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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  No Holes NISSSAN - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By DREw2004 - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Have had the Maxima for approx 3 weeks and am awed by the comfort and power of this vehicle. Handles well on turns, good acceleration , gas mileage has been decent(booklet says 87 and above can be used). Told the dealer to add in the service manual for free.. which are 4 books in all worth 400 clams in total, and he would have a deal.Car was bought at 29K. Leather interior is great, Bose sound is outstanding,noise reduction is soothing.Safety features rival the benz and volvo s. Braking distance was a worry with the older model however the newer model does quite adequately with the abs system.

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  True pocket rocket - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By drey05 - September 20 - 9:00 pm

  I tested the Civic Si, and Jetta GLI. I went to the Nissan dealership to look at the 07 Nissan coupe. Was attracted by the looks of the Spec V. I traded in a Jetta Turbo. The spec v is a lot faster, and rides better. I get an average of 25mpg and Im not a light footed driver. Ive gotten as high as 45 mpg with this. My X has a 07 GTI, and this is faster (we raced) and still is a larger car. Its almost like a stock sleeper. Plus you have to love the 6 spd manual, performance clutch, sport tires, big brakes, and gas shocks. Go take a look at one.

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  A few chinks in the armor - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Satisfied Almost - September 20 - 8:53 pm

  We did alot of researching before making our purchase. We wanted a vehicle that was tops in passenger room (212 Cu Ft), cargo volume (150 Cu Ft, 2nd only to Chrysler w/Stow N Go) and had all the safety/convenience features. We got it. It has the most headroom and legroom of any minivan. At the time, it was the only van to have both 2nd and 3rd row fold flat seats. Huge sliding doors for easy access to 3rd row. Loved the 3-D Navigation system, not to mention that its the only minivan to have available TWO DVD screens, one for each row. We are worried about the reliability results weve heard of late, but knock on wood (we had that added to our dash/etc) we havent had any noteworthy problems

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  We love our Armada. - 2017 Nissan Armada
  By JRA - September 20 - 7:27 pm

  If your reading this review, your likely considering the 2017 Armada. Ive long been impressed with the looks and performance of the QX56/80 and when Nissan first released the very similar redesigned Armada, I immediately wanted one. After reading the "expert" reviews, I decided to pull the trigger and purchase a 2017 Black on Black Platinum 4WD. My new Armada is absolutely beautiful and is the envy of our friends. I found it a little odd that I was filling up so freequently but have gotten used to the fact that this beast is just a gas hog. As it stands, we are only getting about 220-260 miles per tank. The freequency of fill ups is excessive and inconvenient. When driving the vehicle, the ride is nice and pleasant. The steering is a little sloppy and steering wheel feedback is lacking. The wheel turns too easily and doesnt return to the neutral position with enough force. A couple additional items to note, the USB port in the front center console charges at a Very slow rate. Its so slow that it barely keeps your phone from discharging while plugged in. Interior lighting is adequate however, its very surprising to find that LED bulbs are nowhere to be found. The Bose sound system is also very underwhelming. There are very limited adjustments available which include basic Bass, Trebble, fader and balance only. Overall, we are very pleased with the 2nd Gen Armada and proud to arrive in style. **I highly recommend getting the available software update. This has helped with acceleration and shifting issues.

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  I love it - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By FCVikingJT - September 20 - 10:56 am

  This truck is so fun to drive. It makes you feel so safe to be in a bigger truck as well. That truck seems to talk to you as if saying, "Push me & let me show you what Ive got!" I love it!!

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  Great SUV with affordable price tag - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Dan B. - September 20 - 10:33 am

  After giving the Pathfinder a thorough test drive on a cold, rainy day (hard acceleration, hard braking, cornering, lane changing, U turn etc.) I decided to trade in my Lexus RX 330. Since my other car is a Z, I wanted to still have good performance with 4x4 capabilities. After taking the Pathfinder to the mountains on the weekend IÂ’m even happier with my decision. The engine is powerful and responsive. The suspension provides a comfortable ride. The view of the road is excellent. The sound system is great. The cabin is quite and the instrumentation is great. I especially like the navigation system and the link to live traffic. All in all a most excellent vehicle.

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  2008 Nissan Sentra 2.0 - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Nancy - September 20 - 2:30 am

  I just got the car and so far Im falling in love with it. Saves me gas and drives really good. I just wish I had a sun roof and that would be my dream car. I love it so far. It just came out so I will be rating again.

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  I love it - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Gala - September 19 - 9:43 pm

  The more i drive it more i love it. Of course to fill it up is around 65$ But i have big family. Two toddlers are in carseats really far from each other. This is exactly what i was looking for.In this car i fell safe and what is most important is that i feel my kids are safe. And its real fun to go to Home Depot with this car . You can load what ever you whant in it .(And it will feet) I can load my family and my sister family and a dog and every buckled and safe

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  Wow! This car is sharp!! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By lhsmule - September 19 - 10:43 am

  I have own 3 Maximas before this one and liked each one of them. The type of car that I was looking for had to have the following requirements. Manageable price and monthly payments, Very good power, room (Im well over 60" tall) quality, and have good gas mileage. I looked at Lexus, Infinitis M45 & M35. I tried to own another sedan besides the Max for a change of pace, but the Maxima meet those requirements the best. This is by far the best Max that Ive ever driven! My model is an SV and its very fun to drive. It looks sharp and aggressive. The acceleration is exhilarating, and whenever I turn off the VDC button, it gives it even a bigger boost. The cockpit design is excellent.

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  Top-flight 13 Altima - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Matt West - September 18 - 5:54 am

  This car gets the best gas mileage of cars in its class with as powerful an engine as we can get in this cars class. Its quite a pretty good car.