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 Value...Love it!!! - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By The Shadow - October 3 - 9:56 pm

  Extremely well thought out interior with loads of extra features. Handling aspect is limited due to front wheel drive, but otherwise a lot of fun to drive. CVT transmission is very smooth and peppy; has the option to revert to 6-speed manual for added excitement and fun.

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  1997 GXE - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By hollyhobbie79 - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I have put many miles on this car I am now at over 100,000 miles and it still runs good. I have a few small things with it just like any car would have but I never see them on the side of the road and I will buy an altima again.

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  Black Beauty - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By nccs57 - October 2 - 2:00 am

  At first glance, I had to have this car! The amount of attention you get with this car is unbelievable. Ive only had this car about two months now, and I only drive it on weekends. So far so good. No problems at all and I cant wait to drive it again this weekend.

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  Love This Truck - 2014 Nissan Frontier
  By J.Robbin Hajek - October 1 - 10:27 pm

  This is another winner from Nissan.After owning a used 1993 Hardbody D21,I was determined to upgrade to a crew cab Nissan Frontier (my Hardbody smoked my old Toyota,with way better off road performance).This truck even impressed my wife,who hated my old Toyota,with comfortable seating (were short people),logical controls,and especially visiblity.The model we bought lacks power windows and power door locks,but after our hunting trip to eastern Oregon,in which we locked ourself out a couple of times in the Chevy,I can do without such conveniences.Be prepared to battle the dealerships,who will way overprice these popular trucks.Arm yourself with Internet knowledge and roll up your sleeves and be prepared for a three hour ordeal.We got close to our target price.We love this truck.I added a receiver hitch,that required no drilling of the frame (WOW) to mount.Update:so far a great little truck,absolutely no problems,and does everything we expected.

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  Superb vehicle and value - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By cme4brain - October 1 - 7:47 pm

  This is my wifes car but I drive it mostly. I have owned 2 Benzes, 2 BMWs, 2 Volvos, and this is the best of all them. This car has the style and horsepower that betters all of those vehicles. The interior quality and transmission are excellent. Its driving feel is just a tick below the Germans, but its reliability is head and shoulders above them- all my German cars cost me $$$$ to keep on the road. And watch for $300 M-B oil changes! Nope, this is a wonderful car.

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  I feel like a 16 yr old with 1st car! - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Lee Kincaid - September 30 - 11:30 pm

  I bought this after looking at Audi Q7, Infiniti FX, Lexus. This has more bang for the buck and is just plain fun to drive. This interior is awesome, great leather. For those of you who are complaining that you cant listen to the radio unless the car is running - if you push the Start button twice without putting your foot on the brake, all your accessories will work. (this from a 60 year old grandmother). I love the heated seats - kept them on low on a 560 mile drive and my back felt great when I arrived. I make excuses to drive it! Gas mileage is right wt EPS est. so far (4000+miles).

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  Love my 07 SE - 2007 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Eugene - September 30 - 8:23 pm

  This is my fourth Pathfinder. All have been excellent vehicles. This one is the best yet.

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  Fun Truck Get One - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Chris - September 30 - 2:33 pm

  I had a 2006 XE and loved it so much that i traded it for the NISMO, same truck just lots more fun!!! If there are any complaints its the gas mileage. My XE got around 22 for work and back, now on the NISMO i am gettin on average 17. The upgraded stereo needed a boost so i added an infinity subwoofer to the rear. lesson learned if you disconnect the dash lights for the airbags, dont start the truck without them connected: trips the computer into a fault code (dealer FIX) Overall, would recommend this truck to anyone, it is good looking, fun to drive and an overall good deal.

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  Great Year for the Nissan Frontier: 2004 - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By Karen - September 29 - 8:00 am

  You wont get 50 mpg with this truck. It is, after all, a truck. I got 14-15 mpg combined gas mile p/gallon with a fully loaded bed (1000 lbs.)!!! (a homemade camper lives on the bed). Otherwise, about 18-20 mpg. I bought this truck used about 4 years ago. It is 12-years-old now. I put in a new battery, and a set of great tires. I do the scheduled maintenance. Thats it! It always starts, always runs. No issues. Reliable. Solid.

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  Sporty and reliable - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By aposak - September 29 - 2:13 am

  Daily driver for 10 years now. 190k, original engine and transmission. Still looks good, performs well, and still fun to drive. 4 doors means extra utility and lower insurance. The 4-cyl from this era have major engine problems... go with the V6.