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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  I like the car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By _boone_ - October 12 - 1:12 am

  i like the car I havent had any problems out of it besides the usually up keep of the car I honestly dont see how it has so many bad reviews like really what are some of you looking to get out of the car

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  Great Buy - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By John G - October 11 - 3:16 am

  Great horsepower, seems like it has more room than the pathfinder and it seems it has the same options as the pathfinder. Fuel is better than the 04 model with a bigger engine. Did not seem worth the money to spend more for the pathfinder. My wife does not like big vehicles but loves the Xterra. It does drive like a truck, well it is a truck.

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  Jaded - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By sdricke - October 9 - 7:03 pm

  My Sentra is an interesting car. I love driving it; handling and brake performance is very impressive. However, I had to have the keyless entry system replaced before I even drove it off the lot, I had to have a warranty repair to fix a leaking head gasket, the car takes a few cranks to start sometimes, and the belt squeels if it is ever humid or raining outside. Beyond those problems, the car is incredibly fun to drive, especially for a one-person commute, and gas mileage is remarkable. Overall, though, I cannot wait to get rid of the car, as I dont really trust the car to last a whole lot longer, something I wish I didnt have to say about Nissan.

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  I Love Mine! - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By tly3050 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  As soon as Nissan redesigned the Altima, I knew I had to have one. I love the interior space. Low grade parts on the interior are a little frustrating. I DO plan to trade up for a new 2005 model and I will probably never own another brand of car!

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  2007 Nissan Xterra S - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By LOKRGUY - October 9 - 12:06 am

  After driving a 00 Durango V8 for four years I didnt know what to expect from the 4.0 6. All I can say is WOW! I drive up a 6000 "hill" twice a week and it just loafs up, hardly ever kicking into low gear. Performance in snow with aftermarket BFG AT T/As was fantastic. At 64" and 300 lbs its still a very comfortable drive.

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  Happy but not estatic - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By cegledi - October 8 - 9:06 pm

  Personally think it is one of the most attractive sedans in its price range. Went from a Passat to a Nissan - bad move. The ride is nice but not germanic. The MPG is disappointing (averaging 2.3 mpg less than the DIC). The CVT makes it sound like a go-cart. Should have bought the V6 but didnt want to put in premium fuel - bad move #2. The V6 is too strong not to love. Only a few minor problems but nothing major to report. Highly recommend the V6 since you get cool rims, turn signals in side mirrors and VDC standard. I bought the SL package to get all the tech goodies which I dont regret and Nissan makes deals on their cars. Will trade it probably in two more years.

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  Enjoyed until - 2012 Nissan Quest
  By DChief - October 7 - 10:16 am

  We enjoyed overall. But, we were hit 2 weeks after buying and in shop for months. then got regular maintenance. Went though 5 set of tires, most ever on a vehicle. Now at 152,000, the transmission can not be repaired. Have to replace, itll cost me 3,3000 and AC is not as cool as it used to be. Nissan service has no interest in helping me only stated I need to replace the transmission when I went in for I fluid service. Value is so upside down that trading in is an option. Not happy.

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  Overall happy with my Frontier - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By BaseballFreak - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Bought it w/19K on it. Have put 17K on it in 2 years, has stood up very well. A/T, A/C and cruise. No mechanical probs at all. I nervously towed a stuffed 4x8 trailer 800 miles. Made it no problem. I really like that the A/T shifter is on the column. For tall guys it helps the legroom. Only problem has been because of chintzy plastic. Nissan should not have used plastic for the tailgate handle. The only other thing is the plastic "stuff" under the front bumper, seems flimsy. Overall though I really like it, my wife and I both feel it rides like a car.

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  Nissan sentra special edition - 2012 Nissan Sentra
  By Slava - October 7 - 2:10 am

  This car definitely worth that money. Standard budget car class is one step higher than hyunday accent and similar models.

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  Nine Tenths There - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By MaximaOwner - October 6 - 12:13 am

  Very nice to drive and very good deal for the price paid. Plenty of power with very slight steering pull on quick acceleration. Very good tech content.