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:

• 

  So far so good - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By robtroxel - January 13 - 9:50 am

  This car has every option and it really seems to be a great road car. I was apprehensive about the CVT but after you understand how it works you become a fan. Im getting 27-29 mpg on the road during break in and now averaging 25.2 overall with a mix of city and open road driving. If you drive aggressively, the mpgs go down considerably. Im using mid grade gas with no pinging and get plenty of power. The back seat room is lacking compared to the Accord. Nissan missed the mark and overpriced the MSRP on this car. Fortunately there are great deals that bring down the actual selling price down much lower. If in the market, give this car a look.

• 

  Indestructable Nissan - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By chappyk - January 13 - 4:40 am

  I had a 92 Nissan Pickup that was great, so I purchased this one. I have not been disappointed. This truck is rugged and looks aggressive. The previous owner equipped it with more aggressive tires which killed the ride, but gave it much more traction. The interior is rugged too. Hard plastic may not be elegant, but it wears well anf fits the character of the truck. The bedliner is bulletproof and the Utili-track system is ingenious. The truck was inexpensive and a great value. I havent been able to use the rear locking axle because I havent been able to get this 2WD stuck. Amazing.

• 

  Accident Prone - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By ameliaclaire - January 13 - 3:01 am

  I was recently in a terrible wreck in my Versa. The car was totaled and all I suffered was a broken nail from the air bag. This car is incredibly safe and comfortable! As soon as I found it was totaled I told my mom that I needed help looking for another one, possibly a newer one. I absolutely love my Versa!

• 

  OMG Hard to Believe - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By BrittanyaOCampo - January 13 - 2:40 am

  I first feel in love with this car when I was shopping for a Cadillac Cts, so then I was walking and something beautiful caught my eyes.It was the all new nissan maxima, it had everything I wanted. Most things the cts didnt even have optional. I love Nissan for this.

• 

  Great cheap to own car - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Josh - January 13 - 1:47 am

  My parents bought this car brand new in 2001. It was given to me in 2013 with 95k. Its needed minimal repairs besides regular maintenance. My parents replaced a faulty coil pack and egr valve that was covered under warranty. Ive replaced the clutch and struts with about 125k. Car still has plenty of get up and go at 145k. Paint has peeled off but everything still works. I love this car. I will drive it until the wheels fall off

• 

  Great SUV - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By BD Bass - January 12 - 6:10 pm

  Ive had my Pathfinder for 6 months, put 19,000 mi on it to date, and loved it. Ive pulled a 3500 lb boat several times, and while that drops mileage to about 12 (75-80 mph) it has enough motor to keep you in the left lane. When not towing, it will out accelerate most "Pretty" cars. Handles better than most vehicles Ive owned, and is the quietest by far. Bose stereo rocks. I love this vehicle, cant wait to put some performance rubber and engine enhancements on it.

• 

  Well worth the money! - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By Ernie - January 12 - 11:46 am

  I have owned my Nissan Altima for just over 10 years. In that time, I have managed to accumulate over 200,000 miles on my vehicle with very little major repairs. I changed the oil, rotated and changed tires, and got regular tune ups done, but that is about it. The car still runs great. It was money well spent.

• 

  Blew me away! - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By Steve Bukosky - January 12 - 5:20 am

  We were looking at all the brands but Dodge. Subaru Impreza was at the top of the list but when we tried the Sentra with its traction control, back-up camera, sun roof and other features of the SL, we were blown away when we looked at the sticker price. The handling was great, engine and CVT combination very adequate. Whats not to like? My first Nissan, but my son has a Murano and had an Infinity G35. It got me interested in a brand I otherwise would not have considered. Definitely check out Nissan if you are looking for a new car.

• 

  My 09 maxima - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Fritz - January 12 - 4:06 am

  I have a white one, black interior, fully loaded SV Sport (corners like its on rails). The exhaust note. What you expect is NOT what you get. You get more. The 09 Maxima is a 4DSC. No doubt. The MaximaÂ’s transmission takes some getting used to. Once hooked you begin to wonder why all cars are not build this way.

• 

  Awesome Ride! - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Allen - January 11 - 7:36 pm

  Traded In my 2000 Nissan Frontier for this one. Considered it a great upgrade. Got a few more features on my new Frontier my other didnt have. I love the fact it has 3 12 volt outlets. I need them all. Lots more room to stretch and love all the extra cargo space. The interior look could have used a little revamping but all in all a great ride!