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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  Minivan with some pep! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Blacks in VA - December 28 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I said we would never own a minivan. However, Quest has won us over. We like the fact that it has the Maxima engine in it and is fun to drive. The van has some pep. It also has been a lifesaver with our kids. We can pop in a DVD and they actually stay quiet in the back. Gret for road trips!

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  33000 miles and still going - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By van - December 28 - 8:26 am

  Knew I would have to drive this vehicle for a while in order to give an honest assessment. It has been a great vehicle. Super engine, torque at any speed, and this is not a small vehicle. I have taken it light off-roading without issues, could definitely take much more abuse than Ive put it through. Have driven it from Washington to Arizona and Arizona to Texas and back without problems. Cavernous cargo bay when the seats are folded down. Doors and windows close with a solid "thunk". Xterra is the rugged mans SUV, super utilitarian. Its a vehicle that can go from dirt to pavement with unanimity, and haul all your stuff. Oh, and at this price point how can you beat it??

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  Is this car for you? - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By NJ Firefighter - December 27 - 8:33 pm

  This car has an amazing interior, you just feel like your in a nice car and all of the neat features back that up. The CVT is still weird, I have read other reviews about this car being slow. It doesnt seem to get the punch of a standard automatic. However it is a very smooth transmission, you really do not feel any shifting, car has a nice luxury / sport feel. I have test drove the 07 Alt, That seemed to react even weirder when you mashed the gas, the CVT acts different in the Alt if you ask me. I dont feel this Max is as fast as some other years (esp. manuals) It handles bumps really well, with the SEs 18" wheels. Does well on turns for its size, good feel, you dont feel out of control.

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  2006 Nissan Altima very noisy - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By jack - December 27 - 11:50 am

  I bought the 2.5l as I was told it was peppy enough and it is. Gas mileage was main reason and I can get 26 mpg on hway but only 16-18 local. Both way below sticker estimates. Car has too much road noise that is annoying. Also, air conditioning is much too noisy and you cannot leave it in auto climate control due to noise.

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  X-tra Special Xterra 2008 - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By Debbie - December 27 - 7:56 am

  I truly love the way the X-Terra handles and drives compared to the 2003 I had. I like it being bigger and wider.

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  Fun SUV - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Steve - December 24 - 11:03 am

  Were very pleased so far with our Xterra. It has room for our kids and is very versatile. Interior is easy to clean, big plus with kids, VERY capable offroad. Engine has plenty of power, which I upgraded with an air intake and exhaust system, probably got me 15 to 20 extra HP. Now it sounds as good as it goes. Handles well and is easy to park.

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  Nissan does not compare to Honda, Toyota or Subaru - 1999 Nissan Sentra
  By willard5 - December 24 - 8:10 am

  I bought this Nissan new. It ran well and was very dependable...until the odometer turned 100,000. Then, magically, it became a money pit. Within one year, I replaced CV joints, tie rods, alternator, water pump...and then it developed an aversion to starting. Thats when we parted ways.

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  X-Terra - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Bear - December 22 - 10:16 am

  I bought the 2001 4WD SE because of its price tag and different looks. Dont go off-road. Dont agree that the front seats are uncomfortable. We took a trip (apx 1,000 miles) in it last September and found it quit comfortable and it handled well on the road. I really like the feel of it, even if it is a little "trucky" feeling. Tons of room in the back with/without seats down. Seemed to be the best buy for the amount of room you get in its price range.

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  Repeat Nissan Buyer - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Z33Fan - December 22 - 10:00 am

  As one of the first owners of the 350z coupe in 2002, I had a unique opportunity to evaluate the "new" Nissan, and wasnt disappointed. When my job required a pickup truck, going back to the dealer to look at a Titan was a sure bet. As a direct result of the excellent performance, reliability, and dealer service on my 350z, I had no problem taking home a Titan, especially after a test drive. Interiors have improved dramatically from 5-10 years ago, and the mechanicals are still world-class. At the price point, this truck was by far the best in class. Very solid and sturdy feeling. I went back to Nissan, and will go back again to buy my next vehicle, no question.

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  Xterra makes for love/hate relationship! - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Nothead - December 22 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Xterra for about a month now and I am truly in a love hate relationship with it. I must say that I do "love it" much more than I hate it though. The power must be increased for this monster. The gas mileage must be worked on too, it really sucks to have poor mileage from a vehicle that has weak gittyup! I have to really step on it to make it get out of the blocks if I want to pass another car. Kinda wished I had waited to get the 05 model coming out nest year. Leg room is down right short for rear passengers. Front driver leg room can be improved too. I scrape my knees on the wheel each time I climb in even though the steering wheel is in the high tilt position.