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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  Great car for your money - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Artur - May 7 - 10:00 am

  I have purchased the car a year ago.I have 34000 miles on it, and I drive this car to its limits everyday, very fast, and very harsh.The whole time I owned this car, the only problem I have is with the gears on the car, are always late on shifting, other than that the car has not given me any problems, and is very fun to drive.

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  Check out the 2002 Maxima - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Dodgers - May 7 - 10:00 am

  I fully researched this car before I bought and found very high reviews from Consumers Reports, Edmunds, and others. I had previously owned a Maxima and a 300Z. This car was everything I expected EXCEPT the rough ride with 4 passengers. It tends to "bottom out" when going over a dip in the road. With two passengers it is not a problem exept it does not take rough railroad crossings very well.

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  Titan problems - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By wayne casey - May 6 - 7:00 pm

  Truck runs great. No problems on the highway. Had problem getting a electrical brake added to the truck. Company would not help at all with the electrical brake. Had to go to a after service to get the brake added. Own a 24 ft travel trailer, towes the trailer with ease. Had to have the brakes replace 3 times or until they got the proper roto for this vehicle. Great vehicle for offroad. Ive got about 34,000 miles on this vehicle and have own the truck since July of 04.

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  Not Bad - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By altimaowner - May 6 - 6:20 am

  I bought 07 altima 2.5s, it is actually not a bad car! I love the exterior much better than 06 altima, and interior is also better I think.I think nissan really steps up this time, but I think they should maybe do a little better job in the back exterior look :)

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  itll do - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By 1fastpizzaboy - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car back to the dealership for a minor problem (water leak in the trunk) the car has been very reliable and has never let me down under some hard driving situations. great errand car!

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  Nice truck but consider higher trim leve - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By jlarzz - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought this truck 2 weeks ago. It is a blast to drive. But, the XE King Cab doesnt come with power windows/mirrors, keyless entry or tinted glass (rear tint is an option). Think about this when you buy one, Im 61" and cant reach across the bench seat at a stoplight with the foot on the brake to adjust a mirror, unlock the passenger door (well, maybe with the console up) or roll down the passenger window. Consider the next higher trim level. Otherwise, It drives like a sportscar with power on tap. I can blast over speed bumps at work without hardly feeling them.

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  FUN 4X4 - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By RH13 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE THE XTERRA 2 YEARS NOW,MINE IS A SUPERCHARGED STICK AND ITS ALOT OF FUN. HANDLES GREAT IN SNOW, LOTS OF SNOW. RIDES LIKE A TRUCK, WHICH IT IS. LOW MILEAGE IS ITS WORST PROBLEM.

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  Super Comfy - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By Brenda - May 4 - 3:17 am

  I have only had this car for a month and so far I love the seats and the comfort of the interior. It has a bigger engine than my Mazda CX-5 but the gas mileage is terrible. I am getting 17.5 city and maxed out at 26.5 on a short road trip. What!?! Oh and the backup camera is useless during the day. So much glare on the screen I cant even see it. So that coupled with the blind spots youd better get used to craning your neck. Oh and the gear shifter gets stuck in park sometimes. It was fine the first week, the second week was stuck every single time. And now seems to be fine again.

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  2005 Nissan Murano SL AWD with Touring - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By James - May 4 - 2:03 am

  Bought mine back in Jan. 2005. SL AWD with touring package at $33500 plus tax. Driver seat sqeaks, and window glass make noise when I drive over speed bumps. I think it might be loose. Interior door handle feel like that they might be falling off very soon. I would not buy this vehicle again if I can start over. My next car will be made in AMERICA.

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  Good solid first new car for the family - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Jeremy - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Stiff ride is very nice. Comfy front seats, though th back is cramped. Good child features. I did notice a couple of asthetic things: a) the Nissan symbol on the steering wheel has one crunched part on it (being asthetic and on the inside, not a big deal I suppose). The muffler has a bit of rust on it (not sure why, Ill bring it in). Engine is a bit loud, but expected with timing chain. Overall good car with nice features (tissue holder in CD holder compartment is nice. Heated mirrors are nice. Good perks on this nice looking car.