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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  My 95 Maxima! - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By AshFromHBG - March 22 - 7:26 pm

  I bought this car about 1 1/2 yrs ago and have had a few issues. I had to replace the alternator a little after buying it which was sort of expected. I replaced some "knock sensor" which was about $450.00 and I now need to replace an EGR solenoid. I know that will be costly as well. I bought the car for $6500.00 and have put much money into it. It is all paid off and now I am having these knock sensor, EGR issues. Also, I need struts. They say the suspension is bad on the car (probably front and back) I would not trade this car for anything else though. I love it. I will need to replace the speakers and the stereo as the Bose CD player died and the speakers are beginning to crack.

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  Decent Car - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Decent Car - March 22 - 6:40 am

  I generally look at a number of things prior to buying a new car. The Versa was the best combination of price and features that I found. The Versa transmission (6 speed) is smooth and easy to use. The final drive ratio should be about 300 rpm lower at 70 mph. I am not sure what possessed Nissan when they designed this. I agree, the center armrest is needed. I ordered one in and added it myself. I am getting mileage from 31 -38. I am a conserative steady drive. Nice car in general, doesnt attract attention.

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  giddy-Up - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By dUdE - March 21 - 10:00 am

  been looking around for a car like this one...my first car was a honda accord ex v6...(which is very common)...i wanted a car that no one really had around the area...and im glad that i went with this choice...my other option was a bmw 328i which i dreamed for...but im happy with my choice right now...it does me good...gives me what i wanted in a vehicle...i bought this vehicle used...its in great condition with 50,000 miles already on it and still rising...

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  Solid Truck! - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By TruckMan123 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  No major complaints, this is a very solid truck, superior build quality for its class and even for luxury SUVS. Excellent power...was looking into a V8 Explorer or a V8 Grand Cherokee, but went with the Pathfinder because it felt just as powerful. I wish I boought the LE.

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  Horrible cloth seats - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By LivBlu - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The cloth seats are the worst ever. They inflict pain and discomfort. Leather package should be available by itself, not forced on top of two other packages.

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  a lot of car for your money - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By tea/jazcam - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Great speed when merging on to the freeway. Hold power when climing 30 percent grade hills. Fits 5 people comfortly. Body style is new and dinamic.

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  For want of a fuse...... - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By teachermom - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This is beyond doubt the safest, most comfortable van our family has owned. We love it. However, the interior light fuse blew within a week, and after replacement, within four days, again!The dealership cannot find the problem. Even the seemingly odd placement of the radio is a safety feature....no leaning over WHATSOEVER is necessary. The design for front-end collision with drop-down engine, tent-folding hood, etc., plus the all-the-way-around airbags has us feeling as safe as possible on the road. Now if we can just get those lights to stay on.......

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  Some Problems But Love My Titan - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By 3riverssouth - March 20 - 10:30 am

  Bought my Titan back in July and have enjoyed it. 2 problems with the Titan so far. 1 - Leak from the A/C drain into the passengers side. Researching this has been a problem since 04 so should not have happened but did. 2 - Water leak from rear window. Took the dealer (Sheehy Nissan, MD) 3xs plus a call to Nissan USA to fix it. All in all no other problems and enjoy driving it. I have added a billet grille, chrome tube steps, tonneau cover and DVD system. Plan on keeping this truck for awhile.

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  Fun To Drive - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By MC Hammer - March 20 - 4:43 am

  Bought this car from another Maxima enthusiast. Have some upgrades. Sway bars on the front and back. 2004 Maxima front brakes which gave it larger rotors. KN intake system. Love the 5 speed. Smokes both front tires for along as I want. Face it, I got a good one!! Cruises nicely at 100 mph and has plenty left. I replaced the front struts and tinted the windows. With proper maintenance this car will last. I did replace 2 coils and a starter but so what. No problem with anything else. I have seen some very expensive repair bills. I believe some of the people need to shop around because they are paying WAY TOO much.

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  Almost 8 years and over 75k miles - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By darmonx - March 19 - 10:41 am

  Never thought Id keep one vehicle for more than four years. Still driving it after almost eight years and still loving it. Just added k&n air filter and upgraded to a magnaflow exhaust which made a significant difference on the daily driving experience (wish Ive done that sooner). Getting 17mpg right now with mixed hwy/city driving. No major engine repairs and still runs pretty smooth. Power conveniences (windows, locks, side mirrors) are all still working. The original CD player system did jam and wont eject at year six so i replaced the whole thing.