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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  Lots of Power, Lots of Fun!! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By MSanchez - March 24 - 2:00 am

  This has been the best vehicle purchase I have made. This truck has power to spare! I had no problem in 2 feet of snow, hauling gravel, even just going to town this truck is at the top of the list if you ask me.

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  its all in the details - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By 14u2env - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Overall not satisfied with the 04Z. IÂ’ve owned two Hondas brand new and a Lexus that was pre-owned. The style and engine on the Z is terrific. The details however need more than lots of help. IÂ’ve been to the dealership 3x for defective parts or craftsmanship, plus 3X for regular mnt. itÂ’s only been 3 months. IÂ’m ready for the next round of defective repairs, knocking when breaking, squeaking breaks, and tattooing under the paint + orange peeling. Windshield looks like it was sprayed with pebbles. Fabric is all ready wearing where you get in and out of your vehicle. If youÂ’re a busy person youÂ’ll need to hire someone to keep track of the defective parts.

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  90% BMW @ 50% price - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Xpditor - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Shockingly quick with occasional tugs- of-war with torque steer. My third Maxima (86,90). The 90 was problem free and pristine after 14 years. Depreciation less than $1k/yr. It took a while to get comfortable on trip until I got lumbar right. Dash and console are kinda cheesey. Armrest is flimsy. Lotsa plastic. LCD display has low resolution and monotone. Outdated technology. Gimme a break with the trendy 3 pod and look of aluminum. The grille should be covered around women and children. Its ooogly. Finally a 5 speed auto on the SL. A steal at the price theyre going for. Sprachen sie Japonese? You bet!

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  Wow, Now it has everything. - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By bankersav - March 24 - 2:00 am

  I always thought the Altima was a nice looking car, but felt it had a cheap looking interior. Then I ran into the new 2005 model...the 3.5 ltr (6cyl) engine is now blowing out 250 horses, and has a new interior. I bought the new 3.5 SL (Sweet Luxury). I love sitting at stop lights waiting for some fool to come and race me. Even on the hiway, I drive the speed limit until fools try to pass me on the right...then ZOOM I am gone. The new wheels are a nice touch as well...look a little more like customized wheels. Also the BIG BOY "BOSE" stereo has one of the finest sounds no extra stereo components needed here...it gives off a LIVE sound when you crank it up.

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  Great Car - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Roman - March 23 - 7:03 pm

  I owned another 4 cylinder car and the Versa has way much more power although it has 122 of horsepower. The ride feels great and smooth. It handle well. I consider this car small, economy with a bit of pep to it.

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  Awesome Car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Maxima Fiend - March 23 - 5:36 am

  I have had my maxima for 2 years now and it is one of the best cars I have ever driven. Fast, fun to drive, good handling good mechanics. Very reliable and with my silver color and wax it blinds the other drivers. Put tinted windows on it and it looks AMAZING. Seats are uncomfortable for my parents on long drives and the back seat head room is a little low. Wish Nissan put in bose standard but the sound system is good nonetheless.

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  Love the maxima - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Maximadriver - March 22 - 10:00 am

  After driving a Grand Am for 5 years I decided to break down and buy a new car. I can really say I love the Maxima, it has plenty of power for an automatic transmission driven sedan and despite a few minor problems with paint, it has been extremely reliable for me.

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  Room for Improvement - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By TKH - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Truck has been pretty reliable. Appealing exterior. Interior layout is paractical. Right (passenger side) window rattles terribly, especially with driver side window down. Lost radior light at 45,000 mi. Lost radio volume control at 49,000 mi. Service engine light at 51,000. Diagnostic incomplete, requiring a return trip.

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  Grrrrreat Van! - 2002 Nissan Quest
  By Driver1898 - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Great van. No doubt.

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  I Love this car - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Streetmax1 - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Im 17 years old, and im lucky enough to have this as my first car. This car is fast, sporty, while not sacrificing comfort, and luxury. I would buy a new one in a heartbeat. This car has never broken down on me, and i dont see it happening within the next 5 years. Nissan makes an awesome sport sedan, and the quality is unbelievable!