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 Value - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Colin - February 10 - 10:40 pm

  I chose the Frontier after comparing it with the Tacoma. Both looked and drove great, however Toyota couldnt compete in price. I was also impressed with the added hp and sharper interior design. I have been very impressed with the performance, especially the tight handling and impressive git up. I also love the 4wd feature. I am very satisfied with my purchase so far!

• 

  HATE THIS CAR - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Kim - February 10 - 7:13 pm

  The seats are the most uncomfortable I have ever owned. The turning radius is like you are in an 18 wheeler. The gas mileage is a lie, the most we have ever gotten is like 20.9-21, very disappointed. I had a Highlander before and would trade this in a heart beat for another one. It is a good looking car on the outside but that is about all good I can say for it. Will NEVER own another one. Been to 2 dealerships they say nothing is wrong and gas mileage should get better... yeah right!

• 

  Great on gas, but has a few problems - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By SHEILA - February 10 - 6:33 pm

  I purchased my 1997 Nissan Sentra in 1998,overall it has been very reliable. The good: not even the harsh winters of Minnesots have stopped this car from running. Also, you cant beat the gas mileage. The bad: Ive had consistent problems with the windshield wipers not working, and the check engine light coming on. In January 2005, the master cylinder went out. The cost to repair this, plus get new rear brakes was over $1,000. This has been the only major repair Ive needed, but I am wondering if this is the beginning of the end for this car-which still has less than 100,000 miles on it. One warning, this is a tiny car. My significant other, at 6" 4looks like a circus clown trying to fold his frame into the passenger seat.

• 

  Just Awesome - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Murano_Man - February 10 - 11:20 am

  Purchased the Nissan Murano after looking at lots of other Crossovers. Almost got the SL with the 360 package, but am so happy I got the LE. I previously drove a 99 Nissan Altima and never had a problem with it, so another Nissan was a big draw for me. The only issue I had was with the XMradio. Some wiring issue prevented XM from showing up. It took the dealer a while to figure it out. Works like a charm now.

• 

  Most things to like; some to not - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By flyer10 - February 10 - 7:08 am

  I traded an 06 Maxima SE for the 11 S. I love the styling, inside and out. Very classy in black. Power is great, although there is some torque steer. Comfort is great, and the inside controls are much more user friendly than on the 06. Trunk space is less, which could be an issue. The radio is much better quality than the 06. Its fun to drive, and it handles well. Now for what I dont like. Under heavy acceleration the engine is very noisy, almost irritatingly so. Also, there is significant wind noise starting about 40 mph on up. The ride isnt as smooth as my 06 either. Maybe its the Goodyear Eagles---my other one had Bridgestones. On windy days, the car is buffeted.

• 

  First NIssan - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By trbochrg - February 10 - 1:56 am

  This is our First Nissan, i have been loyal to VW Since 1998 but i needed a vehicle that seated at least 7 and since the Touareg only seats 5, and VW doesnt sell vans here anymore i had to look for an SUV elsewhere ( i dont care for vans much anyways) Weve had the pathfinder for a week and so far we love it, nice and powerful, yet not very fuel efficient (we expected that though) at 16/21 MPG.

• 

  A nice looking lemon - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Anthony - February 9 - 6:43 pm

  I bought this car a year ago because I heard Nissan are good cars sense then I had to replace spark plugs and compact because of vibration, alternator, now radiator is not keeping any water in it, it stalls out when Im at a traffic light. I now have a bad taste in mouth concerning this car and on tire time at a $150.00 a piece

• 

  four door sports car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By martin060 - February 9 - 1:16 pm

  The Maxima is well designed and powerful car

• 

  Bullet Proof - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By N. D. - February 9 - 2:46 am

  I put on a lot of highway miles in the first three years. Had to replace the starter twice, new shocks. Did have a problem with sensor brought on by freezing weather in Tahoe. As a consequence, the engine would cut out while accelerating. It cost $75 to replace the sensor. Only problems in 14 years. Replace oil every 3,000 miles from day one. Odometer now shows 300,175 miles. Still accelerates like day one. Very fast car. Hums at 85 mph. Best car Ive ever owned. My third Maxima. The other two went to 180,000+. Traded one in and totaled the other in an accident.

• 

  great SUV - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Crisco 2 - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Really solid car, quite and relieable.