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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  New car purchase - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By brian - April 28 - 10:51 pm

  Decided getting this car brought a 3.5 Platinum. It is a good looking car even can drive it to baseball games and NFL FOOTBALL Stadiums has everything that so equipped in all of the bells and whistles. Navigation system and ventilated and heated seats are impressive including panoramic moon roof - Bluetooth work for my Samsung Galaxy S6 electronics seems better in this new car. Maxima performance is amazing keep it Sport mode only) - CVT is incredible as car got new 300 horsepower 3-5L engine faster acceleration a smoother aggressive ride. I love how comfortable these seats they absolutely hug you only complaint interior size is smaller feels little snugged other than I satisfied with fit and finish materials. New technology is excellent just liking my car its beautiful on outside new design of exterior - LED Lights got more slimmer its much more fun to drive. Incentives, prices and values are bringing this car down I dont know seems sells on these cars arent too shabby well at least times will changed after while but I am glad purchased my Platinum its a great looking vehicle compared to other luxury cars as non-expensive brand like Nissan. So far recently purchased a few weeks ago blown away on everything inside and out of this car new looks and a outstanding interior design Nissan has improved a lot on this car its better than compared with last model new model is a computer car advanced handles better more quiet on highway definitely stylish in lots new upgrades.

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  follow-up on previous - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By douglas - April 28 - 10:03 pm

  This is a follow up on previous comments in dec2009. After dealer installed the latest things that nissan said would correct my electrical problems I took the car home with high expectations. Not so lucky; car worked for a couple of days then wife called from out of town with the red key warning light glowing in the dash as she hummed down the interstate praying the car would not stop and lock down on her as it has done in the past. called dealer and they had no idea.Took the car on 2,500 mile trip in dec. and many things happened.from not letting us in to not allowing the ignition switch to turn to unlocking itself while we were away from it. Called nissan and they are supposed to LOOK

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  My cute ute!! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By nrdgrl - April 28 - 3:23 pm

  I test drove the Rav and the Cr-v before the rogue, no comparison! I got the wicked black with black cloth, and the premium package with moonroof. The smaller engine doesnt bother me because I want the better gas mileage. I traded in a 2005 Focus because I didnt want to spend another Colorado winter white knuckle driving! The 5-8 MPG difference is worth it!I have played in the snow with this and it is very solid on the ice/snow. I am so much more confident. Guess Ill save money this winter since I wont need as many massages for stressful driving!

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  Used to love Nissan, now Im not so sure - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By soulemanrx - April 28 - 1:15 pm

  Ive been a Nissan guy my whole life, have owned 4 of them. This 2013 2.5 SL Altima was great for about the first 1,000 miles. Since then the issues are starting to pile up and get on my nerves. No fixes, not even any acknowledgement from corporate. 1) CVT rattle between 1,500-1,700 rpm. Fixed with a new tensioner and belt. Went away for 500-700 miles and vibration came back. Gets worse with more mileage put on the vehicle. 2) Whistling from drivers side mirror. 3) E brake light comes randomnly. Dealer cant fix. 4) Heated seats dont really have a high and low. High heats the seat pan, low the seat back. They are both HOT!!!

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  Drives like a sports sedan - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By JohnC. - April 28 - 12:13 pm

  The Rogue handles extremely well for a smallish SUV and road comfort is very good. While styling is subjective, the best selling point is a 20 min test drive. The stereo is exceptional in the SL and gas mileage was a big surprise.

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  2004 Maxima is the worst vehicle Ive ever owned! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By davidh11 - April 28 - 9:38 am

  I bought my 04 Maxima used in 2008 with 69K miles on it. Ive had nothing but trouble with it since I bought it. Transmission went out at 87k miles. The dealerships mechanic told me he has seen many Maximas come in with a bad Valve Body causing the tranny to slip and also slam into gear from park to drive. Luckily my extended warranty covered it. Here is the long list of problems Ive had with the car since then: bad radiator fan assembly, ignition coil, valve cover gasket, 2 broken motor mounts, bad altenator, tie rod end, bad cat converter, rear wheel bearing, and power window motor. I traded it in last week and good riddence!!

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  The Best Car I have ever owned - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By akinchen - April 28 - 7:05 am

  This is a fantastic car , I opted to get the 3.5 SV mainly due to the performance . It is extremely fast for a sedan and extremely fuel Efficient . Slow down the RPM to about 68 on HWY and I consistently get 36 MPG, Brim to Brim fill up , Go about 75 and it will go down to the original specs which is 31 MPG. I use only synthetic oil in all my cars . For Texas hwy it is a fantastic car , quiet and Luxury. I also have Lexus and it is to me a bit better than my 4 year old Lexus which I paid a lot more for. Nissan CVT is considered the best of all Car makers . I prefer Cloth interior , not a big fan of leather . The car is Super quiet and is the best car I have ever owned , beat all

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  Big Honkin Truck! - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By ChrisL - April 28 - 1:26 am

  I traded my Jeep Liberty for an Armada. Needed more room for the dogs and everyday errands. I cant believe how easy this thing is to park/drive. The reverse camera, excellent stereo, incredible power---all more the reason to enjoy. Mileage is a little scary, but who cares as long as you are comfortable.

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  Big Honkin Truck! - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By ChrisL - April 28 - 1:26 am

  I traded my Jeep Liberty for an Armada. Needed more room for the dogs and everyday errands. I cant believe how easy this thing is to park/drive. The reverse camera, excellent stereo, incredible power---all more the reason to enjoy. Mileage is a little scary, but who cares as long as you are comfortable.

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  Can be fun to drive but no more for me - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By david Hovland - April 27 - 3:46 pm

  Altho there are several good things about this car there are several annoying items.First, when driving this car on a bright sunny day when you look from the road to the speedometer all you see is a black circle. Even with headlights on at dusk there is no illumination. Second it takes a strong guy to raise the hood. No help from lifters, muscle & drop a rod into a hole to hold it up.And it came with a battery that is not maintenance free. buy some distilled h2o. And the air/heater system is horrible. Cant get cool air thru vents as air is heated by engine before entering car. Therefore a/c compressor on most of time. Sorry I ever bought this beast. Hope I saved someone else from my mistake.