Problems - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Kiran - January 24 - 4:53 am

  It has been a year since I bought my car. 2-3 months into my new car, I was having problem with the drivers seat. It moves left to right. Took it to dealership 7 times and they had Nissan tech come out fix the problem. Nothing happen, problem came back. Now new problem appear, its making squeaky noise from the seat. I cant even move once I seat, otherwise Ill hear squeaky noise. I have contacted customer service and they keep telling me, they will fix the problem. No resolution. Also, I had problem with engine rattling. I had to take it in 3 times before tech can hear the problem. they fix this problem, but the problem is coming back now. NEVER BUY NISSAN CARS EVER.

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  Great Car - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By epr1066 - January 24 - 4:06 am

  Its a fabulous car. The exterior design is just magnificent and the addition of the double moonroof is unique. The interior design is simple but well executed, while the ride and handling is superb. I have no complaints (yet)- I love this car!

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  Class with economy - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Polverizer - January 23 - 9:23 pm

  The Altima coupe has the best-looking backend of any car out there at any price. Look at it from the rear and a little to the side and its a joy to behold. The 4 cylinders get you up to speed without even trying. Back seat has more headroom (slightly) than the Scion tC and Civic coupe -- but a 6-footers head might touch the rear window. Not sure about mileage. Im still on the first tank, but it seems fairly decent. Front seats are very comfortable, with good drivers lumbar support. Drivers leg compartment is more comfortable than Civic coupe, where the parking hand brake bothered my knee, and more spacious than the Mazda 3 sedan that crowded my lower leg. A lot of quality for the money.

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  A mans best friend - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By guilbos - January 23 - 6:03 pm

  Pros: Had it fo a year. No repairs. Good fuel economy. Reliable, good performance, no bad surprise. A car you can count on. Cons: Front seats lack back support, 5-speed manual gearshift could be more precise.

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  Love my TITAN! - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Mary - January 23 - 7:56 am

  I have owned trucks all my life... Chevy, Ford and even a Dodge... By far this is the best truck for the money! Handling is superior. Takes a little while to learn to park this big boy in tight spots! Drive it, you will see for yourself that Nissan has created the perfect truck!