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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  Coops Choice - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By COOPS - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I have waited on this truck for over a year and this truck is everything I hoped it would be. I have only driven a little over 300 miles so far, and it handles great. Acceleration is smooth and very powerful. Heads turn when this truck rolls. Not kidding. Gas mileage is hitting around town at about 15, but expect to get a little better as it gets a few more miles on it. The crew cab has lots of leg room in front and back seat with comfortable seating. The back seats actually have enough recline angle to be comforable. The only problem I forsee is keeping my wife in her Max and out of my truck. I am very satisfied.

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  350Z Review - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Dr. Jones - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Well besides the fact that the car isnt very well in the snow, on regular dry pavement this car is a blast. It handles corners really well and the accelleration is great. Owning other sports cars in the past the seats have never been comfortable on long trips, but the 350Z seat are very comfortable. The rear window is a little difficult to see out of but after a little time you get used to it. All in all, this is just begs to driven more and more.

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  goes like hell - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By dr. eyes - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Backing up is an experience. Goes like hell. Interior has no space. Still goes like hell. Great value for the money.

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  rating the maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By kingkarl - September 16 - 2:00 am

  this car is awsome...it feel like a V- 8! i cannt ask for more!!!!....NISSAN is the best!!!

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  Ricks review - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Rick Balzano - September 16 - 2:00 am

  This car is awesome, the ride is smooth, a very fast car, picks up speed very quickly, I do alot of highway driving so this is good, comfortable ride also, very good choice to buy this car, 1 thing to change would be the display panel for the radio, it fogged up within the 1st month of my purchase and it is on the inside so no way to clean.

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  Do not buy any CVT vehicle. - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Thomas - September 14 - 9:45 pm

  I got this car when it was 49,000 miles and the transmission went bad at 129,000 miles. I found out later that there was a recall on the transmission and could be changed by the dealership when it reaches 120,000 for free. Why are these companies being allowed to sell a vehicle if they are aware that they have transmission problems. I have always liked Nissan for the fact that I placed it along with the likes of Toyota and Honda. I have now changed that and seriously believe Nissan is not even close to these two companies. Please save your money and get something more reliable rather than this lemon and if you have already purchased one I suggest you trade it in. It might look good and be roomy but it is completely not worth it. The Nissan of yesterday is not the same Nissan of today, even the current Ford sedans are above the Nissan sedans.

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  Lemon - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By brian bernier - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive brought my vehicle in for repair 8 times over a 14 month span and still having problems, I am filing a claim under the Connecticut Lemon Law Act. The tires are alreay spent after 15000 miles

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  Need Different Interior!!! - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By tyt - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Its been fun to drive and cool to own the car. I enjoy driving this car daily.

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  2002 Nissan Sentra GXE - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Scott M - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Well I bought this car about 3 months ago and Im very pleased with it so far. I really like the exterior styling opposed to the older sentras. One thing I dont like is the power, I wished it had more. I know there is the Se-r and Se-r spec V but 126hp in isnt a enough for the GXE. The 2000 sentra Se even had around 140hp. I think Nissan should have kept that horse power in the GXE for 2002. But overall its the most reliable car you can get. I would much rather have this car than a 2002 Honda Civic any day. I recomend this car to anyone who is thinking about getting a economical car that isnt over 20,000$

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  Want a fun ride, take it to the MAX - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Mikie/mkaplan - September 14 - 10:00 am

  No car is perfect! ItÂ’s neither the perfect luxury sedan nor sports sedan. Its a car that has the best of both worlds. What a car! A beautiful Fit & Finish; Leather; Heated Seats, Mirrors, Steering Wheel; 6CD Bose Sound; E/C Rearview Mirror; Electric Seats; Sunroof; Key fob that lowers windows; etcÂ… But most of all, those lovely Xenon HID Headlights; seeing is believing. Powerful engine & a tranny that shifts smoothly. The car handles wonderfully & holds the curves great. The Maxima is just a wonderful car.