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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  Look for another van - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By logan19 - January 19 - 12:30 pm

  We got this van because it didnt look like your typical minivan. I should have done more research. First of all I have had to replace both sets of brakes twice with only 52,000 miles. My mechanic told me that they would have to be replaced every 20,000 miles. The van is very heavy. After needing new tires, I found out that Goodyear is the only one who makes this size tire. So I had to buy them. The tire pressure indicator goes off when the outside temp drops below 70 degrees. The dealer tells me there is nothing wrong with it and just resets it. So I am in there within a week doing the same thing. I will never know when I flat tire. I am now looking at the Hondas.

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  I love my Rogue - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Jennifer - January 19 - 10:13 am

  I love my Rogue so much. I waited for a year until my lease was up to get this vehicle. It is my first SUV and I could not be happier. I got all the features that I wanted from the Wicked Black paint to the Leather seats and AWD. It makes me happy every time I get into it and take off down the road.

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  An Amazing Car for the Money - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Speedyvonquick - January 19 - 10:00 am

  Got mine for a steal (right after the 2000 model came out). Better build quality than the 2000+ models. After 72,000 hard miles, this car is still as tight as a drum. Got my Boise stereo replaced under warranty at 25,000 miles but other than that, no problems ever. Funny thing is the more miles I drive it, the faster it gets and the more I like it! Gas mileage has improved too. Best v6 in the world. I expect to drive my SE to 250K miles before any problems.

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  Great Car - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By C2GA - January 19 - 10:00 am

  Great car that has many good qualities.

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  Dale Review - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Dale - January 19 - 7:36 am

  This Maxima has been excellent. Fun to drive and comfortable. Very reliable. Preventative maintenance kept it in very good condition. Only mechanical problem was the brakes which had to be replaced within warranty.

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  Already traded it in - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By Katprielle - January 19 - 3:10 am

  Traded in 99 Altima for 2008 Maxima, loaded w/everything but nav system. I missed my Altima. Battery went out within a year. Not prepared for how low it sat (my fault, its a sports sedan). I scraped the front bumper (visible damage) on the curb of a parking space within a month and had a hard time getting in and out of steep parking lots. The turning radius is horrible and the car is so long that I had a very hard time parking and backing out of tighter spaces. I live in a city where it floods; I kicked myself for two years because the car sits so low I could not really drive in the rain. I traded it in for an AWD Subaru Forrester that sits up high, has great clearance and turns on a dime.

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  Very happy owner - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By db5007 - January 19 - 1:36 am

  I was hesitant to write a review since I feel like Ive stumbled onto a great secret.. however, good work deserves to be recognized. This car drives and feels like a luxury sedan. I purchased the technology package which increased the msrp but I still feel its well worth the price. I am surprised I havent seen more reviews or people talking about this car online. I always wanted a Hybrid, but wasnt a big fan of the Prius or Civics design. For me, the Altima had the whole package.

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  20000 miles - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By pheonixunc - January 19 - 12:57 am

  I traded in Nissan cube for the frog as soon as it came out early October 2010 and put over 20000 miles on it. Since then, it has sufferred from ignited "engine check lights" until recent recall measure from Nissan. Other than that, it is full of lovely features for the price, unique style, great performance and cool fuel economy. Solid handling is very attracting point to me especially on corners even against strong wind. Thank you NISSAN for making 21st century Datsun!!!

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  Loudest SUV of the bunch - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By No more Nissans - January 18 - 6:06 pm

  Liked the styling and price. Owned a 2001 Pathfinder drove 67K trouble free, quiet and solid miles. Sorry I traded it in. Ive had the new Pathfinder 1 day and it is the loudest car weve owned in decades. Engine and road noise are annoying. The car needs more insulation. Sounds like a 4-wheel pick-up. Nissan better hope no one asks our opinion of the new car.

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  Great bang-for-the-buck - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By mf - January 18 - 2:40 pm

  Impressed with the 261HP & 281FT-LBS of the 4.0L V6, even at >6000ft elevation where I live. Excellent quality all-around! VERY spacious in the front of the cab. Mine has "SE Value Pkg" which includes ABLS brakes, bedliner, pwr windows and locks, RKE, cruise-control, and painted aluminum wheels. Its actually a mid-sized truck with a nice, high road-stance. Overall a great truck for the money.