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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  awesome - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By kmrfgs - April 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Nissan, when I first saw the Maxima I knew it was for me. Driving is an experience,smooth & confortable and yes she MOVES!!!

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  06 NISSAN MAXIMA SL EXCLLENT - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Michael Schroll - April 5 - 8:36 am

  Weve put nearly 10000 miles on this car after buy it used. Fast sporty handling solid structor and good looking are the that best describe it. Combined with room for are family and Nissan reliablity. Id buy another.

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  Even more reliable than I am. - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Cee.PerezGo - April 5 - 7:23 am

  This car has gotten me through thick and thin. I have been careless at times not changing the oil regularly but even so... its still charging forward. I love to give her all shes got especially in parking lots, I feel like Im flying a plane. Ive had to replace the exhaust a couple of times as it rusts through as well as the runners. I have an oil leak in the engine but its still going strong. A check engine light showed up about a week ago but my mechanic said its nothing just a sensor near the fuel system. Its nothing important just related to the emissions. Otherwise a magnificent vehicle. Very comfortable as people always tend to fall asleep when theyre driving with me.

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  My overall opinion of the 2006 350z - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Terrence - April 5 - 12:46 am

  The 2006 Touring edition is far better than the 2003 i owned. This vehicle handles very well in corners as well as rapid acceleration in 3rd and 4th gear. The transmission or clutch is a lot less jerky than the 2003 model. Its a smoother ride when shifting. This car rolls extremely well at speeds above 120mph. You wouldnt believe the speed you are going. Its a quiet ride at that speed. This is an awesome sports car.

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  Wheres the oil going? - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By haschal vaughan - April 5 - 12:00 am

  Was alerted shortly after purchase that the car had a heavy oil consumption by Nissan. I personally think they knew all along. Was told to keep receipts for reimbursement. (on oil) Wish i had known would have purchased a Honda ! They say they will come up possibly in 60 days with a fix. I dont have the slightest idea where the oil is going i checked underneath and tail pipes. I am a very dissatisfied customer! i have just 500 miles on it and already the oil level has dropped a little.

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  Do not Buy !! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Big T - April 4 - 7:23 pm

  Got mine used and already replaced the cataytic converter for $500. Plus the car burns oil. Just a poor job by nissan. Wouldnt advise anyone to buy one.

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  A great compact - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By patriot1987 - April 4 - 5:26 pm

  So last week I traded in my Chrysler Sebring convertible, and I am absolutely satisfied with the Versa. I wanted to trade the convertible for a more family oriented car. I wanted a car with good gas mileage, and at 35 highway without being a hybrid this car gets great MPG. I wanted a safer car, and the Versa has great saftey features. It is VERY room on the inside, trunk space is generous. Car has a smooth, quiet ride. For a 4 cylinder sedan it has some pick and go, it also handles the turns well. The A/C and heater are great. The sound System is great. My wife and I are completely satisfied.

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  Strong SUV Nissan Quality - 2010 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Strong V6 / Off Road - April 4 - 2:56 pm

  Ive had this SUV for couple of months now and so far no problems what so ever. Been off roading several times and matched performance those from Xterra and FJ cruisers. Plenty of power to TOW, because of durable and reliable v6. Really quiet on the highway.

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  More power and luxury for less! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Suzie - April 4 - 7:43 am

  I was very surprised at the quality interior and space this car has to offer. The exterior has beautiful clean lines. I had a 2002 echo w/manual transmission before I bought this car. I definitely noticed the difference in horse power. I think this car has only 14 to 17 more horsepower, but you can feel it. This would definitely be a plus to the yariss or fits 108ish horse power. On the down side, my echo got an average of about 37 mpg. This doesnt hit that mark. Youre giving up some economy as far as gas is concerned for greater luxury and power over the fit and especially the yaris.

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  4 vs 6 - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By James - April 3 - 9:30 pm

  When I test drove the 2.5L/4 I found the vehicle nimble and quick at low speeds but requiring some time to wind-up at faster speeds in order to pass/merge. The 3.5L/6 on the other hand was like a rocket that I had to keep tied down. It was almost annoying driving in the city because the bloody car just wanted to blast off! It absolutely hated stop and go traffic and red lights! The 3.5L was a noticably heavier vehicle and had a lot of brake lurch. Again, the 3.5L hated stop and go traffic but on the highway it was a dream. Too bad the car drank so much gas! I opted for the 2.5L because of this plus the $6000 less in price. No seat issues.