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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  MAXIMA stands for MAX POWER - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By MAX X DEX - July 5 - 10:00 am

  It is a pretty good car except the suspension is the only thing (rear end) I dont like. hard hydrolics are good, its like M3. fuel efficient. timing chain. so you font have to worry about that. AND whenever you have a car, dont try to save money on cheap parts. I only buy original, in a longer term it pays off, cause original parts are very efficient and last a lot longer.

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  Love the Nissan Spec V - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Tattude - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I have over 30,000 miles on the car and its only a little over a year old. I love to drive this car. Ive done every engine mod including taking out the balance shafts and grounding the knock sensor and Ive NEVER had to take it into the shop/dealership. I still have a smile on my face everytime I get in this car. Great gas mileage and REALLY fun to drive. I highly recommend this car to everyone young and old. LJ

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  The best vehicle I have ever owned. - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By CarAttorney - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving vehicles for about 25 years now, road test many new ones though the years at the dealer and owned many--this Frontier truck is the best I have driven or owned. I got it new and put on about 65K so far-- flawless--maintenance only so far. Fun to drive, easy to handle, looks nice, lots of utility and easy on the wallet. I have been looking to get another vehicle for a year or so, just because I get board and want something new, but you cannot find a better handling vehicle of any manufacturer at any price below 35K. I have driven the Toyotas, Hondas, Dodges, Fords and none compare. Just an incredible great truck.

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  Nice SUV - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By edjkc - July 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SUV. After looking at several different models, I decided on the Xterra. One of the biggest selling points to me was its off road capabilities (getting up in mountains during ski season can be quite a challenge in a small sedan). The gas mileage could be improved, but so far I am averaging 18.5-19 between city and highway driving. Not to bad, but could be better. Have read several reports on wind noise, but you must realize that whenever you add a rack on top of a vehicle the size of the X, its going to make some noise. Had a ski rack on top of a Ford Focus - talk about noise!!!!! All in all, I love this SUV.

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  Too big for you? - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Redgray - July 5 - 10:00 am

  While I think the car is great looking, after driving it three months, Im beginning to have my doubts. Driver comfort is the biggest complaint. I find the front seats to be too wide--so that I cant have an arm on the console and an arm on the door at the same time. Because the seats so wide, and with leather, as I drive around curves or corners, I slide side to side in the seat, constantly readjusting my hands on the wheel. Its not a restful ride because of all the readjusting. And, for those of us not 6 ft tall, the armrest doesnt move forward far enough to rest an elbow while holding the wheel.

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  Out of the box of lookalike SUVs - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Psyched - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Its been said that this is the "Z" of SUVs, and I think Id have to agree with that. My FWD SE handles great, stops remarkably quickly, and is seamless in its acceleration. The cabin is comfortable and stylish.

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  Won me Over! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Deanna & Steve - July 5 - 10:00 am

  As someone who was on the waiting list for a Toyota Sienna, I was a hard sell on the new Quest. But after taking a look at the new "not your typical" minivan styling and comparing features/price/performance purchased the new Quest right away. Definately worth a look if youre in the market for a minivan (and even a great alternative to an SUV for space and better comfort).

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  Okay drive, but dont get too excited. - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By codfish78 - July 4 - 10:23 pm

  I purchased this vehicle last summer during the CASH FOR CLUNKERS program. No problem at all so far. With the $4500 discount, $150 additional discount for scrap value, plus the dealers free destination fee, I paid $5340 plus tax for the basic model. Mine is dark metallic blue with a charcoal interior. I think it looks pretty sharp. The car does all the basics well, but I wouldnt want this to be my only vehicle. I am 6 4" tall and weigh over 300lbs. and I fit into this car easily. In fact, I find it quite comfortable. If I had to pay sticker price, I would have gone elsewhere. However, for the price I paid, I think this car is quite decent. See my specific likes/dislikes below.

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  Solid car, great performance - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By theargosy - July 4 - 4:53 pm

  Ive only had this car a matter of days, but my wife has one so I have a better idea of what it is and what it can do. Its a sporty family car with lots of power and conservative styling and functionality. Its got very good overall performance with acceleration a prominent feature. My wifes 2000 has been very reliable through 109,000 miles.

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  Great SUV - 2010 Nissan Pathfinder
  By chris - July 4 - 12:43 pm

  Im really glad I decided on the Pathfinder. I looked at the Explorer, 4Runner, and Pilot, however the Pathfinder suited me best. It was nicely equipped and has lots of power. The ride is firmer than the explorer and the 2nd row has less room, however my teenage boys say they have plenty of room. The gas mileage is on par with other SUVs of this size, but you are recommended to use premium gasoline. The keyless operation has taken some getting used to. Overall, I am very pleased with the purchase.