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:

• 

  Disappointed with 2005 Maxima SE - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Bailey - January 22 - 4:53 am

  At 34,600 miles, my brake light and battery light began to blink intermittently. I took it to the Nissan dealer the next day and the service writer told me it was most likely a bad alternator. Four hours and $671.56 later the car was repaired. I did not buy the extended warranty so I paid for it in full. The next day I called Nissans customer service line to see if there were any recalls or if there was any way they could at least give me a break on the price of the alternator ($345.00). Of course, there were no recalls, and no, they would not reimburse me for the replacement cost of the faulty alternator. Sorry, Nissan, I will not purchase or recommend a Nissan product again.

• 

  Safe & Comfort - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Greatoz99 - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I like this SUV very dependable, the feel seem to me that Im safe while driving this Suv during any kind of weather. I dont thank that can be said about other Suv.

• 

  15,000 miles - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Slicer - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I have put 15K on this car so far. I enjoy it more the more I drive it. My last tank got 19.6 in city. Usually get 23 on Hwy. The ride is harsh in the SE version but the trade off is a great sports-car like driving experience. Highway driving is the best due to the sports suspension. The power is a little weak off the mark but builds up good momentum and has pleanty of Highway power. Great overall vehicle.

• 

  Great MPG - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Big Ben - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I Have owned and driven many different vehicles, and the Murano is definitly the best bang for the buck! All these people complaining about MPG are looking at the onboard computer and not considering thier idling time or their driving habits. If you set the cruise at 60 you will see 24-25 mpg as I do every day!I get19-20 around town too! But If "I step on it" it goes down quick. I love the handling on the SE much better than the SL as I tend to "cruise along quickly". Wife loves it so much she say she is getting the 2005 when it comes out!

• 

  I finally got a - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By SKS - January 22 - 2:00 am

  After wanting a 240Z back in the 70s, I finally got one, a gift for my 25th wedding anniversary from my husband. The 2004 version of my 70s dream car was definitely worth waiting form. I love it.

• 

  tw - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By tony W - January 22 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT CAR, SOME OF THE INTERIOR PARTS ARE POORLY DESIGNED AND CHEAP PLASTIC AND VERY FLIMSY

• 

  Excellent 2003 Altima - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By DarekB - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car because of value, exterior styling, roomines, best in class engine power and torque, and very good experience with previous Nissan cars. The handling and accelaration are very good - even with the automatic transmission. The interior is very roomy and airy. Visibility is good and the safety features are abundand. My car has ABS, side airbags, and side curtains, so I feel quite safe driving it. Very good experience with Brasso Nissan dealer in Calgary.

• 

  Nissan Altima - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Javier - January 21 - 11:50 pm

  I bought the car to replace my old 2003 Sentra Spec V. After reviewing the Mazda6, Passat I decided with the Altima. Overall the car handles ok, acceleration is excellent for a 4 cylinder, and comfort is great. Since I had a Nissan before and never had a problem with the car it also helped in the decision making process.

• 

  A GREAT Car!! - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Jess - January 21 - 9:30 pm

  With 120,000 miles, no problems still, and incredibly smooth ride....I love my Maxima! Whenever someone gets in it, they always compliment how smooth the ride is. It has a lot of power too!

• 

  5 month update - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By newnissanbuyer - January 21 - 1:26 pm

  Had truck for 5 months. Now have 16,500 hard miles. Solid, some rattles from seatbelt buckle. Engine and trans are worth the price paid. Interior holding up pretty well even with 2 kids. Gas mileage fair, 15 mpg mixed driving - a best of 20, all hwy at 70 mph. Emergency handling surprisingly good. Should have rolled truck on rainy day when rearend broke loose on on-ramp. Truck stayed solid and easy to control.