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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  STAY AWAY PLEASE be safe not stupid like me - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By RALF - July 23 - 12:29 am

  ill be short and to the subject : on the highway the 14 altima is all over it slides side to side (if windy do not go more than 50 you will lose control easy) -when the RPM stays right on 2 the whole car vibrates like a washing machine (i am not joking try yours , it dont matter what the speed is just keep it at 2 on the dot ) -radio is peace of garbage who just blows out the speakers -back up camera turned pink and some lines dance up and down all over the screen -the engine makes a funny noise when u start it and stays forever -tires are garbage who let it me down in the middle of the winter storm jan 2016 -transmission also let it me down on the same day winter storm jan 2016 -road assistance dont care and they do nothing for you at all i had to wait 3 days for the towing truck to bring my car at the dealer and i had to remove the car from a dangerous spot where died and i hade to pay tow truck out of my wallet ... POOR SHAME ON YOU ROAD ASSISTANCE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SHAME ON YOU all - and now the miles start to go down from 23 mpg to like 19 mpg whats about that ??? it was 23 mpg for like 1 strait year

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  Nissan Pathfinder - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Nissan Pathfinder - July 22 - 12:43 pm

  We like the Pathfinder, we own a vacation home in Michigans UP and driving in the deep snow, logging roads and hauling trailers is a breeze. We experienced a few issues, a recall, a bad tire pressure sensor and a window switch that needed replacement. Although the third row is tight, it comes in handy for toting kids around. Nice vehicle.

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  09 Maxima - WOW! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Nate - July 22 - 12:40 pm

  I traded in my 04 Denali XL for the Maxima and all I can say is "WOW"! After driving SUVs for the past 11 years, it was time for a 4DSC. The performance is unbelievable and the CVT is superb. Handling is unreal and the acceleration is exhilarating. The technology package is a must and the XM traffic/nav system is so cool, all my friends cant believe what it can do. The lines are beautiful and are better (IMO) than the BMW (5), Audi, Acura TL/RL, and Lexus IS/GS. Wait until you see one in person - the pics dont do it justice. The car is gorgeous!!!

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  An Honest to Goodness 200K car - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By joelw1957 - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I drive 91 miles (one way) to work. I bought this car for economy and reliability. I expected durability from Nissan. I have 85K miles on this car and have had one repair bill of $116. This car averages 30 mpg in town and 33-37 mpg on the highway (A/C causes the lower number). I have a 20 year-old son and a 17 year-old son. Keeping them out of my car is almost impossible.

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  Its a nice car - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Alex from Houston - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Own this car 3 years (60K miles). Fun to drive. Very precise and responsible. No technical problems. I think its a great car for the money!

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  My Second Altima and Sixth Nissan - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Scott Killian - July 22 - 2:00 am

  This is, like I stated, my second Altima. I love the entire Nissan product line. The 2002s are just simply awsome!!! However, with my budget the 2001 is more affordable. I also have had a 2000 Sentra and a 97 Maxima. Both of which gave me nothing less than perfect service!

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  Good overall value - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Dexter - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Great reliability, only issue is this is my third and there a lot of squeakes and rattles.

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  Best driving enthusiast sedan for ~$30k! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By blueCrane - July 22 - 2:00 am

  If youre someone who loves to drive but also in the market for a sedan with high build quality and reliablity for a very reasonable price (from $24k - $32k), then the Nissan Maxima is the car for you. For the hardcore driving fans who would miss their sports cars, Nissan even offers a 6speed manual transmission and HLSD (improves handling on twisty roads). The Maxima handles extremely well, and power delivery (255HP) is smooth and breathtaking!

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  Sure Looks Nice, But Quality is So-So - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By RichB - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Well let me say that my wife loves our 2001 SE.. Im a bit more critical. I think the interior materials are way too cheap plus the clock is just about useless in daylight. We have the regular SE and power is lacking. Also it sucks down gas faster than I can say fill er up. Styling wise.. total thumbs up.. very attractive truck. This is a good compromise between SUV and utility vehicle. I have two boys(12 and 9) and they fit comfortably. Plus the big plus is that it fits in my garage! So overall, I am a bit disappointed that a $25,000 truck has such a low grade interior, but dollar for dollar its probably one of the better values out there.

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  For the price......you cant beat it! - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By The Count - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Nissan Frontier based solely on price. I found that the Toyota Tacoma Crew Cab was at least $3,000 more with similar equipment. The Dodge Dakota was a contender but it was $2,000 more with similar equipment. Plus the way this truck looks is just plain mean...another advantage is most Frontier drivers have the short bed. The longer bed and the price is what sold me. I didnt buy the 4X4 because there is no use for it in the city. I do wish it was more gas efficient but I knew this buying the truck so it is not a great concern for me. Overall I love the truck.