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:

• 

  armada - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By phong le - May 12 - 6:33 am

  So far based on test driving the Armada versus others SUV. I found that the Armada has everything that I needed. From the comfort of the vehicle to the practical function of it.

• 

  I Love it!!! - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Ava Gardner - May 12 - 2:20 am

  I really enjoy driving my Nissan. I have decided to upgrade next year to a Brand New Altima. I am very happy with the overall service of the Nissan Family.

• 

  Great Car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By ilovecars - May 11 - 10:30 am

  This Maxima is my third Nissan. I still have the other two and love them. Very reliable and well built automobiles. We have had the 2002 Maxima, with every option, about three weeks and love it. As for the Bose audio and Nagigation system, must have options, in my opinion. About two seconds after using the Nav System I was hooked. Wonderful piece of gagetry. I bought the car virtually site unseen. I did not even test drive one. Ride, handling and performance are above expectations. Heated steering wheel, worth it. The Maxima is truly a wonderful car! We love the Maximas so much, my brother bought an almost identical car. His is a different color. :-)

• 

  Best in class in my opinion. - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Dmitry - May 11 - 7:40 am

  Bought it after 3 months of deliberations, initially zeroed in on 3 possibilities: Altima, Camry and Accord. Didnt like Accord styling all that much, and Camrys handling was subpar even for that sedan class. I noticed more and more L32 Altimas in my area, so I figured all these owners couldnt be so wrong. Great car, I was afraid I might get one with poor mileage performance, but right now I average 28 mpg city, confirmed by ScanGauge II. I love CVT, 4-cyl engine has sufficient power to have fun on the road, I used to have 1998 BMW 740iL and Altima seems almost as roomy inside.

• 

  4th Maxima is the Charm! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By TMINJ - May 11 - 6:43 am

  This 2009 is my 4th Maxima, (94,99 and 03) and by far the best. Have it for 6 months now. Handling is nice and the looks it gets are amazing as MaximaÂ’s are not sold in Germany. Love the body lines and hood. Was not happy with the design of the 04-08 models so this one really grew on me. I actually prefer driving this car daily as opposed to my 2008 335I convertible. Double moonroof is excellent, but it will make some noises when turning sharp out of the driveway. Stereo, and interior comfort are excellent. Some difficulties seeing the back end of the car. Silver with Black Leather is a nice combination. Looking forward to my 5th Maxima in a few years. Nissan did this one right.

• 

  Practical Fun - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By maximus - May 11 - 12:23 am

  This is a fun car to drive with a lot of pluses, although there are also some negatives. The pluses include the industrial styling - if thats your thing, lots of power, storage galore, easy to clean interior, vehicle stability control, low tire pressure warning gauge, very quiet interior - even at 80+mph, interior tie down points everywhere, great door cup holders, and a great sounding stereo system. The negatives include interior plastic pieces that scratch very easily, chintzy chrome handles, semi-functional center cup holders, difficult rear entry/exit due to short wheelbase, base stereo does not read MP3 cds or have an auxiliary audio input.

• 

  Dont Buy 02 Altima! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Kat On Fire - May 10 - 8:10 pm

  After 2 yrs, my car required a new Cat Converter. Now 42K miles later needs another Cat Converter and has engine problems-cost repair 5K - Nissan & Dealer 24mo/24K warranty on replacement-wont cover now. Although beautiful on the outside, this car is a LEMON. CD player skips when car hits bumps, car is noisey, Paint protector so thin scratches easily, quality tire style limited and difficult to find must buy thru dealer. Battery died,shorted out radio, Southlake dealership said replacement cost $2500. Another dealer pulled radio and replaced back fuse for $20. Dont buy this car! Wont last financing term. 1) Bad Motor; powertrain; paint durability; noisey; tires; sound system overall=LEMON!

• 

  Not made for cold weather states - 2014 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet
  By met0430 - May 10 - 5:46 pm

  I live in Philadelphis PA and have issues with the windows not working properly in the colder weather. The windows freeze and do not drop when opening and closing the doors. Therefore I need to start my car for at least 20 minutes in order to close my doors correctly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and unfortunately I was told there was noting they could do. In conversation I had brought up an auto start, the associate agreed but the dealer does not install auto start and of course would be an expense I would be responsible for. So needless to say I am not happy with my purchase in regards to this issue.

• 

  2010 Sentra SR - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By joe k - May 10 - 5:16 pm

  It is my 4th vehicle...out of a cougar, jeep, focus, and the sentra...I would have to say I like the sentra best. The ford was always broke down...even with low mileage. Sentra offered everything I was looking for, and it was affordable. Many options come standard, and many more to choose from if you are willing to spend a little more.

• 

  Great ride - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Ray - May 10 - 11:56 am

  This vehicle has had nothing but regular maintenance for 30k miles. Compared to my previous vehicles (Audi A4, Porsche 944) maintenance costs are insignificant. The seats are roomy and comfortable, although I prefer a more snug fit. Overall quality is excellent. My combined city/highway mileage is about 20mpg - not great but tolerable.