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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  1998 Nissan Altima - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By EAB - January 21 - 10:00 am

  For the type of car this is it is fun to drive and quite strong. Milage is somewhat dissapointing

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  What a Ride! - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By beefsteak - January 21 - 10:00 am

  This car is FUN! I have only had the car for a couple of days and am still breaking it in, but it is fast without even trying. I can wait until I get it broken-in and really see what it can do.

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  3rd Maxima - 2012 Nissan Maxima
  By jspagna1 - January 21 - 6:54 am

  Like the title says this our 3rd Maxima. Just picked it up 2 weeks ago. Car only has 400+ miles. Traded in a loaded 2010 Acura TL SH-AWD and wife just never liked that car and now somes home every day asying she loves her new Maxima. This is our 3rd Maxima. Owned a 92 and still own an 03. You just get a lot of car for the money. Now hopefully it will be as reliable as the first one was. Keep you posted.

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  My new Nissan Quest - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By My Nissan Quest - January 21 - 5:03 am

  The Nissan Quest van beats its competitors with its bold design and features, but there are some quality issues which Nissan needs to address, like the Rattle sounds in the doors. The console even though looks very impressive, very hard to locate and operate the buttons. Overall this is a good van for the price

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  Overall Good car minus few annoyances. - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By i30rls - January 20 - 3:00 pm

  2012 Nissan Altima 2.5 S Anniversary Edition came with bluetooth, wheel radio controls, homelink for garage openers, push start button and alloy wheels. Overall it is good looking car with comfortable ride. Has a big trunk space for a double stroller and more. If you do put two car seats, there is no room for the third or space for the third person in the middle. Car has extreme features such as push button start and other luxury features, however, Nissan opted to use cheaper plastic on AC controls, outside mirror controls and most importantly horrible audio + speakers. Music quality is horrible on the 2.5 S edition. I guess they really want you to go with their more expensive packages.

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  Another Altima - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Steve Uhl - January 20 - 1:56 pm

  This is 5 th Altima I have used. I drive them for business, 45,000 miles a year. I get a new car at 3 years or 120,000 miles. In that time we put tires and 1 set brakes and normal service. Fuel mileage is better than sticker 31 MPG + on highway. They are so good that my wife takes old Altima and uses it until I have to get another. When she is ready for newer car, it has between 150,000 and 160,000 miles on it and still have had not had any major work.

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  new owner - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By tom kopytko - January 19 - 4:50 am

  wish i had arm rest for long distance driving. also, a place for my cd"s

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  The Leyend of Z lives - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Dragon350Z - January 18 - 4:10 pm

  This is a true sports car! The handling is superior and there is plenty of power on tap. My car is a super black enthusiast with the aero package and it looks great. I always get challanged at the light by WRXs, mustangs and even a jaguar and I have to say that they eat my dust! Im pretty sure that a vette and perhaps a 911 will leave me behind, but that I still have to live through.

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  Great car! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By jlar - January 18 - 3:10 pm

  I have owned my Maxima for 3 years. Purchased with 184 000 Kilometers on it and now has over 245k. It has awesome power, comfortable ride, great features. Really no complaints. Only issue I had was an engine light that was related to an oil pressure sensor. Engine light would stay out for 3 months and then come on everytime i changed the oil. didnt hinder the performance at all.

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  Murano Surpases Expectations - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By LessSleep - January 18 - 8:30 am

  Ive been a Ford man all my life, Dad owned a Ford Dealership and my wife works for Ford now. Decided to stray from the path and do not ever plan to go back. The Murano is such a step ahead of the Fords I have been driving. Mileage by far exceeds my previous models and the Power is extremely fun to drive. I tested a Mustang Gt before I bought this Murano, and the smile on my face was the same. The one add-on I would suggest is the K&N air filter. It increases my gas mileage and the Horsepower. I find myself going for drives on my noon hours, just to enjoy the car and get away from work. Its probably a sick thing to be in Love with your car this much. It wont fit on her side of the bed.