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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  1999 Nissan Sentra GXE - 1999 Nissan Sentra
  By John Aviero - January 29 - 1:20 am

  I bought this car with 65000 miles on it. I put 30000 miles on it so far. It runs well, no problems so far. Gas mileage is good. This car is very reliable, I would recommend it to anyone who wants a cheap and reliable car.

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  Very Nice Mini SUV - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Neil Lundell - January 28 - 10:43 pm

  I am extremely happy with the puchase of my new Murano. The car looks great, drives powerfully and smothly and has a very comfortable interior. Rear storage space is important for me and the Murano delivers (although no where near what it repaced: an 88 Saab 900). Without a doubt, the exterior look is what seduced me- I noticed them on the road for months before my purchase. For me, the look is magic. Five cars ago I drove a Nisson 280 ZX- a fantastic automobile- Nissan simply makes great cars.

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  Its a good car at a good price - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Rick Roland - January 28 - 6:20 pm

  This is my first Maxima I have always been a fan of the Maxima. I have had the car for a year now and have put 6,500 miles on it and it has been a pleasure to drive. I have had a few rattle problems which have been fixed and belt trim the chrome pieces on the roof have been replaced twice due to fading.

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  2007 Nissan Maxima SL - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By T.H. - January 28 - 5:53 pm

  I love all the luxury features, and friends that ride in it are impressed as well. Originally, I was looking at the 2006, but didnt care for the interior "shammy" type material that surrounded the cabin. Glad I waited for the 2007, it is upgraded to a classier feel/look of higher quality suede. I chose the SL also to get the non-perforated leather, very decadent. It is FUN to drive, aggressive engine response from a stop and while passing on the highway. The CVT is refreshing; no more shift shock, which is really nice when commuting in heavy traffic that is moving at a wide range of speeds at any given time during the trip. Preferred Pkg is a must to really truly enjoy the luxury.

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  surprised - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Randall clowers - January 28 - 10:36 am

  i was very surprised to finally find a car that delivered everything it promised in the ads. this 4 cyl is peppy and on our first long trip we went 276 miles on 9.5 gals. of fuel. 29 mpg...just like the sticker said. ride is comfortable and car looks good.

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  Excellent reliability in a 4 cyl - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By tanka1 - January 28 - 8:23 am

  Bought this 4 cyl Frontier in 2000 new. In 117000 miles have only replaced battery, brake pads, one idler pulley, wiper blades and recently shocks to improve ride. Paint is still very good and interior like new. All buttons and handles still work. A/c still good. With addition of K&N air filter and platinum plugs, now get 25 MPG year round average(data calculated, not guess). First set of tires made 72000 miles. Second set already at 45000. For its size and purpose, you cannot beat this truck. I plan to keep another nine years. Not so much plastic on this model outside like later versions. Good reliable truck.

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  2007 Sentra 2.0 SL Sedan - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Chris - January 27 - 9:50 pm

  We leased this car from the dealership I worked at in July of 2007, replacing my wifes 2006 Honda Accord. This car is way above the Accord in fit and finish, build quality, interior quietness and other things too. This car is smoooth sailing the whole way through. Excellent power delivery with the CVT, although gas mileage is nowhere near the advertised 29/36. Hopefully it will improve once we pass 7500 or so miles. With ~5000 miles on the car, its been great. 6 speaker prem. audio system rocks, and my iPod interfaces with the radio nicely. Bluetooth is a nice feature to have too, as well as the ABS brakes.

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  New Z Owner Impressions - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Kangster - January 27 - 5:10 pm

  After thinking long and hard about it, I decided to get this car over the Subaru WRX STI. I dont have kids yet and when I do, I know I wont be getting another sports car until theyve grown. Ive had it for about 2 weeks now and am very pleased. There is no Performance model for the 2006 model year, I guess they wanted to sell more Track models, but by far I think this has the best features (DSC, VDC, auto-dimming mirror) for the price (dont need to pay for leather, bad bose stereo, stock GPS etc). For those who want more HP out of this thing its fairly easily done with aftermarket performace parts like a twin turbo. Ive seen you can get it to 500HP if you really wanted to.

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  Great Car! - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By jimo2000 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Handling is excellent.Im happy with the cornering even though I have cheap dealer installed tires. I dont know why people were so upset with this redesign in 98. I like the looks of my car, inside and out.I cant wait to get good tires for this car.

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  Economical but Fun - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By PKristin - January 27 - 10:00 am

  When I was going to buy a car I was pretty definite I wanted a Honda Civic. My brother convinced me to try other cars and Im very glad he did. The Sentra has been a pleasant surprise. I love to travel and it is comfortable on long trips and gets great gas mileage. I always average above what the suggested MPG is for the car.