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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  350Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By darienlim - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Great car overall! I believe you will enjoy driving it! Three months since I bought it, and still people complementing my 350Z is a nice one!

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  04 Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By mpp - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Great looking car with lots of power. Fun to drive except for the fuel economy. Doesnt get good gas mileage. Very roomy. Great sound system.

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  05 Gray Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By EvaB - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I have only had my Altima for 2 weeks, but so far I love it. I drove the 4 Cyl Honda Accord, and the Altima drives alot better. Its quick and fun to drive and handles very well.

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  Great Car! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Karen - January 17 - 5:26 am

  I bought my 03 Nissan new in 10/02 and now have over 130K miles on it, and still running strong. The maintenance has been minimal, and my driving style is not always easy on it. The acceleration is perky and my gas mileage is 27-28 on a daily basis. Ive been driving it for almost 6 years and feel that it will last me a lot longer. The interior is a little on the cheap side, however it cost me $22-23,000 new, so whos complaining. Oh, and its been paid for for 3 years, what a ride!!!

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  Not sure I made the right choice... - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Tex - January 17 - 5:00 am

  This is my first Nissan and my first truck. Bought this truck base on price primarily, as compared to Taco. Didnt consider US products base on previously bad experiences. After 5100 miles the dash rattles sometimes when idling, the rear suspension squeaks (I HATE squeaks and rattles), and presently the dealership cant figure out why it wont start. The dealer set me up with a rental F150 Crew Cab which, I hate to admit, I like- its very comfortable and responsive. Heed other reviews that comment on the driver arm rest, driver side only door unlock, key fob, and plastic dash- these turned out to be real annoyances for me. If I could give my Frontier back and get all my money back, I would.

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  2007 Titan - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By Nathan Pendleton - January 16 - 8:25 pm

  I bought my truck brand new and have driven it for 10 years. It has really been a great truck. Ive had only one issue, the tire pressure monitor system had a slight problem but that was just recently (10 years in). Its been a great, powerful workhorse thats never left me wishing I had more truck. I highly recommend the Nissan Titan.

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  Gold SC Crew Cab 4WD - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Jon-Michael DeBona - January 16 - 7:43 pm

  My pickup was incredibly reliable which is typical of Nissan. This was my second Nissan. I never had a problem with either. After over three years I have not had to have any repairs done to my Frontier whatsoever. Im thinking of trading it in for Titan only because I want more space.

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  Roadtrip - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Peter Stringer - January 16 - 4:43 pm

  We have just completed a 30 day, 8k mile roadtrip, Florida - Utah and back, the car performed superbly. 1100 climbs on gravel roads, no matter what we attempted the car was just perfect.We completed 625 miles one day thro Texas - so comfortable, cant praise it enough. Had an oil change in Kanab by Ramseys - brilliant. Got back - Royal Palm Nissan dealer for full service and the hassle started. The local dealer lets a brilliant car down.

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  Love the truck, but it could be better - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Mikabru - January 16 - 4:33 pm

  I Love the truck, but it could be better. The drivers seat lacks lumbar support, the seat belt is hard to latch, the quality of exterior paint was poor... Dont get me wrong, I love the truck. That supercharger is killer, but attention to detail would have made it even better.

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  Never again! - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By Buy a Civic Instead - January 16 - 1:30 pm

  I bought this car brand new from the dealership. So far I have had 5 recalls and numerous other problems. I, like many of you, have heard that "chirping noise" that the belts make. I was told that it is normal. Ok, so I have an annoyingly noisey car. I can deal with that. What I could not "deal" with was that the catalyic converter and the PCM (the cars computer) both went out. Just to let you all know, they ARE covered by the Federal Emmisions Warranty of 8yr/80,000 mile. However, the dealership (not the one I bought it at) had me spend over $800 in unnecessary repairs.Long story made short, I traded in my unreliable deathtrap of a Sentra for a reliable safe Civic.