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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  45K+ miles and loving it... - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By ricor25 - October 25 - 11:43 am

  2009 Maxima SV, (45,211 Miles) and by far the best car I have owned. I have had it for 16 months now. Handling is great and amazing great looks, love the body lines and hood. I have driven this car twice from the San Francisco to Washington D.C. and have enjoyed every minute driving it across the country without any problems. I have the technology package and love all the features that are available on it. stereo & interior comforts are excellent.

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  It really makes driving fun again - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By greg fennell - October 24 - 1:26 pm

  I previously owned a 2004 Nissan Maxima, which I thought was a pretty competitive performer on the road, but the 350Z is in a whole other league. It even makes routine trips to the store and commuting to work fun.

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  Head turner - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Jack - October 24 - 1:13 pm

  Always get compliments on its appearance. Step on the gas and fall back into your seat. Great handling and a real blast to drive. A fun spirited car. All of this wrapped up in a very reasonable price. I also purchased an extended warranty (7 yrs 84k miles) which I thought was reasonably priced.

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  The Answer to this Gals Mid Life Crisis - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By C Reilly - October 23 - 12:53 pm

  Beautiful, powerful car. The inside of my SL is roomy. I live in a northern climate and have really enjoyed the heated steering wheel and heated leather seats. I am a music enthusiast and the 320 watt 8 speaker Bose system delivers awesome surround sound with no distortion. When you need to pass a slow driver on the highway, this thing responds PRONTO! (Its soooo easy to speed in this car; have to be careful.) So many cool luxurious touches; interior lights that fade on and off. A smooth, quiet, classy yet sporty sexy ride that performs and will impress your passengers. I encourage anyone looking at Honda Accord or Toyota Camry to at the very least test drive the Nissan Maxima.

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  I love Nissan!! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Sarah - October 22 - 3:53 pm

  I bought the Rogue when it first came out. I have been researching crossovers for the last year or so and for the money, the Rogue was the best deal. I couldnt ask for anything better as far as gas mileage goes. I average about 26 city and 30 highway. I love the amount of room in the back seats. Im 511(with most of that being legs) and for once my knees arent up to my chin while riding. Love the exterior and CVT. I really think I got the best deal for my buck and wouldnt trade my Rogue for anything! Except for maybe a new Rogue.

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  Very Satisfied First Time Nissan Buyer - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Dilligas - October 21 - 10:50 pm

  Having had a V6 Accord and VR6 Jetta in the past, I can honestly say that this is the sportiest sedan I have ever owned by a longshot. The low growl of the engine every time I step on the gas reinforces my purchase decision. Love the tekkie features like the push button start and bluetooth capability. What seem like gimmicks quickly become indispensable.

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  this is a winner - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By joe mason - October 21 - 9:03 pm

  the cvt transmission is perfect for this engine.it is interesting to watch the tach while going up hills,the cvt is able to follow the power curve of the engine unlike a gear tranny.the seats are made of "memory foam" and become more comfortable as you drive. you feel like you are in a much larger car because of the room inside. the fuel economy is affected by the ac use but still gives 34 mpg.side air curtains & multiple front air bags give some peace of mind.the whole vehicle is a quality build and worth the money.

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  Awesome SUV - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Patrick - October 20 - 7:36 pm

  Ive had my 2006 Pathfinder for about 5 months now and I love it. Its excellent. This is our second Pathfinder and definitely wont be our last. I may get a second one for my wife. We drove the competition and they just didnt measure up. The Pathfinder drives better, handles better, and is more comfy then any of the competitors.

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  Nissan Murano - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Rob - October 20 - 2:16 pm

  So far my favorite auto that Ive had. Had a Jeep Liberty before the Nissan and its NO COMPARISON. Excellent design and I have no complaints what so ever.

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  A Process of Elimination - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By kim - October 20 - 8:26 am

  I wanted a vehicle that was under $30k and gas mileage of 25 mpg+. Checked the Saturn Vue, Honda CRV, Toyota Rav4 and Ford Edge. All nice cars. But the Rogues design won me over. Its very sporty and I get a lot of compliments. The CVT is smooth. I do worry about the transmission problems Ive read other people are having. The black leather seating is luxurious. I have averaged 26.3 mpg for 5 fill ups so far. Im 62 and have plenty of room. I wish it had a telescoping steering wheel so I dont have to stretch my arms out all the time. I have driven a suv for 14 yrs and the Rogue is the quietest vehicle I have been in by far. I cant hear the engine.