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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  I LOVE my 2002 Xterra! - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By wonder_woman - October 25 - 8:28 pm

  I love my xterra! I would fully recommend this suv to anyone. I bought mine used in 2012 with 140k miles on it (highway miles). I have put over 10,000 on it since and were still going strong. When I purchased the vehicle I had it tuned up and old hoses replaced, but only because I was unsure of how long how it had been since it was serviced, since it was pre-owned. The only thing I could complain about is the poor gas mileage that comes with driving any SUV; however, it gets better gas mileage than most other SUVs ive driven. Over all I am happy with my xterras performance and would fully recommend it to anyone!

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  This car saved my LIFE!!!! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By micks maximan - October 25 - 4:43 am

  The car is fun to drive and easy to handle. I have had this car for almost [?] when I was involved in a wreck. A car traveling in the opposite direction spun out of control and hit my nearly new Maxima in the front right, deploying airbags and spreading car parts everywhere. After sliding a good 100 feet on my rims I was struck again from behind by a second car. All the safety features work as designed! Unfortunately, my 2005 Maxima is totaled but I am not!!

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  Fun to drive - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By c.win - October 25 - 4:10 am

  This is the fourth Nissan we have owned. I like the style, AWD, and reliability. I wanted a car that was good in the snow as I drive a long way to work. It proved itself one morning in a snowstorm. Nice traction and riding when slippery. Good on gas too.

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  gamers - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By jame729829093 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  i liked it because it was comfotable and it had a lot of space

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  Maxima SE - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By steve - October 24 - 9:53 am

  I looked at just about every entry level luxury car there was out there. 328xi, lexus 350, infiniti g35, saab 9.3, audi a4, mercedes c300. All had the same thing in common, did not offer anything more than the Maxima except AWD, most looked nearly identical! All the same features for less money. I cannot see why people would pay thousands more for a car that is so close to the Maxima. I am a former Cadillac, Lincoln and BMW owner. I chose the SE, this is more sporty without the wood accent. This is an entry luxury car without the price tag. Without the name plate either but I can say one statement. I saw all the other cars and could have bought them instead, I love my new Maxima.

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  Excellent Highway Performance - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By R. Gray - October 24 - 3:39 am

  Smooth, powerful highway performance, but terrible in confined areas. The vehicle has the turning radius of an aircraft carrier. For congested parking lots and tight narrow spaces this is the worst vehicle I have every driven--including but not limited to a pickup truck-- and should be avoided. If you drive in the wide open spaces of the highway system, this vehicle will delivery power, comfort, and very good mileage. Mechanically, this vehicle has required only routine maintenance for my 8+ years of ownership.

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  SUPER TRUCK - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By MEL PARAS - October 23 - 4:36 pm

  The truck runs very well. Great Power and comfort , it has been reliable and very fun to drive! I love the fender flares and the Front bars, side bars and luggage rack , makes truck look and feel rugged. Im a very Proud owner of my first Nissan Truck. I love my purchase and recommend this truck to anyone looking for style comfort and reliable truck that has kept me happy the past 5 years of ownership. Ive only had oil changes and a new air /gas filter installed the past 5 years of ownership.

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  Liked it better than the Corolla - 2011 Nissan Sentra
  By drivedrove - October 23 - 3:19 pm

  I recently drove a Sentra and a Corolla back to back, for a week each, and I prefer the Sentra. You ride up higher in the Sentra, and the cabin feels roomier. The CVT has plenty of power to get up to speed and pass on the highway and feels smooth and responsive. The cabin is quiet going around town, but fairly noisy on the highway, and opening the trunk seems awkward. Overall, though, I was impressed.

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  4x4ing Skills - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By 4x4ing in NV - October 23 - 1:00 pm

  I have 10000+ miles on my 01 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab 4x4 Off Road SEV6 now and darn near 2000 miles have been off road. This truck is extremely capable and agile when you equip it with proper off road tires and increase the clearance of the front suspension. With the 16” stock equipped rims, ground clearance is not a problem. 175hp in this truck is plenty to get me up any obstacles that I’ve come across and with some minor upgrade engine performance parts available, this will only get better. Ive driven completely around Mt. Charleston in Nevada and been thru trails that a comparable Ford Ranger 4x4 Off Road couldn’t (and wouldn’t) do.

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  Consumers Dream - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Gary Hooper - October 23 - 8:20 am

  Love to drive this vehicle. First new truck Ive ever had and Im 50. I live in a rural area with dirt roads and you cant tell where the dirt ends and the pavement begins. Ive taken it through thick mud and water with no problem in handling. The 4 speed automatic transmission shifts without you even noticing. Ive filled the bed with bricks and lumber and it still handles like it was empty. This truck was made for Home Depot runs. I love the interior. I have never seen an interior fabric like this. Excellant! I think my next truck will be a Nissan if this one ever wares out.