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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  Solid Value - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By mgvh - February 12 - 7:13 pm

  I like the Trip Info feature. That it is showing me that I am averaging 32.5 mpg over the last 1000+ miles of mixed hwy/town. Car feels very solid. Its no racer, but it has plenty of pep and cruises very nicely at 65 mph. The CVT is very smooth. (The only possible drawback is that it seems not to cruise down hills very well, i.e., the gearing keeps it from using gravity to gain a little speed.) Interior is very nice and is holding up very well and has lots of room. Very impressed with the value for the price.

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  Maxima96 - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Twee - February 12 - 2:20 pm

  I bought my max 06 until now still running great and no problems. I love to drive this car more than my new car. Now 203,500 Miles. Still run like new, And I hope this car with run up tp 500,000.

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  Surprised by quality issue - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By nj_driver - February 12 - 1:12 am

  I recently sold my 03 Maxima and bought the 2012 Altima 3.5. Good looking car on the inside and out. Ive had the car for 3 weeks and have driven 1,050 miles. 2 issues: 1.)According to the MPG information in the dashboard, Im only getting 25.6 miles per gallon. Since 70% of my miles have been on the highway, Im surprised at the low mpg. (my 03 maxima got 32mpg on the highway). 2.) When you first drive the car, it makes a gridning noise when shifting (at about 30 MPH). It only happens during the initial driving. After you pass 30 MPH, the sound doesnt happen again...until you turn the car off, start it again, and drive. The car is currently at the dealer to identify the problem.

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  Initial Impressions Are... WOW! - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Allan - February 12 - 12:50 am

  We recently bought the LE with dual moon-roofs, after owning a Durango for 9 years. When looking at prospective cars, 3 things were imperative... driver side room (I am 66) with plenty of cargo area (3 dogs and kayaks), dependability and mpg. I focused on the Murano, CRV, Pilot and Highlander. Based on research and without test driving, I was fairly certain I would be purchasing a CRV or a Highlander. I ended up test driving the Murano and was sold immediately. It was the most comfortable, spacious, ergonomic and moderately priced when factoring mpg. I originally was thinking the SL model would be my choice. But after driving the LE, I was willing to spend the extra $$$.

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  The best car I have ever owned - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Louis Villarrubia - February 11 - 4:16 am

  The power of the 4 cyl engine is like other 6 cyl. The gas mileage, 29 mpg highway and 23 mpg city with the a/c on, is unbelievable. Its comfortable. The sound system sounds great and the only time its been in the shop was to have a fan belt replaced.

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  Best Z-Car Yet. - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By Greg - February 10 - 9:56 am

  My first car was 72 240z and I had an 83 280ZX. The 370 is the best yet. It is quick and nimble. You rarely have to plan your moves in traffic just look for an open spot and the Z will be there. People complain that the gearshift is "notchy" I am not sure what that means? I find it quick and accurate. People complain about road noise. It is a two seater sports coupe. You expect a little road noise. You might try learning to judge the character of the road surface from the sound. Most of all, this car is just fun to drive. I commute 90 min each way daily. In the Z I actually look forward to the drive. The seats are so comfortable. They actually get more comfortable the longer you sit in them.

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  Oil Burner - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Ryan - February 9 - 4:06 pm

  If youre a real enthusiast and bought a manual, youre probably wondering why your new car is burning oil. Dont ask nissan because they do not know either. The seats are uncomfortable and the transmission makes a lot of rattling noises. I have owned many Nissans and so wanted this, my Z, but this car has left an awful impression on me and would not buy another Z.

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  Dont buy this car - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By nissansucks69 - February 9 - 1:00 pm

  I could review this car if I could actually use it!! I have not been able to use my car since it was broken since the day they gave it to me. Nissan and its laughable excuse for customer service have had my car for over a 3 weeks and I bought it 4 weeks ago. And they still cant fix it. I have asked for a refund or a new car and they just hang up the phone or redirect me to my contract which basically says "hahaha we screw you over". Listen to this precautionary tale - Dont trust Nissan ever.

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  Just what was expected - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Gregg - February 9 - 11:23 am

  Ive found the fit and finish to be good and the mpg to be a consistent 38 overall. Wanted a practical car that offered some style. Am pleased with the car after 5 months on ownership.

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  Most dangerous vehicle on the road - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By lindalebron - February 8 - 6:08 pm

  I have had repeat visits to the dealer to address the problem of hesitation when accelerating, which I am told the service department cannot duplicate, and they cannot fix what they cant find. I have had my car for 26 months and hate driving it on the highways. When I travel to San Diego to visit grandchildren, I rent a vehicle. Am I the only Altima owner experiencing this problem? Now, the transmission is jerking when driving at low speeds. So, the vehicle is back at the dealers shop once again. What a horrible Nissan product!