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:

• 

  Wow!! What a car!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Madtown76 - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Unlike most reviewers, I was looking for a Mid-Sized Sedan to replace our aging 2000 Hyundai Sonata. We looked at the Toyotas and Hondas, but nothing touched the Nissan when it came to price vs. performance. We purchased the car at $3,000 below MSRP with 3.5% 60 mos financing, so the price was definitely right!! This car rides super smooth and has plenty of giddy-up when needed. I couldnt be any happier!!

• 

  One month only review for 2004 maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By noahw - May 6 - 10:00 am

  I had the maxima for only 1 month. So far so good. Its very smooth on the highway and has power to spare. Still finding extras such as garage door opener built in, storage space above the rear view mirror, side view mirrors folding in.

• 

  Great Truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Gaz - May 5 - 1:06 pm

  Just bought the truck. Used a friends Tacoma a few times and decided that I needed a truck. Going from a Subaru Impreza WRX to a truck was going to be difficult to compare performance wise, but comfort, features and design have impresed me very much so. My wife had an 03 Xterra and I thought it was terrible, but this new vintage of truck feels and drives great. Comparing the ride and features and looks, the frontier definatly has it over the Tacoma. Quite frankly I think the Tacoma looks very boring, inside and out.

• 

  Best on the road for the price - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By shainlinecourt - May 5 - 9:40 am

  Weve only had this car for about a week and we have over 500 miles on it already. We got the sl pkg which bumped the car up a bit in price but worth it. I drove the 3.5 and it wasnt worth the extra money in my opinion. The 2.5 is plenty fast for what we do and most others. I did a lot of research and feel this is the best out there at this price point.

• 

  Double take - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By YANKEE51 - May 4 - 6:46 am

  I have been looking for a car for the past year. Looked at Audis, Benzes, Lexus, Infiniti, Hondas, Toyotas and finally Nissan. I was leaning toward the Accord coupe V6 but when I saw the Altima coupe in precision grey, I was hooked. I got mine fully loaded and I cant believe all the looks and double takes this car receives. This car makes me want to leave work early just to drive and park around a group of people just for the comments.

• 

  Street machine with real offroad cred - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Whitney - May 3 - 12:26 am

  Nissan did a great job with the 2006 redesign, esp. the engine upgrade. Handles great on the road. Tight suspension, great pickup, quick starts. Quiet on the highway. No sacrifice in offroad performance. This is a perfect vehicle for around the town driving during the week and offroad trips on weekends. Design and interior are well thought-out with racks from Yakima to handle whatever your gear may be--skis, surfboard, bikes, packs, dog... Stereo sounds great. Great 360 visibility from the cab. Seats 4 comfortably except for the climb. Can change 2 to 4-high to 4- low with locking rear dif. Makes a great utility vehicle.

• 

  Super SUV of all times Pathfinder - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Brujo - May 2 - 9:40 am

  This new pathfinder is what i was looking for in an suv, power, good handling, and better design, its super!

• 

  The right car for me - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Bill - May 2 - 5:33 am

  What a great car! I was looking at an Audi A4 originally, but thought Id check out the Murano, specifically for its navigation system. What can I say? The damping on the SE model is superb for an SUV - corners really flat without the ride being harsh, the refinement is excellent, the engine is eager and tuneful and the underfloor storage is invaluable. Also, best navigation system Ive ever used.

• 

  Best Car I have yet bought - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By melita - May 2 - 1:36 am

  I just recently bought my Altima. I had looked at other competitors, but thought that the small interiors would not work with my growing teenagers. I wanted a car with excellent gas mileage and great handling and I think I have gotten both. Couldnt recommend a nicer car for the money. The gas mileage on it is excellent!

• 

  DONT BUY IT - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By kay d. - May 1 - 4:00 pm

  This is the worst car I have owned. I should have kept my previous car. This car is good to look at but nissan compromised on quality with this car. I have been having mechanical problems since purchasing this vehicle and no one can seem to fix the problem. There is a thumping noise coming from the wheel area. The interior is missing simple things like coin compartment and sun/eye glass holder. I am short and feel it lacks head room. the seats are horrible and the air conditioning/heated driver seat is a joke. I am ready to trade in this vehicle in.