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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  Good Decision - 2012 Nissan Armada
  By D.E. - March 3 - 8:49 am

  Leased at year end 2012. Best value full size SUV - GMs seemed over priced, Fords seemed out of date, German 3 row SUVs just not practical. 40,000 miles into this one and no complaints really. Overall MPG is about 15 but gas is cheap for now. Steering is heavy. Some low end plastic in interior. Bottom line is that it has plenty of space for passengers, dogs, gear etc. More so than with GMs (Tahoe etc). Its almost at the Suburban level in this sense. No mechanical problems to speak of. Second row bench seat with flip and fold is very good - better choice than buckets in my experience. More than enough power. Be aware that factory roof cross bars are under engineered and that the roof rack side rails are tricky to mate up with Yakima/Thule systems but it can be done.

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  Fun to drive. - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By awither - March 2 - 6:50 pm

  I love driving the 350Z. Handling is great, pick-up is fun, and it looks good after a bath. Although, you have to work hard to keep the brake dust off the front wheels. I highly recommend this car to anyone looking for a car with some spunk. The only complaint that I have is the stereo. I couldnt believe the fuzzy sound out of Bose speakers.

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  2002 Spec V - Very Happy - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By specvboymn - March 2 - 12:06 am

  Ive had my eye on the Sentra for some time now - and when I missed my chance to get an SE last year - it turned out to be the best thing. I hadnt sat in this car long and I knew Id buy it. The interior is laid out almost perfectly, the shifter is crisp and clean, the acceleration spirited, and the value is exceptional. It is practical (4-dr) and actually roomier than most competitors. Mine was 18,388 with sunroof, 6-disc changer, dest fee, audio fanatic package. Eat that, Camry.

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  Just a great car that keeps going - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By obx808 - March 1 - 3:20 pm

  Bought this car new in April 2000. Here I am 13 years & 190K miles later to tell all about it. Repairs have been few & far between. Lets see - 3 starters (weak spot on these cars), a MAF, a thermostat, a clutch (150K miles on original), both drive axles, an alternator and a water pump. Not bad considering the mileage. Engine still pulls strong and burns/leaks no oil. Manual trans shifts quietly & smoothly. All the power accessories (windows, locks, sunroof, etc.) still work - as does the AC. Overall, the car is aging quite nicely - I plan on keeping it for a few more years. Why replace something that works so well?

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  Great Value - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Retiredrobert - March 1 - 12:33 pm

  I researched both the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma trucks. Of the two the Nissan was a better value. It cost less to purchase, had lower maintenance costs and resale was comperable, based on initial purchase price) after 5 yrs. The reliability is the same as the Toyota and the features are better.

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  This car should be regulated by the FDA! - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By motownZ - March 1 - 10:00 am

  All I can say is "Wow!" I commute 35 miles each way every day in this car and it brings me to work with a smile on my face. Amazing performance wrapped in a runway-worthy styling package is a real winner in my book. Biggest downside is build quality. Tires, although sticky, wear VERY quickly. Factory alignment issues produced feathering of the tires and HORRIBLE road howl. Dealer will replace tires free of charge under warranty and re- align the car, but its a BIG headache. Other problem relates to a rattle-prone interior. Build quality is sub-par causing excessive rattles all over the place. Bottom line, if you can afford it, buy the G35. Better car.

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  Amazing All Around - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Chiefslax1 - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I absoulty love this car. When I sit behind the wheel i forget im in a sedan and think im in a sports car. The car has excellent pick up off the line, and the sports suspension hugs the corners. The bose stereo is a great option for serious music lovers.

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  NUMBER 1 TRUCK ON MARKET - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By PatriotsFan - March 1 - 10:00 am

  Only Dodge comes close to this truck and after you drive the Titan you realize how far off Dodge still is. American car companies just dont get it with the exception of Saturn but hey they dont build a truck. Just got 17.7 miles to gallon on vacation gotta love that. I have had most of the same minor issues with the truck such as rear radio reflection, squeek in dash and need for locking glove box (center console storage locks though). Back seat room blows all others away. Comfort ride power its all there in spades. I have hauled some big loads and this truck drives like nothing in the bed. Plenty of storage and my radio has been great as is the cd player.

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  Pleasure to Own - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By DSKuc - March 1 - 10:00 am

  After 14 years of boring, but reliable Accords (EX V6 last owned), its a pleasure to drive/own the new Maxima...head and shoulders above the previous Maxima. This is a comfortable, fun to drive car that has more head-turning quotient than any other cars in its class/price group. The best value to me is the SE with the Drivers Preferred Pkg...I didnt need anything else. If one is considdering loading it up with more options, they might consider looking at an entry model Lexus.

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  Great Ride - Great Car - Great Price - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Desh9583 - March 1 - 4:36 am

  I bought the Altima Hyb because I tend to do alot of miles. The ride is exceptional and the car doesnt feel like youre driving a tree hugging eco- friendly little car, unless you do then thats cool. The Altima Hyb has great pick up and has very smooth transition from the electric motor to the gas powered engine. 198 HP, sleek styling and awesome interior features such as Bose 6 disc, heated leather seats, navigation and reverse cam make this car a great choice. I chose this over the Acura TSX and have not been dissappointed. I am currently averaging about 33.8 MPG which isnt great but much better than what I used to get. Nissans are a great choice and they hold up their values really well.