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:

• 

  Expensive oil change - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By elstac4 - July 27 - 6:20 am

  First oil change, total shock, $89.00 are they kidding? Should be told when buying car, told it is special oil. I am going to ask other dealers what they charge.

• 

  best car easily destroys the accord - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Mensur Pjetrovic - July 26 - 6:43 pm

  this car is the sickest car ive ever driven it plus i added a cold air intake which really makes the car pull off the line as if it needed more power steering and cornering is excellent driving a 2000 accord ex v6 gold (hayat) and i have to say the maxima outperforms it.

• 

  Afraid to drive - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By prettylemon - July 26 - 5:57 pm

  I have a 2008 Nissan altima 4dr 2.5S. Ive taken by car in for many reasons including regular servicing. From the 1st month i have taken the car in for whinny noises, lack of power going up hill, engine working hard when AC is on and then some. These complaints have been with 3 dearlerships. One day while driving, I released the gas peddle to slow and press to speed up a bit and it stops. Car starts fine the problem is intermittent. problem did not show up in the diagnostic test. transmission problem was found the the day the shop was returning the car to me the first time. This time i am afraid to drive it. (what if it stops in an intersection)

• 

  2nd Max probably last - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Max2 - July 26 - 2:26 pm

  This is my 2nd Maxima. I had an 02 SE for over four years. This one soundly beats that one in terms of features, comfort and performance. There are some areas where this one falls way short in comparison though. Mainly, the build quality of the interior stinks. Very cheap. You can really tell where Nissan was pinching pennies. Ive had issues with the exterior finish as well. Due to all the squeaks and rattles Im planning on trading for an 07 Acura TL after keeping this car for only one year.

• 

  Good so far - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By JOEL - July 26 - 11:10 am

  1500 miles to be exact, just arrived from vegas for a break-in trip for my versa SL HB, Im enjoying the ride. No problems so far... Lovin my ride!!!

• 

  Not a Real Full Size Truck - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By tt - July 26 - 4:23 am

  The driver seat (capt. chair) does not allow full size people to set comfortable like Ford and Chevy. Slip feature causes the vehicle to lose power, which leads to getting stuck in mud or snow much easier than the competition. After about 5000 miles rattles and squeaks appear. The heated seats are more like warmer seats. Front-end sits too low (does not set level) Major vibration at 80 mph on cement roads. Difficult to change oil. After only 200 miles I have a major warranty list. After washing it the first time I would say there are too many emblems, it needs less external detail. It does have great power and sound system.

• 

  Driving the Nismo - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By John E. - July 25 - 9:40 pm

  I have owned my 2007 Frontier Nismo for a month now (purchased used). Fuel mileage is steady around 18mpg city. I have yet to take it on a trip along highways. It is a bit rougher ride than my neighbors 2006 Frontier XE due to the Nismo package. I would like to have his fuel economy but the towing capacity of mine will be handy with a boat and camper. The ride would be better with different tires. The electronic locking rear differential comes in handy when pulling a boat out of the water at the boat launch. Overall I would give this truck a well deserved A rating.

• 

  "Going through a transition" - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By canteengreen - July 24 - 11:43 am

  Going from a front wheel drive, 5-manual, german sedan to the Pathfinder was quite a leap for me. So far, this vehicle has made the transition as painless as possible. Im enjoying it so much that I took off a few days of work, just to spend some time on the road. Unfortunately, its been raining the whole time!

• 

  Really like the Rogue - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By annwilltn - July 24 - 7:30 am

  Test drove the Mazda CX7, no power and weird steering. Love the Rogue, great get up and go. Had Xterra, it drives like a truck, now Im enjoying driving more. CX7 has extreme road noise, this one has a little but not very noticeable. Love the Bluetooth and moon roof. Would like a little more back space, but can make do. Back seat is fairly comfortable too. Highly recommend for someone wanting a smaller SUV with great gas mileage!

• 

  a new experience - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By dick - July 24 - 2:40 am

  built on a new platform, nissan has done a great job with this new model.the quality and performance are outstanding. very quiet and a comfortable ride.