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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  satisfied customer - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By demore - November 12 - 12:33 pm

  I drive approximately 2000/month all over the state of PA and am intending to drive Maxima to Florida in Jan. I have had no problems. This is my third Maxima. I always get it loaded with options, especially the sunroof.

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  142000 miles what to look for - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By wfcoalrun - November 12 - 7:23 am

  I bought this truck new. No problems until about 130000 mi. Tachometer works when it wants now. Timing chain guides wore out @130K, bent all the intake valves, fixed myself. Still a daily driver to work, has 144K on it now. Cannot get it to quit coding P1706 (park nuetral position switch on 5-speed manual). Dealer says to replace wiring harness, might solve problem. Truck has been good, so I bought a 2007 and drive 98 to work daily.

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  Easy to own - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By truck_guy - November 12 - 2:26 am

  Great truck with lots of power in the automatic v-6. No problems whatsoever, just changing oil and everything else continues to work fine. I never have to worry about the truck not working right. A very easy to own vehicle, and comfortable to drive.

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  The 2008 is GREAT! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Katrina L. Williams - November 12 - 2:07 am

  I brought this car brand new in 2008. I have Loved this body style of car since it first launched!! Having been a 4 cylinder girl most of my life, I wanted something with a little KICK, so I opted for the 3.5 SL. Black heated leather seats, Sunroof, 6 Disc Bose stereo, the works for that year. I have fallen in love with this vehicle time and time again. The take off is phenomenal and year to date, ive only had to replace brakes, Battery, and tires. I keep the oil changed and keep her exterior clean. Although she is a low-rider she still proves herself to be worthy time and time again. I have never had any issues with the mechanics of the push start, although 7 years later, I am having difficulties with the motor on the windows (to be expected), and for some odd reason the back left passenger door is beginning to hold water when it rains. Other than that she is THE PERFECT VEHICLE. Gas mileage is ok, but Im still loving the CVT transmission. When I first purchased her, she didnt get much play, as she was the second vehicle, but with just over 72,000 miles and daily commutes over 2 hours per day, shes handling Well.

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  Love the quest - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Bluequest - November 11 - 8:33 pm

  We chose this minivan based on safety, reliability and looks. We are very happy with it, and it is great for transporting kids, the dog, stuff, etc. Lots of room for parents to get up and move around if there is a "crisis" in the back seats! We havent had a chance to try it in the snow and ice yet. Hopefully it will do well in that area. We get lots of compliments on the styling and the ride.

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  Fun to drive! - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By ohiodoug - November 11 - 4:41 pm

  I bought this car in the summer of 2009 kind of on a whim. I had been wanting a sports car and it was between this and a Dodge Challenger. Well, with Chrysler bankrupt and Challenger production on hold, I looked into the Z. (As it turns out the Challenger wouldnt have fit in the garage anyway). I have this with the 7 speed auto and paddle shifters, which is almost as fun as a manual. This car is straight out fast and the tires stick like glue! If you dont push it, it actually gets pretty darn good mileage, but its hard to refrain from excess speed. Love the control layout and info screen. Ive had one problem area (see below).

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  Murano - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By George - November 11 - 1:03 pm

  I really enjoing driving my Murano. It is really comfy inside and great outside

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  Love Car - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Love Car - November 11 - 3:00 am

  We just bought this car a few days ago. We found out that we needed a new engine for something the previous owner hit. Nissan was so wonderful they gave us a brand new engine for free under factory warranty. Love Air Controls! Love amount of space, fold down second and third rows, and extremely comfortable!

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  Great truck all the way. - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By My996nomore - November 10 - 9:53 pm

  This is a great truck. Design and features are the best in the industry. The nearest is the new F150, which costs more than the Titan when you option it up, also it is amazing to think this is Nissans first full size pickup. For a first attempt, this is a solid 9 overall. Even mileage is not bad, its a full size truck remember, 15 overall is better then my wifes SUV.

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  excellent - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By roadwarriar - November 10 - 3:56 pm

  Very reliable vehicle, fun to drive, handles easily, comfortable and easy on the gas.