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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  Great performance and luxury - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Bill - May 9 - 5:20 pm

  I compared the Maxima, Acura TL, Accord, and G35. It came down to the Maxima and TL. For a comparably equipped car, the TL was about $2000 more. I loved the way of them drove, so I picked the Maxima becuase it was a little bit more roomy and cheaper. I really like this car. The power and luxury (I got all the bells and whistles) combo is great. I have had no initial quality problems and dont expect to have any. I find this car to be a great highway cruiser, but the real fun is how it performs on winding back roads. The acceleration, handling and braking are excellent. I dont see what all the fuss is about torque steer. 265 hp with front wheel drive is pushing the limits (but fun)

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  Love It - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Tom - May 9 - 3:00 pm

  Traded my 2003 Lexus RX300 as I needed more room and got all of that PLUS so many other nice features to boot. Yes, Lexus has better build quality but Nissan Quest has as good of a highway ride if not better, much better performance, better gas mileage as I get 22 locally and 25 highway with AC on and 26.5+ with AC off. It took a while to get accustomed to center pod but once you drive it at night, you will love it as its easier to see at night with the pod in the center. Some want bigger gas gauge but no problem with me. Rtired and live in FL now, we often take five or six out. Plenty of room for all including golf clubs. Everything works and like it better then my 2001 Odyssey.

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  Today I bought a 2010 Maxima - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By BHM - May 9 - 8:20 am

  This is the best car that I have ever owned. The style and performance today are nearly as good as when I bought it new in 1997. You can not find a more reliable car and a cheaper one to own. It has never needed any major repairs and has never left me stranded. I have 218,000 miles and it still starts right up, handles beautifully, and runs great. My wife has had 3 new cars (not Maximas)since I bought it. This car will not nickel and dime you like some American cars. I get 50,000 miles on the brakes. I love my Maxima so much that I just bought a new one. I will miss my "97" but I am confident that some lucky kid will enjoy another 200,000 plus miles. 1997 NISSAN-MAXIMA...What a car

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  Great car after a year of ownership - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Brian - May 9 - 5:20 am

  Ive had my Sentra SL for a year now, and it has been a great car. The SL is packed with features that can not be had in most any other entry level vehicle. (Ive never understood why most car designers believe small is always about being the cheapest option and not about preference for many car buyers.) Ive had no issues with the car to date other than something minor at the time of purchase. I was replacing a 2000 VW Jetta with the Sentra. I can say, the Sentra does not drive live a Jetta unfortunately, but once you get used it you settle in quickly. Fuel economy has been about 22-24 in city driving and 36-38 on highway over the year (w/o the air turned on).

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  Just test drive it for yourself... - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By none - May 9 - 2:40 am

  I dont have too much to say about this car except "MAN ITs FUN." Its a fun, fast, and very affordable car. I would recommend it to anyone...

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  overall a great value for a decent commuter car - 2011 Nissan Sentra
  By onehappydogstl - May 8 - 12:26 pm

  My dealer sells both Honda and Nissan, so cross-shopping and test drives were easy to execute. I feel many professional car reviewers do not give this car the credit it deserves. Personally, the Civic ride is too firm, the roof line makes getting in and out without ducking impossible, and the engine and tranny are no quieter under throttle. I do agree the Sentra is not cutting edge in either interior or exterior design, but it is still attractive. I suspect younger people will only appreciate the SE-R versions.

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  LOVE THIS TRUCK!!!! - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By babaganoosh - May 8 - 9:16 am

  This is my first truck, and I am so glad I bought the Titan. I drove every full size on the market before I bought this and I am glad I did. It has so much power its almost insane! The exhaust sounds great, a Nice rumble. It is the most comfortable truck I rode in out of all the full size trucks. I got the truck for a steal too! If you are looking to buy a truck, you should really look at the Nissan Titan! Dont let all the bad press about the gas mileage control your decision. I drive it pretty conservatively and I am getting 19.2 mpg! The first time you drive, you will fall in love with this truck!

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  catalitic converter problems - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Dont buy one - May 7 - 7:06 pm

  Nice car when I first bought it. Larger than toyota. But, at 50,000 miles check engine light, had to spend 800 on a new catalytic converter, then at 90,000 crank position sensor, failed several times before the dealer figured it out. Now check engine light again. Who knows what now. Buy a honda, much more reliable.

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  the best sedan going - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Vince - May 7 - 10:53 am

  The Maxima is a very roomy sedan...lots of room front seat and back, and the trunk cant be beat as far as storage space. The performance side of the sedan is unparalleled among 4 doors when its time time put the hammer down, and the tiptronic tranny shifts just as well as the automatic version. The vehicle is a joy to drive, and I have been very impressed by the power and refinment. Highly recommended!

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  Very good; almost great - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By wisconsinowner - May 7 - 10:20 am

  2.5 SL CVT. 250 miles. Very classy styling and interior. Dealer installed moonroof baffle and fog lights. Linking fogs with Tech package is just dumb, but dealer installed fogs with small rocker switch on lower left instrument panel which was made for it. Should be included in SL! Displayed mileage is 35 at 45 mph. Drops to 31.5 at 70 mph. My 6 cyl. 97 Avalon delivers 32-34 mpg at 70 mph, so not impressive, but per Nissan specs. Suburban/light-city mileage about 28 which is 6 better than Avalon, though. Acceleration with 4cyl/CVT is more than enough. Ride is more sports coupe like-you feel the bumps. Will ask dealer to look at air whistle in closed moon roof - otherwise nothing wrong.