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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  2005 Nissan Maxima SE - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By richard varner - March 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my second maxima since 1996. The reliability, style, and performance make this vehicle a must have. There is just no comparison to the other cars in this class. When you rate all of the features as well as price this car is the definite choice.

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  PROBLEMS - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By MAV - March 13 - 10:00 am

  I have had nothing but problems with my 350z. Ive been through 2 transmissions now in only 10,000 miles. I have also had problems with my windows and my stereo. My z has been in the shop for 4weeks out of the 6 months Ive owned it.

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  LOVING IT MORE AND MORE EVERYDAY! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By CARLOS - March 13 - 10:00 am

  WHEN I WAS 16 HAD A 2001 ALTIMA SE, GREAT CAR!!! I WANTED A V6 SO IN JAN. 2004 AFTER I TURNED 18 I BOUGHT A 2003 MAXIMA SE. W/TITANIUM ED. PKGE AND LTHR INT. 1 MONTH LATER AND WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE THAT NISSAN WAS GOING TO DO THIS...THE REDESIGNED 2005 ALTIMA 3.5SE IS LAUNCHED. I COULD NOT TRADE IN MY MAXIMA AFTER HAVING IT FOR ONLY 1 MONTH SO AFTER WAITING FOR OVER 8 MONTHS, LAST WEEK, I WENT AND TRADED IN BOTH MY 2001 ALTIMA AND 2003 MAXIMA FOR A 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA 3.5SE. I DID NOT NEED A CO-SIGNER!!! I GOT THE SATIN WHITE WITH THE CHARCOAL LEATHER... EVERTHING EXCEPT NAVIGATION SYSTEM. MY MAXIMA WAS AUTOMATIC SO I DECIDED TO TRY A 5-SPEED MANUAL.

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  Love this car - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By chuckindb - March 13 - 9:00 am

  Bought this car new in Feb 07 and have had only one minor problem. The brakes squeak when I first drive it in the morning, but goes away after the first 5 or so miles. Test drove the Camry first and then the Altima. Hands down the Altima was a better car. All in all great car.

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  Safety First! - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Michael Richardson - March 12 - 8:30 pm

  I was not sure that I was going to actually make the purchase of my Murano. Yet while taking it for a test drive and to show it to my wife I was rear ended. Only a few scratches were on the bumper and one quarter sized dent on the tailgate. However the other driver was in a Isuzu Rodeo and had major damage done to the vehicle to the extent that it could not be driven. I still to the Murano and showed it to my wife with damage and all and explained what had happened. (My wife also drives a Isuzu Rodeo) Needless to say on returning to the dealership I picked out another Murano the just had come in that morning an immediately made the purchase thinking safety first.

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  Tough Rig! - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By hobosix - March 12 - 2:31 pm

  We bought our 2002 Xterra SE (4x4) new in 2002. So far we have logged 150k on it and outside of normal maintenance, the only thing we have had to replace was a O2 sensor. This little rig has been an absolute joy to own/drive. To say it was "Over Built" is absolutely correct. Built with the same transmission used in European 3/4 ton trucks as well as the rigid frame under it makes it as tough as youll need. I will not hesitate to drive this vehicle on to the 200K mark. Well done Nissan.

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  hits and misses - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By newnissanbuyer - March 11 - 11:30 pm

  the 2005 pathfinder is great to drive and looks fantastic. you can really feel the power of the engine. the interior is also fairly comfortable with lots of space. having said that, there are some things I need to address. the glovebox does not shut properly and I need to take it back to the dealer to get it fixed. there is also an annoying rattle in the dashboard that comes and goes. there are also odd little creaks and sounds coming from the car which makes me really question the quality of the build. would this happen with a honda or a toyota?

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  3Months - Not Raving but - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By grif_57 - March 11 - 10:26 pm

  Second Review here. After 3500 miles. Here is how we feel about the car. Its very smooth. Period. The CVT is not bad to drive once you get used to pushing the throttle and letting it do its thing. I have had zero problems. Everything is working like day 1. Now a few suggestions. The arm rest stinks and the seat is a little soft but I like the height adjustment. Averaging over 30mpg, but I expected more. The readout on the dash is about 1.5 mpg optimistic. Got better with my VW Passat. The electric power steering feels a little soft. Overall I would still recommend this car.

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  Great Truck - 1999 Nissan Frontier
  By woodworker76 - March 11 - 9:46 pm

  I have had my Frontier for about 1 1/2 months. I love it. The 4WD is dependable and very stable. I have had it in a very soupy cornfield near my house and it pulled out with no problems. The gas mileage leaves something to be desired. I get about 18 mpg on the highway. It is comfortable on short trips, however it is a bit short for my 6 foot frame. The engine is strong and reliable. Nice truck!!!

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  Great car - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Jason - March 11 - 4:53 am

  I have owned about 20 cars in the past 15 years and the 2005 Nissan Maxima is by far the best car I have ever had the pleasure to drive