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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  Excellent car, fun to drive, stylish - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Margie - October 12 - 7:53 pm

  I really like this car. I had been deciding between a Honda Civic LX and this car. In the end, I liked the style and interior of the Sentra much more. Its a little bit more roomier than the Civic, which is worth the extra gas mileage, imo, but the gas mileage is still really good. Its really fun to drive (I have the 6 speed manual). I still love the design inside and out! I would totally recommend this for someone looking for a sedan in the 15-16k range.

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  Capable Cruiser - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Roger - October 12 - 3:26 pm

  I have only had to put the car into the shop once. Outside of routine oil changes the thing runs like a dream. I do notice a little wind noise around the windows, but have had this on every car Ive owned. It has excellent interior space and is a pleasure to drive.

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  Exploding Moonroof - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By SPONTANEOUSEXPLODINGMOONROOF - October 12 - 12:26 pm

  The moon roof spontaneously exploded. If you take your car into any Nissan dealership they will tell you that this is unheard of and impossible. They will also try to tell you to go through insurance because Nissan will try to get out of everything and anything so they are not responsible. Nissan needs to advise their service workers and managers to respect their customers and not be so dismissive so quickly when something is IN FACT, THE TRUTH. Clearly there was a defect in the glass of the moon roof because it shattered all on its own. There are plenty of cases and lawsuits against this issue as well so IT IS POSSIBLE AND DOES HAPPEN. Yes, even to you NISSAN!

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  Just Love It - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By James - October 12 - 12:26 pm

  I tried out Avalons, Accords, Lincoln LS, Cadillac STS and numerous other vehicles. After trying out the Maxima it was the one that kept creeping back in my head. Like the styling because it is different and the engine is simply one of the very best. We love it and get great compliments on it everywhere we go. People get in and always say man this Nissans are really nice cars arent they? Paid 30,400 out the door with navigation and all of the gadgets. Simply couldnt be happier and for the money not sure you can beat this car...Thrilled...

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  I want to trade it in already! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Ica - October 12 - 7:23 am

  I do like my 2.5S Altima for the way that it looks on the outside. The design especially on the back is what led me to the dealer in the first place. The push key is fun as well. But that is all that is good inside, noise comes from everywhere! I feel like it is going to fall apart as I drive it. Oh and mine sounds like crap all day and I keep taking in to the dealer they say it is fixed some recall crap and then guess what I hear as I drive home? Ugh!

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  Best vehicle ive ever had. - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By tychux72 - October 12 - 6:32 am

  I have owned my 05 SL 2WD since it arrived off the boat October 2005. It currently has 132,000 miles. I have NEVER kept a vehicle over 75,000 miles before. I drive 65 miles R/T 4-5 days a week through the Arizona desert and farmlands at 45-70 MPH, mostly using cruise control. In the summer I average 21.5 mpg or around 420 mpt. In the fall-spring without A/C I average 23.6 or 475 mpt. The most was a confirmed 525 mpt one winter. My local dealership has done all recall work as well as routine maintenance. All in all, it has been a great family ride and has never left us stranded. Unlike many Ford or Chryslers I have owned. Sure it has its known problems and this one is no different.

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  2004 Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By catnipnails - October 12 - 6:20 am

  Ive had my Maxima for 3weeks and love to drive it. I traded in two sports cars to have this luxurious sports vehicle. Id give it a 10 if it had a convertible top. I miss my 300zx and Mazda Miata.

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  Great Style, Great Performance. Reliable - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By deftech - October 12 - 5:16 am

  I bought this car with 10000 miles on it. I now have 80000 miles on it and have not had any trouble with it whatsoever. The big 2.5L cylinder has lots of power and is fun to drive. The cabin has more room than other cars in its class. The good fuel economy is just another plus.

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  2006 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab 4WD - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Josh - October 11 - 11:33 pm

  I traded my Ranger Edge in Nov 06 and have never seen such power from a smaller truck. You feel the power on interstate and it does not hesitate off road. All stock, I have pulled out a Silverado and a Jeep and then drove through what they got stuck in. The push button locker makes a world of difference. For a 4WD it could be a little higher though. Overall, the power is there when you need it and off roading is fun as hell.

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  Inspect your plastic - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Clint - October 11 - 12:30 pm

  Switches not plugged in. Missing and unsecure plastic panels.