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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  Nice little/big ride - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By MarvinWv - May 13 - 8:43 am

  it is like a mini mini van. seats sit tall and there is all kinds of space.. if you also wish to get attention in a car this is the one.. it is like the VW of the 2000s. It also does well in the snow with the traction control device.. it is almost like having 4wd. packed full of safety features.. five star rated.. and for the money you cant beat it. My oldest boy has room in the back seat and he is 6ft (15yrs old) leg and head room.. no problem. try it you will like it.. oh and the modern transmission is something to get used to.. i keep waiting for it to change gears...it is a constraint change you never feel it.

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  This car is crap - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By melgoodman77 - May 12 - 4:15 pm

  I bought my car used with 34,000 miles on it. I didnt even have it 24 hours and the clutch stuck to the floor while I was doing 75 mph. The dealer said that the hydrolics on the clutch had gone and they also had to replace the master cylinder and the slay cylinder. I have only owned this car a little under 2 months. The gas milage of this car is horrible. I get 18 mpg even when it says I am getting more. The gas light comes on when the gas gauge is only have 1/4 of a tank. Now there is a large clunking sound in the front end of the car and the dearship said they adjusted my subframe. It is still making the clunking noise and needs to go back in. LEMON!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  gxe - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By graydon116 - May 12 - 10:00 am

  awesome. leased and would have bought at end except I had to get a minivan!

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  Extremely Reliable - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By bigjno - May 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought this model because of its high ratings for reliability. I have not been disappointed. In 74,000 miles, the only thing ever to need repair was the cd player.

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  Great Car - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By O2raw - May 12 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car! Love it

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  Nice Car - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By newdriver - May 12 - 10:00 am

  I have 82K in less then 2 years. Very happy with the performnce and look.

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  Great SUV! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Whade - May 12 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my 2003 Xterra for 3months now. I haggled with the salesman and payed $24,600 for a Silver 4x4 SE, with floormats, and microcabin filter. The Xterra has adequate power, great features, and seems very durable. I have had no problems and have no complaints. The ride is very smooth in the Xterra as the wheels absorb any potholes or bumps you might hit rather well. Cabin noise is also very quiet.The instrument panel is well laid out an I especially like the radio controls on the steering wheel. The Xterra is a solid vehicle and provides a good view of the road. It also provides good acceleration and Im able to merge and pass traffic easily.

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  Great Auto - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Revd Dave - May 12 - 10:00 am

  This is a "homerun" of a vehicle! Strong power, great stereo system, nav system very precise, seats very comfortable, easy to program and drive. Ive driven a BMW 740iL for the last 3 years and while I do miss the power of 8 cylinders, this "machine" is great. The BMW X5 would have cost me nearly $12,000 more and I would have still had manual transmission at that! Way to go, Nissan!

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  My 5th Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Fredw - May 12 - 10:00 am

  Totaly Awsome car! This is my 5th Maxima and the best one yet...Well worth the money!!!

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  My first bad auto purchase - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By jimjam56 - May 12 - 10:00 am

  Oil leak right out of the showroom! Nissan mechanics cant figure out where its coming from. Ive had this vehicle less than 24 hours. Nissan "official position"....we will not replace, but we will repair under warranty any defects......whether Ive owned the car for 3 hours or 3 years. They will not replace the vehicle. Can you imagine buying a brand new, top of the line car (a lemon) and Nissan wants to "fix it" as opposed to replacing it?