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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  Sporty, Sporty and Fun! - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By jenny - November 17 - 4:50 pm

  I started shopping for a new vehicle the beginning of last year. Not one to make hasty decisions, I did my homework and finally settled on the XTerra months later. Man, am I happy I made the choice to buy this car!! The X is sporty, reliable and a blast to drive! I live on a dirt road that floods after rain and ruts out through the summer. The X rolls through both puddles and ditches without any problem. The ride is a little bumpy. Thats what you get when you buy an off road vehicle. My car easily holds all my supplies for work, play, and most importantly my 105 lb.dog.

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  A Fun Car - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Marg Hellenberger - November 17 - 9:40 am

  This SUV is a great vehicle. It combines the off-road ability and the comfort that my family needs when we go camping. We had looked at the BMWs Lexus and Acuras and had found them more aimed toward on road than off road. This car has been totaly redesigned for the 2005 year and it is a must see.

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  Soccer mom mobile - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By Barry - November 17 - 1:50 am

  Nice exterior. Love the comfort of the second row seats and the way they fold down onto the floor. Love the ceiling skylights for the back passengers. Two DVD screens are a great feature. Gas mileage is OK considering a large vehicle.

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  2004 nissan maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By mark balemian - November 17 - 12:23 am

  the original tires goodyear went bad after 2 years and 40,000 miles the tires split on the inner and outer treadwalls

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  Great car, but know your options - 2016 Nissan 370Z
  By uncle_ruckus - November 16 - 6:06 pm

  I wish Id done more research on this car before buying but.. Ride comfort and road noise is tolerable but dont be surprised if others complain about it. Unless youre pulling some Fast and Furious **** or tracking the car, the base model has ample power. This car is a serious looker and is a lot more uncommon than the new Mustangs, 5th gen Camaros or whatever other RWD 2 door sports coupe youre comparing it to. Just know that there are other options present/will be present, especially at similar and lower prices. The new Mustang has been out for a bit, the 6th gen Camaro is coming, there are rumors of a new Genesis Coupe and Dodge Challenger as well as a new 370z in the next few years.

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  Xterra 4X4 - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By Myxterra4x4 - November 16 - 10:00 am

  The nissan Xterra is a good truck. The only thing I dont like about it is the gas. It uses alot of gas but over all the Xterra is a cool truck to have. i love mine and if somthing happen to it i would probley get another one

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  Dump the vans, try a Murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By JFELT - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Two days old today, and we cant stop driving this Murano. Dealership did a good job, we stressed over buying a Pilot or Murano, and went for the available (better) vehicle. When is Honda going to learn?

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  Probably the best vehicle out there - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Aditya,Shah - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I would never have bought an suv but the transmission, the ride & vehicle itself made me fall in love instantly. I have never questioned nissans reliability & more than anything just the strong but gentle feel of the vehicle made me weak to my knees. I would definately recommend this vehicle to any car & suv buyer as the best out there & im proud of myself as i saved 15000$ as i nearly bought a Lexus 330 till someone drove up in that dealership with the murano. call it destiny call it love at first sight but dont forget to wave when you see my pewter murano cruising down the road & it says i love my nissan

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  Great Car for Money - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By lohms - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Just recently purchased 2003 2.5 SL. Initial impressions are great value for the money. Lots of extras, great outside styling, nice leather, great bose stereo. The interior is a little on the cheap side, but the leather and stereo make up for it. Overall, great value for the money. I may be nit picking on the interior quality as Im the only one who has noticed out of everyone Ive shown the car to. The 2.5 is a decent engine, not quite like the 2002 Maxima I traded in but I didnt expect it. I went for fuel economy and think I got it. I definately recommend this car.

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  Thank You Lexus! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Yazoo - November 16 - 10:00 am

  If it were not for the Lexus GS series cars, this new Maxima design would not have happened. Its about time Nissan got rid of that solid rear axle... what a waste it was, this new car has a great new rear ind. suspension. My wife wanted the car... Nissan needs to try to apply what VW uses to ELIMINATE the torque steer! Wow... way too much for me... plus the NEW grill with that buck-tooth center is very ugly... reminds me of the 70s Oldsmobiles... The fake suede is getting dirty already... and the plastic interior door handles are already taking a beating from the kids.. hope they last beyond 2 years! Love the Nav... LOVE the engine...