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, Great Value - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By Phil - November 29 - 3:47 pm

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  Good to Go - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By AJay - November 29 - 4:50 am

  This vehicle is good to go. The third row is a little cramped it is only enough room for children. I love the style and the get up and go the engine has. Would buy another one next time.

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  This car needs a lot of work before ready for driving - 2012 Nissan Leaf
  By reginaa - November 29 - 2:37 am

  bought a nissan leaf sl 2012 in Sept 2012. Since the purchase I have not been able to rely on the car for transportation to work, home, childs activities or anywhere. My child is afraid that I will be killed in a car accident cause I cant drive the speed limit and return to where I need to go. The car takes more than 16-24 hours to charge 100% and Nissan told me I bought the special edition quick charge that will charge in 20 min, but actually it takes 1 hr 15 min for 83% charge. I contacted Nissan International (NI) and although they are buying back many nissan leafs, they would not deem my as defective and would not repurchase the car.

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  Love this Car - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By todd lovell - November 29 - 1:18 am

  I bought my SE-R new in 2004 it now has 240k miles on it and is still fast and super fun to drive. I have done nothing but routine maintenance with my biggest repair being tie rod ends. I did a lot of highway driving but 240k with ice cold ac and everything works fine is very impressive. Im looking to put 300k on this car. My last nissan uad 279k

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  Reliable - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By hueyco - November 28 - 2:13 pm

  Bought it as salvage in 2003 from flood in Texas, but no mechanical damage. Had the recall for crankshaft sensor back in 2003, but have not have any issue with this 5-speed. With 102K and with no belt to change (vehicle has timing chain) no major expense for that so it saves in this aspect. Hoping to get another 100K? with regular oil changes of course.

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  2010 Nissan Maxima SV - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Scott - November 28 - 12:16 pm

  i just purchased a 2010 Nissan Maxima SV. Loved the new styling and wanted to try it out. One test drive was all it took. This is one powerful car, but you have to get up to highway speed to really appreciate it. The suspension is great and will not jar your molars loose on rough pavement. I really like the interior. Well crafted with attention to detail that you would expect from this car. The CVT also works well with no obvious shift points. I have noticed an intermittent subtle vibration at low speeds that radiates up through the steering wheel. Gas mileage is what you would expect from this engine (about 21MPG around town). This car comes with many standard features including bluetooth

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  great vehicle - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By sehochst - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Love to drive it. Could use a little more front and rear leg room. Wonderful handling

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  My Altima - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By AF_J_Herman - November 28 - 10:00 am

  So far, Im really enjoying my Altima. Great AC (for New Mexico) and reliable. Easy to change oil and filters and beautiful engine. Go 2.4L!

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  Simply Awesome for the price - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By johcha - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Nothing can compare with the Maxima for the performance quality and price. I shed a tear when my 1999 SE (47,175 miles) was recently totaled in a rear end collision. I walked away with a $19,215 insurance check. I went right back to Nissan and bought a loaded (except Nav)GLE with spoiler added. I only paid $25,752 (after $1,000 rebate) plus $400 for spoiler installed for a total of $26,152. Of course there was also the customary state tax, title and registration fees. I test drove the comperable Honda, Acura, and Lexus and they all have their good and and not so good points. However, when it came to value for the dollar, the Maxima won hands down, no contest at all.

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  My second in as many years - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Jersey Jeff - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I traded my 2000 GLE for the 2002 and I couldnt be happier. Driving 30-40k per year doesnt allow owning any car too long. For the 1st time, I bought the same car twice. My 2000 was (prior to this) the best car Ive owned. The increase in HP for 2002, in addition to the new features made buying it a "no brainer". I loaded it with all but the GPS and walked out for a little over $26K. Tell me any other car with this kind of comfort and performance for the price, and Ill take a look... but until then, I love my car!