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:

• 

  Great family hauler - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By whidby - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Maxima and they keep getting better. Plenty of room for occupants and a joy to drive on the highways.

• 

  dissapointed after reading reviews - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By marpey - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Coach work very poor Door gasketing an after thought Power steering turning radius too large Rides hard crowded interior very overpriced for the quality A pre priced car Windows shake when half opened Body makes creeking noise when going slowly over pavement.

• 

  Best V-6 made. Period. - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Bpuppy - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my second new Maxima. I love the power, styling, interior design, reliability and above all else- the engine. Name another midsize 4 door that has a 6-speed, limited slip differential, 255hp and does 0-60 in 6 seconds for under $27,000! Theres very little I dislike about this vehicle, and with Nissans reputation, an engine thats consistently on the 10 best engines list and a base price of under $25K, I think its a no brainer.

• 

  tasty mean black machine - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By RICKSTER - August 28 - 10:00 am

  this choice is a prime grade A choice,I drove test this truck on paved and off road and handled great on both terrains.when test driving one make sure you go thru your normal driving habits,and dont be afraid to treat it like a truck, because thats what it is, a truck with a suv body, which every suv should be. rough and tumble, I got the XE 2WD 5 speed, super black, which kicks, so far so good. buy one if this is what you are looking for in a suv, but if you want a sissy-like suv that drives like a car, look somewhere else.

• 

  What a ride!!! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Mastmi - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I have only had this vehicle for 3 months now but.....Wow! This car is a keeper. The ride is extremely smooth and the style (interior and exterior) are outstanding. I have had a ton compliments on the luxury look of the car often comparing it too much more expensive cars such as the Passat and Lexus. There is room galore. This car is great bang for the buck...tons of value. Plus there is also the HID headlight option, truly outstanding lighting. I never would have thought that headlights could be so great.

• 

  Hard to work with Nissan support. - 2011 Nissan Leaf
  By Lloyd Dawson - August 28 - 12:31 am

  Nissan keeps a lot of information closed to the public. Replies to questions get "canned answers". After a battery replacement the vehicle needed many other repairs. Even when I purchased a 5 year 100000 mile extended warranty the in service date caused me to lose 6 months on the warranty I paid for. We love using our EV but Nissan has been a pain.

• 

  I made a mistake in getting this vehicle - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By trojo69 - August 27 - 1:36 pm

  This truck has no power, and the gas mileage is terrible. There is not much room at all inside. The hauling capacity is mnot that bad for a small truck, but if I have to haul alot of weight up a small incline I am in trouble.

• 

  Better than the 2.5s - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By nismo1234 - August 27 - 12:10 pm

  Not saying a whole lot but This car is not fuel efficient and expensive to drive around town. It cost 19 Gallons to fill up and you can spend a quarter tank just driving to wallmart and back! Not sure about the math but i fill up twice a week 40 Gallons a week.

• 

  Great Choice!! - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Kristen - August 27 - 10:36 am

  I looked for about 2 months before finally buying the Pathfinder. Ive always had a sports car, so this jump to a mid size SUV was questionable in my search. I have so much more room. Im so glad I jumped to the SUV!

• 

  Best All around SUV. - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By DJMacro - August 27 - 5:36 am

  Great in the snow and in the mountains. The gas mileage isnt the best but its a great car for any outdoor enthusiest and its still a great daily driver. It can handle any terrain you put in front of it and you can still get leather, a great stereo and comfortable ride even for long trips.