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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  Maxima continues to rule - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By John - November 1 - 11:33 am

  The 18 inch low profile tires look nice, but are very expensive to replace after hitting potholes. The vehicle has a lot of top end speed but take a little time to accelerate from 60 - 100+. The interior is stylish and controls are easily accessible. The large display screen makes setting radio, clock, maintenace, etc. easy. Would buy it again....

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  10 370 Z best sports car for the money - 2010 Nissan 370Z
  By carla - November 1 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Z. It reminds me of an earlier generation Porsche 911. Its a Touring coupe with Sports Package and Nav package. Tremendous roadability and handling with wonderful manual 6-speed tranny, decent power and beautiful dynamics, +++ fun factor. Its more of an eye-turner than my Porsche Turbo S cab. Only dislike is the exhaust note and slow initial climb to higher RPM.

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  Been Driving now 7 Months. i"d Give 8 Out of 10 - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By Ranjit - November 1 - 2:53 am

  i have been Driving Nissan Murano2016 for over 7months now. Over all is Great, One thing i found Lately is that During Heating, the AC(Heat Air) Air Diffuse only on Right side of Driver, i Feel Cold on my Left Leg when i,m Driving, when i checked it, the Air Diffuse only on left side,nothing on right side,thats why i was Feeling Cold,i will Get some Plastic Flex Pipe and Extend it towards Left Leg. This is Something i didnt like about it, other than this all is Great on this SUV.Love it.

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  Overall Great SUV - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Overall great vehicl - October 31 - 11:56 pm

  I comparison shopped with all the other comparable SUVs and this one just stuck out. It has great interior and exterior looks. The engine is wonderful too. You definitely have to get the premium and comfort package. The bose system is great. The only problems I have are of course, the gas mileage, but I wasnt expecting much anyway. The other is fit and finish. My steering wheel spokes are crooked and just not put together well. These are just little things though. I would definitely buy this vehicle. I bought through carsdirect and got it for almost $1,000 under invoice.

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  Great Car - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By swatson - October 30 - 6:16 pm

  I bought my nissan in 04, having owned a nissan before knew it would be a great buy with 68000 miles on it. Have had to replace starter front cvc joints and front brake pads twice. I am on second battery. This car is wonderful - looks good runs great. But I do not put premium gas in it, just regular and have had no problems and get 27 miles city 30 on highway.

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  ReliableEngine/Trans,thats where it ends - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By dave - October 30 - 1:33 pm

  Bought this car w/118000 on the clock w/out concern about reliability. In the past 3 1/2yrs, the engine and trans. have lived up to expectations (161500). However, Ive had to replace the alternator, 2 oxygen sensors, knock sensor, starter,tie rod, oil pressure switch, belt tensioner, two axles. I know w/this kind of mileage there is an expectation to replace parts, but this seems excessive. Now Im looking at having to replace the front struts and rear bushings. What prevents me from putting this car out to pasture is the engine/trans, quality/look and user friendly interior as well as the leather seats, moon roof and the Bose sound system.

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  Overall Great Package and Value - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Brian - October 30 - 7:56 am

  I got a 3.5SE with leather package, sunroof and spoiler in that killer looking cherry red! Shes absolutely beautiful after a wash and a wax and looks just as pretty as some luxury cars on the road. Having driven american for the last 6 years, it feels great to be in something new, something fun, and RELIABLE!! (Knock on wood - only have 2500 miles. Wifes 97 Maxima has 150K though and still running great.) This car might have 4 doors, but it drives like a coupe. Great handling and awesome acceleration, especially in autostick mode. Design just blows the doors off of American cars and the value is beyond compare as well.

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  Happy buyer - 2015 Nissan Versa Note
  By frankevich - October 30 - 4:03 am

  Purchased this SV Note in May 2014 and have over 5,000 miles on it. Went to Mobil 1 low friction oil (0W30) at 3500 miles and increased already excellent mileage by at least 1 mpg, so recommend. Car drives great, handles like a dream and is--for class--quiet from road and engine noise, and has a nice ride. Pump to pump mileage checks show consistently over 40 mpg in warm weather and this includes a wide variety of conditions (including hilly and mountainous) with usually two people aboard. Car looks good to my eye with upright stance (as compared to the Fit, for example.) So, looks good, rides and handles great with outstanding mileage and is enormous inside. Recommend.

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  Stirred Not Shaken - 2010 Nissan Cube
  By Rick - October 29 - 9:36 pm

  So far its been a love affair. I like being 64" and not knocking my hat off getting into the drivers seat. In fact, the car is very comfortable for four large adults. The ride is nice and supple. I like the cabin layout and the clear all around visibility. The first tank of gas netted me an averaged 33mpg. The Cube is well thought out and an exceptional value.

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  First Nissan - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By fenderbass - October 29 - 6:40 pm

  I always avoided considering Nissans going back to the Datsun days (B210s). When I checked out the Fit, Yaris, and Accent in looking for a simple good mileage car, I almost ignored the Versa, being biased against Nissan. I did my homework on all the above cars and kept on coming back to the Versa as the best overall value. When the dealer finally had a 2009 s 6 spd available, I made the jump and after the first 1500 miles, am very glad I did. So far its a great little car thats fun to drive. I tend to keep cars (last car 1995 Saab 9000 with 305,000 miles) and felt the engine would hold up better than the Fit or Yaris over 100,000 miles.