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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  Fun Little Car - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Jvarmit - January 5 - 10:00 am

  All the fun of a Porsche, or a Z4 without the price tag...and Nissan reliability to boot. I test drove the TT, Z4, RX-8, Boxter S and S2000, and the Z was more fun than all of them. I only wish the interior were a little classier, but thats just not worth the 10K price tag difference for my 2nd place choice (Z4)

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  The man - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Ronald Barometre - January 5 - 10:00 am

  This car is phenomenal!

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  Nothing but problems - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Wazzzup - January 5 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the Armada a month ago. In this short time Ive noticed a constant rattling of the overhead console and cracks in the console which eventually lead to the console breaking loose and hitting my son on the head. The rear hatch locking and automatic opening/closing system sucks. It is constantly beeping on accelerations and over bumpy terrain. The beep is to indicate that the hatch is not closed properly. Ive removed the mats in the event they may be in the way but that doesnt help. The locking mechanism for the center glove box is made of plastic with slight pressure on the handle it pops open so dont leave your valuables inside.

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  sweet, sweet sweet - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By st from wv - January 5 - 10:00 am

  Went to test drive 350Z, great car. Daughter told me that car made no sense and that I always talked about the Titan. Test drove it and fell in love. Fun powerful and comfortable. I went to visit daughter 500 miles away and found that I was much more refeshed than when I use to drive my maxima there. Trip down and back got 17 mpg, half way back found that I had been using 4 and not overdrive. Next trip should get 19 - 20. This driving includes hills of West Virginia and south west Virginia into North Carolina. Added duals with flowmaster and everyone will stop and watch you go by.

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  Nissan Maxima 2004 SE - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By tilo - January 5 - 10:00 am

  Esthetically, the Nissan Maxima 2004 SE is very nice inside and outside. It handles nicely and is pleasant to drive most of the time. However, sudden acceleration produces a tremendous amount of torque steer which drags the car to one side and wheel vibration can be pronounced around 50-60 mph. A bulletin is available to address the steering wheel vibrations problem by doing a road force variation procedure which most likely owners will have to pay for every time new tires are required. I am disappointed with this vibration issue which in my opinion is the result of a bad design.

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  Absolutely love this vehicle! - 2010 Nissan Murano
  By avmnsww - January 5 - 8:39 am

  After many weeks of research & test drives, I purchased a 2010 Murano SL with leather, moonroof, bluetooth, ipod, upgraded Bose stereo, Homelink, backup camera. I researched and drove: Honda CRV, Subaru Outback; Subaru Forester; Volvo XC60; Volvo XC90; VW Tiguan, Kia Sorento and (but didnt drive) Audi Q5, Rav4, so a very broad spectrum. The is by far the best value: more luxurious than Subaru, Honda, Rav4 and Kia; more for the money than Volvo and Audi; more space than a Tiguan; same or more power than most; same or better mpg than most. Nissan reliability (vs. Audi, Kia & VW). I love this vehicle and highly recommend it!

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  MAXIMA 3.5SL in touch with todays Driver - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By D.R. - January 4 - 3:20 pm

  A terrific car full of class and power and perfomance! This vehicle is not for everyone,but if you are a driving pro then you will love this car.IT also has roominess and options galore.

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  My two cents - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Jennifer - January 4 - 3:20 pm

  I think the Altima is a good quality product and you get a lot of car for the money; however, I have some issues with it. Most importantly, the exterior of the car crinkles very easily (per auto body mechanic). I had a plastic empty shopping car 3 inches away from the car. It rolled into my car and made a ding. I hope I never get into an accident! I also had a problem with my TPMS light malfunctioning. Also, there is a terrible blind spot when you back up from parking spaces. My sister-in-law has the same problem with her Altima. Its either the back of the car is too high or its the fact there isnt a good visual field from inside the car. not enough window. Very dangerous.

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  Love it! - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Amanda - January 4 - 1:36 pm

  Ive had the Sentra for about a month now and I absolutely love it! The car drives so smooth and quiet and the gas mileage averages about 28 with stop and go city traffic, but I expect that to improve b/c the car is still so new. The car is surprisingly large inside and the seats are very comfy. Compared to the other cars in its class you get a lot more style and features for your money. The base civic and mazda3 dont even have power windows/doorlocks or AC! Definitely no regrets here!

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  Excellent import 1/2 ton pick up - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By ANTHONY LOZA - January 3 - 9:50 pm

  This truck has a lot to offer a tough powerful v8 engine, nice styling inside and out. Its big and bold from the door handles to its frame and spacious interior.