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:

• 

  Getting "Cubed" isnt just in geometry - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By RDK - February 15 - 1:56 pm

  I test drove the Soul Sport and the Soul+. There was no comparison with the Cube, The Soul had a choppy ride and was less nimble than the Cube. The Soul looked like every other car. The Cube is comfortable..the rear seat is like a couch/recliner. Nissan used the Maximas foam rubber in all the seats. Controls are easy to use and if you cant see the top 1/4 of the dash (in an earlier review) there is seat height adjustment. I have found minimal road noise at speed. The BEST part of the Cube is the MPG. I have consistently been getting 34-36 mpg combined city/hwy mileage. The engine has a timing chain instead of the rubber ones that need replacing at 60,000 miles. I couldnt be happier!

• 

  Love IT!!!! Favorite Vehicle!!!!!! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Mollie Jolly - February 15 - 9:46 am

  We traded in our Jeep Liberty on our Pathfinder and we could not be happier. We love its roominess (we have 2 small children) and its look. I love it....I would buy it over again in a heart beat.

• 

  Great SUV!! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Jose L. Olivieri - February 15 - 5:00 am

  I fell in love with my 2005 Nissan Pathfinder after a test drive. It has great handling and performance. The only negatives are: it does not have running day lights, auto locks, and the third row is kind of tight for an adult. The Bose stereo system is awesome. The premium and comfort packages include the DVD system. Among all other SUVs after a long search and drive tests, without doubt this is the best!!

• 

  Fully Loaded Mostly Worth It. - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Michael - February 14 - 10:06 am

  Let me first start by saying that this is one of the most fun cars I have had the pleasure of driving. It sucks down the recommended 93 octane like it is a sports car with a big engine. Oh wait, it is a sports car (4-doors) with a good sized engine. The ride is a little stiff but it is supposed to be like that. There are more bells and whistles that I can shake a stick at. If you want luxury, you will get most of the high end items that you would get from the others. If you like to drive, this is a great car!

• 

  XTERRA ROCKS!!! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By BIGHEAD - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE ONLY OWNED MY 2003 XTERRA SC 4X4 FOR ABOUT A MONTH NOW BUT I FEEL THE NEED TO TELL EVERYBODY. THIS IS THE BEST VEHICLE I HAVE EVER DRIVEN AND I COULDNT BE PROUDER TO SAY THAT I AM AN OWNER. THIS VEHICLE RIDES GREAT, HAS ALL THE BELLS AND WHISTLES, AND RUNS LIKE A CHAMP. NISSAN RULES!!!

• 

  Murano Vs Infiniti FX35 - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Undecided - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Im trying to decide whether to go with a loaded Murano SE AWD or the Infiniti FX35...many similarities. Anyone have any views?

• 

  My dream car exceeded expectations - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By alison - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven many different cars & minivans for 20 years. I drove an Altima once and found its handling superior to anything I knew - so when I went to buy my next car I had to try the new model Altima. Now almost two years later I still smile each time I get in it - it was the best decision Ive made in a long time. It still handles crisply, hugs the road on corners, brakes and accelerates responsively, is very roomy and comfortable - while looking and feeling sharp. The interior has maintained like new. This is an excellent car and a delight to drive - all distances and in all weathers. Not a single problem.

• 

  None can compare - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By MaxMan04 - February 14 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 Nissan Maxima SE (5AT) is perhaps the finest sports/luxury sedan ever built. I have always been a huge fan of Maximas since the 1990s and this most recent design is inside and out, Nissans best effort. I find it funny that this site compares it to the Honda Accord and the VW Passat. As if comparing it to the sluggish and horrible-performing Toyota Avalon wasnt enough, the Acoord & the Passat, although priced in the same ballpark, are not even close to being in the same class of vehicle. The Maxima handles better than any vehicle in its class, including the Acura Type-S, and has a bold, new styling that cannot be beaten.

• 

  Best Car - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By MaximumBrian - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive had Toyotas, Acuras, BMWs, Fords, and finally this Nissan. It is hands down the best car Ive ever owned. It is rewarding to drive, roomy, comfortable, frugal, and VERY reliable. Ive had absolutely no problems, and there is hardly any preventative maintence (unlike Hondas and Toyotas). Ive owned Integras and Tercels and this Nissan is actually much cheaper to own and operate then both of those.

• 

  Nissan of Old - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By JasonIL - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Car is awesome, reminds me of the quality of nissan of old. Car rocks, its solid, FAST, and feels like it was built well. This is my 5th new Nissan, and its the best one Ive had. Im really hoping these first impression of quality is lasting..