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:

• 

  Eh... could be better, could be worse... - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By MrPicky - June 21 - 5:03 pm

  The first Nissan purchased ever. Had a Jeep Gr. Cherokee V8 before so I wasnt as impressed as most were with the power. OEM tires stink - expensive and noisy. No traction up inclined snowy driveways - wheels spin easily which is probably why its even hard to drive up ramps for oil changes. Ive got a noise coming from the engine (30K miles) that sounds like a bad engine bearing, but I have yet to take it in to find out. The cover for the air filter is extremely difficult to reinstall. No major repairs up to this point, so all the little things are not a big deal.

• 

  Big inside - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Patrick - June 21 - 3:50 pm

  Nice smooth big car feel, Im a 62 guy and there is more than enough room inside for 4 big people without moving your seat up for the person in the back. More room and power than Yaris and Honda Fit. Excelent.

• 

  Ultimate Altima - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By beisenmann - June 21 - 11:40 am

  This was my first car and it looks like itll hold up long enough for me to cart my children around in! It has held up well, even though I havent always treated it as well as I should have.

• 

  I am so very sworry to have to say goodbye - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By michael hudson - June 21 - 9:22 am

  i purchased this scar with 71 miles on it. It was the 1st new car I ever bought,although I have owed several Z cars a 240 2 plus 2 a 260 and a 280, in fact my first car was a datsun wagon. The Murano has been the best. i purchased warranty and most work was done at Nissan. After the warranty ran out I used the mehcacai cI have use for 13 years

• 

  Fun to Drive, Hard to pay for!! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Chuck - June 21 - 6:56 am

  This truck is fun, fun, fun to drive. With the 305 HP motor, it makes you feel like youre in a Mustang the size of a tank. I have only had one problem so far. The hose from the AC condenser in the dash to the outside was defective and it caused water to leek in the truck on the pasanger side. It took several trips to the dealership and 6 weeks to resolve the problem (I think it was the dealership though). If you can afford it, buy one. FUN, FUN, FUN

• 

  Great Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Michael - June 21 - 2:23 am

  I have been very pleased with this truck. I did consider a Colorado at first but very soon discovered that the L5 engine was just not a best choice for the powerplant. The 4.0 in the Frontier is very strong and will leave all other midsize and most fullsize trucks in the dust. The only complaint I have was that splash guards werent a standard feature. The tires sling up and leave a lot of chips on the paint. There is a hint from the ride of a larger truck but soaks up the bumps fairly well. All and all its a great truck and I am very pleased with my decision.

• 

  Great Sedan! - 2013 Nissan Maxima
  By austintx13 - June 20 - 8:23 pm

  Have had the 2013 Maxima SV with premium package for 3 months and Love it. Was coming out a 2002 Acura RL sedan & did a lot of research on imported 4 door sedans in the $35K - $45K range - Maxima SV won hands down against all competitors. Great ride, strong engine, CVT transmission with shift multiple options responsive handling, strong brakes, attractive body style very nice interior with Bose stereo. Local dealers were aggressive in their pricing too - all around I an quite happy with the Nissan Maxima SV Premium car - you wont be disappointed.

• 

  A Comfortable Exciting Ride - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Jeter786 - June 20 - 2:30 pm

  In mid October I purchased my Sentra for an amazing price, new from the dealership. I had test drove the new Civic and Accord but unless leased they were out of my price range. I drove the Sentra and instantly fell in love. The advertised gas mileage was just what I was looking for. Almost 5000 miles later this is the best vehicle I have bought yet. It has acceleration even with the CVT and a quality interior as well as a sound system to match. The bluetooth phone is outstanding and the car is quiet. Recently I drove it through the mountains on the way to North Carolina and it was a joyful drive. This car really outperforms all that I test drove and its one you cant beat.

• 

  2007 Altima (3.5 L ) - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By peses - June 20 - 9:23 am

  I have owned my car for 2 years. Overall Nissan made a great car! Starting with the exterior, I find the car sporty looking especially with the 17" rims. The interior is put together very well. Mostly soft touch materials and no rattles. The Bose speakers and absolutely amazing, the best Ive heard for stock speakers. I just reached 200,000 km ( 125,000 miles ) and the only problem Ive had is the tire light malfunctions. I would recommended this car to anyone!

• 

  Watch out! - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By Larry B - June 20 - 5:45 am

  Bought this car for my son and daugther while in college. It was already is bad shape because the previous owner did not perform standard maintenance. Put almost $3000 into it to get to safety margins. Car is now inoperable due to engine failure. Dont recommend this car at this age.