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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  SER V-Spec - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By ajboi - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Its a blast to drive i upgraded to the brembo brakes and will stop on a dime. The car handles great but is still a compact car which is good for me Im consistantly on the road I travel to several cities around the area but the car can be a lil bouncy on the interstate but i dont mind it too much cause the fun factor makes up for it

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  Best truck Ive ever owned - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Hector313 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Simply put, this is with out a doubt the best truck that I’ve ever owned. I’ve had Toyota (great reliability but kind of underpowered), Dodge (OK reliability but zero fun factor), and a Ford (good looking truck but near 100k… time to break out the check book for the up coming repairs). So far the reliability is what you would expect, perfect. Time will tell the long term reliability though. The best thing about this truck is the drive train. It’s as close to perfect that I’ve found in a truck. HUGE fun factor here. Plus, I get lots of compliments from people especially when I say “It’s a Nissan”.Bottom line, I’d buy another one of these again in second if I had the chance.

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  I love my truck!! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By elser - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Long-legged women will love this truck! I look forward to driving this truck... it is incredible. It handles like a car, has the comfort of a huge sedan and can get thru the toughest off-road circumstances. I recommend it to EVERYONE. My husband is 68" and I am 510" and we are incredibly comfortable in this truck. PLENTY of head and legroom and plenty of room for our little girls car seat in the back! We can easily fit five big adults and one car seat and all be very comfy. I have never loved driving like I do when I am in this truck. -from a very satisfied female Nissan truck owner

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  nukenight - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By nukenight - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Hot car, has pizzazz and great options. 350Z from the drivers seat forward, with rear seat and trunk to boot. Considered an Avalon, but it was just a car. This is the most exciting new car I have ever experienced.

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  midlife crisis prayer answered - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By PaulJ - July 12 - 10:00 am

  as a single father with a child i was looking for a car that would perform enough to satisfy me, yet still have room for a 5 year old and big dog! The 05 maxima answered my prayer. I opted for the SL rather than an SE based onm the simple fact i fell in love with the red color of the one on the lot. It drives as well as my 7 year old supra,is surprising fast when pushed. and still manages to bring a smile to my face when showing it off or pullin gup to a gas pump. the car corners rather well for a large front wheel drive. and has a silky smooth highway ride. only thing, I wish niossan would have put better tires on it.

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  I love my SUV - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Tracy johnson - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Love my SUV I have had from a corvette to a mini van and this nisson is my favorite!!! I love it and is so fun to drive. I have had many compliments and even had people follow me into gas stations to tell me they LOVE my car! I am very happy and would buy it all over again!!! Tracy Johnson

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  07 max review - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By b2stunt - July 11 - 1:13 pm

  I purchased my silver on black SE about two weeks ago. It only has 300 miles but i tested out all my features. The heated seats do not get as warm as my olds aurora, the glove box is kind of small besides that there are no other complaints. Its a great car for the price.

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  One of my Better Decisions - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By mainemarty - July 11 - 2:43 am

  Bought used in 2001 with 41,600 miles on it-have 144000+ on it now without a squeak or rattle. Its a workhorse, but also a funhorse! A rock solid, reliable multitasker that hauls people, boats, kayaks and auction treasures. An enjoyable drive except for the lack of power and a wider-than-expected turning radius. Interior fit and finish is solid. Significant blind spots, though, and deafening wind noise when the moon roof is open - cant hear the radio on the highway! Seat belts drive me nuts - dont retract properly, even after several visits to the dealer. Took off running board tubes - rusted out on the driver side. Small stuff - will keep until it falls apart.

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  Dependable and easy to drive Mini-Van - 2001 Nissan Quest
  By ulvy - July 10 - 6:50 pm

  We bought this mini-van brand new. Normal maintenance is all we really performed on this vehicle. The rear cooling feature is a must as it cools the people in the back seat quickly. I am very happy with this purchase. The engine runs smoothly and quietly even though it has over 100k miles.

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  After over a year of ownership - 2011 Nissan Leaf
  By eniac - July 10 - 1:48 pm

  Ive owned my LEAF for over a year now and have put just over 10,000 miles on it. The car is still really fun to drive and weve enjoyed every single mile. Everything is still tight, no rattles or wind noise. As for operating costs, I had the tires rotated twice (for fre at Discount Tires), annual battery check at the dealership (also free), and I replaced the cabin filter for $11 and had it detailed on its birthday for $60. Other than $342 in electricity to "fuel" it for the entire year, thats my total costs so far.