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:

• 

  Great reliable car - 2001 Nissan Quest
  By Pauline - May 31 - 2:10 pm

  Have not had any mechanical problems with this car. It runs quiet and the paint job is very good no rust. The kids love the Audio center. I am buying a new Nissan Van.

• 

  Sweet Car! - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By dom52 - May 31 - 10:18 am

  The car i got my license in, well where to begin. Its been and still is a reliable, fun car to drive. Oil changes are super easy to do, all you have to do is turn the wheel all the way to the right and you have access to the plug and filter without lifting the car. The car is at about 275,000 miles and counting, and show no signs of failing anytime soon. The only thing that went bad on this car was the alternator(not a big deal). Other than that I highly recommend this car.

• 

  lacking quality that it should not be - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By amcunn - May 31 - 3:16 am

  I bought this car brand new in 2002. I have had issues with the quality of exterior since day one. I had excessive wind noise on the dirver side come to find window stripping done incorrectly and now the door creaks when opening & closing. Door to gas tank, the hinge bent and the door has never worked properly and the dealer could have cared less. Brakes began squealing around 20,000 and have not stopped despite changing brake pads. Very disappointed with the quality of my first Nissan and I will go back to Honda for my next car.

• 

  Quality issues - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Driver - May 30 - 10:20 pm

  Bought this car and it did fine for a while. Then problems started occurring. Read online about symptoms and found TSBs about all of the problems. Transmission had to be replaced and coils went out, thankfully during the warranty. Does fine today, except for a few things. The SES light is always lit for evap problems. It rattles so bad, that you cant even attempt to fix it. The Bose system is terrible.

• 

  Luven My Tuscan My Maxi - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By swtnblk - May 30 - 5:50 pm

  Im so blown away by this car. The speed is amazing, the Bose system is awesome. Got my windows tinted and man it really brings the Tuscan Sun out. I love the change in the shape of the Maxima. The tail end looks like it has hips, like me. The car is very comfortable its the seats hug you.I love so much about this car. GOOO Maxi we make heads turn

• 

  Why did they change to a CrossOver? - 2011 Nissan Pathfinder
  By ihatexovers - May 30 - 2:17 pm

  Id write several paragraphs but I dont have a lot of space...so here goes.....I LOVE THIS TRUCK! Ive had it for three years and hate to turn it in in April @ the end of its lease with over 100K miles on it. Its reliable, fun, a work horse and economical. How can that be? I drive almost a tank full of gas each day with my job. I spend more time in it each day than my bed! Ive seen it through all weather conditions and even terrain. Ive NEVER had a vehicle that performs as well in all environments! If you think this truck drives too much like a truck...then youve probably never owned a real truck before it...and you probably had yuckie cars as well. I will hate to see my truck go but...

• 

  Fast, Fun Car - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By glotzbpa - May 30 - 1:06 pm

  I bought this car instead of a 350Z. Wanted something fun to drive that was practical. The engine is every bit as strong, and the suspension is nicely tuned.

• 

  Great!...not near the issues others have had. - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By wtgkb8 - May 30 - 6:58 am

  Bought the car with 5 mi in late 2007 for $6k off MSRP. Have only replaced RR wheel bearing at~68k miles(under my warranty). Other items have only been normal wear items such as battery. Have only done regular maint. at home, with the exception of the trans maint. at dealer at around 60k miles. I could have not asked for any better car regarding reliability. Run purely 91-93 oct. fuel, and get 18-20 city, 25-28 hwy mpg since day one! I was skeptical with the CVT at first, but I dont think I can go back to a regular auto ever again! Throttle response is immediate, and the car learns your driving style regarding to trans and throttle reactions. Ready for 2012-13 model to add to or replace.

• 

  Recommend - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By freddy - May 30 - 2:13 am

  4 years 50,000 miles later fast, fun, easy to drive. front seats are spacious and comfortable. very smooth ride.

• 

  King of the Road - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Ross - May 29 - 10:53 pm

  Once I saw this car I knew I HAD to have it. Its affordable, gorgeous and my number one priority...FAST! If you want to turn heads, have fun and receive compliments on your car...the 350z is the car for you. This is my first two-seater, and the trunk is very cramped however passenger space is sufficient. The interior is pleasant, however not luxury. But the performance and exterior styling makes up for any shortfalls this car may have.