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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  Brakes stink - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By brian - February 20 - 7:06 am

  52,000 miles I have been through 8 pair of brakes and rotors once. This has cost me a fortune. Everyone tells me this is normal.

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  Very economical box - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Tez - February 19 - 7:36 pm

  Exterior is rather bland. Interior is a cross between german and perhaps a little eurotrash mixed in. Handling is just okay. Power steering tightens up the steering a little too much at high speeds. Seats are uncomfortable for fat tall people like myself. CVT is VERY interesting. Machine cruises at 1800 rpm. Radio is so so. Climate control is so so to good. All told, drives like a rental but the CVT is cool and the whole thing is a every inexpensive ride.

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  The working mans luxury car - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By shamarcus - February 19 - 2:10 pm

  I bought this car in 2000 in CA with ~42k miles. Now 107k miles. Black SE model with cloth seats and sunroof being the major options. The A/C delivered cold air in the deserts of the southwest. The heater delivers heat in minus 20 degrees cold of Alaska. I did experience one ignition coil to die on me. Since I deal with a lot of stop and go traffic, I have gone through 2 sets of brakes and rotors front and back (due to size of car). Besides that, normal maintenance. I averaged 18.5 / 24 mpg city/Hwy in CA. In AK, I average 20mpg/26mpg. If I were to move back to the gulf coast, I can expect 22mpg/29mpg. Regional gas makes a difference. I plan to keep this car to over 200k miles.

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  very very good car - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Hector - February 19 - 9:53 am

  I have bought the LE model of the nissan pathfinder. I bought it in super black and the interior is creame leather. This is a beautiful car especially when its nice and shiny and clean. The engine is pretty fast 270 horse power is enough for me.Sometimes in the highway i will be putting the car 135 mph and u cant even feel it but u do see your self leaving all the cars behind and passing other vehicles trying to press there gas on me.I love it when i press the gas and your back goes against the seats. sharp on turns and wonderful in the snow espeacially when i have the auto 4x4 which the car puts 4 wheel drive when ever it needs it.

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  The Best Maxima - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By maximaday - February 19 - 6:44 am

  Ive had my Maxima since March 2010. I bought a 2007 Maxima SE 23,000 miles with the Leather and Sensor package. Slate is the best color for the Maxima I think. But Id take a white 2012 in a heartbeat. Ive sold Nissans since 2008 and I know their the best cars out there. And Nissan spends more money on the quality of the materials to last longer. The CVT makes it a bit slow off the line but I dont need a G35.

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  nissan quest - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By joann - February 19 - 4:56 am

  fun to drive .comfort is important to me, becase i am disabled and can not sit for very long in same spot. the seet adjust to my back so i can sit in comfort. i like my new nissan quest very much. thank you nissan

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  Solar Yellow Xterra rocks - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By leftydog - February 18 - 9:16 pm

  Nice Truck, rotten gas mileage, Super charger is a necessity. Handles well, rides ok on smooth roads, body shudders on tar pits, holes, bumps. Commanding view of road with 17in wheels. Seats are ok. Reasonably good space in the back.

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  Reliable transportation. - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By screamingsloth - February 18 - 8:30 pm

  I bought this truck in 2008 with 47.000 mile on the clock. Aside from normal preventative maintenance, I have replaced both camshaft position sensors and the crankshaft position sensors. That is all. I monitor all fluids closely and now with 132.000 on the clock it still performs as new. The only other glitch is the CD player failed.

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  Nothing But Problems - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By junkcar3 - February 18 - 8:42 am

  I bought this car based on Features it has to offer. After driving 5000 miles problem started. The break lights comes on randomly while driving. took it to dealership 3 time and they said nothing wrong. Car stopped on road with engine sign. They replaced part and after driving another 100 miles it stopped again. Dealer replace another part. Air conditioning stop working. they have to replace compressor. Side mirror came loose and was making rattling sound. They fixed that and after a month side mirror switch stop working. Navigation is also not refreshing while driving so they said they have to replace SD card. Complain to North America Nissan but they are not doing anything to replace this

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  Great Car - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By chap06 - February 18 - 12:23 am

  This is my first MAX and it is a fantastic car. I am impressed with the power but would give a little of it up for improved MPG...average 23 mpg. It is comfortable and responsive. This car makes me want to drive it all day long...If it is power you need with style and comfort this car is for you!