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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  Love My Car! - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By LuvMySE-R - December 18 - 10:23 am

  I bought my SE-R brand-new from the dealer in 2002. I just rolled 50,000 miles on the odometer this morning on my way to work. I have had NO major problems with the car at all. It handles well and still has most of its zip after six and a half years. Most of my 50,000 miles have been city miles, going to and from work, shopping, etc. But I do take it on the highway several times a week and the little thing still has enough power to run with the big boys. The only issues so far have been minor/routine/cosmetic and I have not had to dump any extra money into it at all. Well see what happens now that the extended warranty is up!

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  Great Car! - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By NissanBoy - December 18 - 9:30 am

  This is my third Nissan, which this one is the best by far. It has just what I was looking for comfort with a sporty feel. The 3.5 V6 has amazing power if used with premium gas, but the downside is it only gets about 16 mpg on avg. It also has loads of great luxury features at a cheap price. The quality could be a bit better, but when compared to other midsized sedans its above avg.

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  Good Buy - 1998 Nissan Sentra
  By Stu Man - December 18 - 8:56 am

  No problems in 4 years and 38,000 miles...nock on wood. And I drive it hard.

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  Fun and Sassy - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Ron Egelund - December 18 - 8:36 am

  Although I have not had this vehicle a long time I find it fun and exciting to drive. The performance of the v6 is wonderful. The fit and finish is great. I am a little disappointed with the noise coming into the cabin area from the rear wheels. They could do a better job insulating this area. This is my first Nissan and so far so good.

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  After 2.5 years of driving the Titan - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Bob - December 18 - 6:56 am

  I spent quite a bit of time researching full sized trucks before choosing the Titan. I am not a contractor or towing sort. My two choices ended up being the Titan or Ridgeline. After kicking the tires and test driving, I went with the Titan. Wifey liked the Titan after driving both, which surprised me since the Ridge has the independent suspension and better ride. Roomy, definite power, great sound from the Fosgate and exhaust (if you like that sort of thing), nice amenities with the LE model. Overall, I am pleased with the Titan after 2.5 years and 15k miles.

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  Fun car to drive, Awesome looks - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By dan-d - December 17 - 9:10 pm

  At 60 years old Ive owned and driven many new cars. Driving the cube is like sitting in a chair at home looking out a window. Its so easy to get in and out of and very roomy. The 6 speed is smooth and makes the car feel like it has more then 122 HP. The engine in this car idles so smooth and quiet you have to look at the tach to make sure its still running. Much less wind noise at highway speeds than I expected from a square car, rides much smoother than I expected as well. Has more standard features than you usually find in an entry level car. Takes a little getting used to the absence of road feel (feedback).

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  awesome car! - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By robert - December 17 - 8:56 pm

  i think buying a 2006 nissan 350z was the best idea ever. i mean its so awesome. the acceleration is rocket fast. and the handling is awesome. thanks nissan for making 350z.

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  Reliable at 120,000 miles - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By maxima155 - December 17 - 1:31 pm

  First purchased my certified pre-owned Nissan Maxima in 2008 with 62,000 miles. I currently have over 120,000 miles on the car and is still reliable. The car is not as fun to drive as a BMW 3 series, but has been very affordable to maintain. Most of the repairs I have had done is wear and tear items. Brakes, rotors, exhaust, radiator, tires. Engine and transmission are utterly brilliant. Tip top shape and are extremely quiet. The car does have a few problems: service engine soon light has a faultily sensor, failing speed sensors cause the TCS to come on and off, and the BOSE subwoofer shorts out sometimes. Also, leather rips due to heated seats.

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  gas mileage is terrible - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By ewing20 - December 17 - 2:00 am

  When i first bought this vehicle i didnt do alot of traveling but a few months ago i got promoted and now i travel alot for sales and this is not a traveling suv. The gas mileage is just terrible. Its costing me over $300 dollars a month just to drive it. Thats why im going to trade it in for a subaru. For the gas mileage gains and the fact that the area i live in i still need all wheel drive or 4wd

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  truck necessities - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By lumpdog - December 17 - 2:00 am

  The market for a midsize pickup is extensive. My requirements were 6 cylinders, man trans, 4wd and extended cab with one of those sliding rear windows. To find exactly what you are looking for takes time. I liked the nissan for the clearance it offered off the ground and the supposed good mileage while still havin a little bit of ass to it. So far it performs well on the beach, i did get it stuck (had my cousin pull me out) but that was due to pilot error. It has the necessary power, but mileage is not ideal. ive only had it a couple months so im still finding the ideal gear spots. it tends to be a bit noisy in the low gears though.