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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  For the basic Nissan Sentra 2015 - 2015 Nissan Sentra
  By Laura - June 27 - 11:44 am

  I love my car, but I have had a few issues. The first months I had it the left side of the steering wheel would not work. I couldnt change the radio station or make calls tried calling the dealership but unless they actually see it happening there is nothing wrong with the car, also the windshield wiper randomly flew off, also called the dealership but blamed it on taking it for a carwash, if that is true or not I would not know. But my biggest issue that I continue to have is the button on the key to open the trunk, that button is soooo sensitive. Anything will make it go off, I go into a store and on several occassions come back to an open trunk, when all I did was put the key in my bag. I have had valuable stuff in my car, its come to the point that if I wake up in the middle of the night I check up on my kid and on my car to make sure the trunk did not open. This has not happened just to myself it has happened to my sister so I know its not just me doing something wrong.

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  Wheres the Passion? - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By bthornton - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This is a good car, but for the GXE they seem to have lost sight of the fact that this was once the 4DSC (4 door sports car). Mash the throttle and, yes, it takes off, but with no mean-sounding growl. The interior is roomy and comfortable, the trunk big and the ride smooth and quiet, but it doesnt seem like a sports sedan to me.

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  so sad - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By jkuntz1056@aol.com - June 27 - 2:00 am

  My dessert runner is 18 months old with 17000 miles. I am 46 and do not drive off road or drive it hard. This week the bearings went out in the engine. Nissan is installing a new engine. They said it was nothing I did, it happens.

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  Perfect SUV - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By Mr. Hill - June 27 - 2:00 am

  The most surprising element about the Xterra is the smooth ride. Most SUVs can be bumpy but Nissan builds the Xterra with rubber mounts around the frame and what a difference that makes. The Xterra is high up, higher than the Grand Cherokee and the standard runner boards makes it feel and look more rugged.

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  V6 is the way to go - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By brayton - June 27 - 2:00 am

  28k in just over a year and absolutely no problems at all. The VQ engine is reknown for reliability and the 240-hp is a tremendous workhorse. In day-to- day driving, the engine is smooth and pulls well. Passing acceleration at highway speeds is a breeze. The interior could be a bit better (make it like the Maxima), but fine for the first model year.

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  fast fun family ride - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By mrjustin24 - June 26 - 11:54 am

  We bought our Maxima used and got a great deal on it. It was super reliable, super fast and had plenty of space. This car was an awesome drive. The exterior design was great in its day but aged quickly I feel like. The dash design was stupid. The fake suede material on the dash didnt fool anyone into luxury. The rest of the car was great. We had no problem squeezing 29-30 mpg out on the highway after being told by the dealership it would never happen.

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  Great truck - 1999 Nissan Frontier
  By Bob Cleary - June 26 - 8:26 am

  I purchased this truck for over-the- road traveling. It has been a terrific truck for me. I have used it for some limited hauling. I am not a small guy. It is very comfortable for me. I would have liked 4 doors, and the cruise control "on" button is in a strange place. That is the only thing that has been an issue for me. The comfort, reliability, and the build of this truck is second to none. The styling is far superior to any of the competition. My truck looks more beefy, with more design, while the others look more boxy and cheap. I would recommend this truck to anyone. Who ever gets this truck next, even with 150000 miles will get a very nice looking truck, and one that is mechanically so

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  Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By randy mangrum - June 25 - 10:00 am

  It took four trips to two different dealerships to find the rattles in the dash. Turns out that the two front corners of the dash had not been secured. Also had a paint defect where the paint peeled off of the front bumper. After a couple of hundred dollars in car rental fees I hope everything goes smoother now.

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  Dream Come True - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Steve - June 24 - 6:30 pm

  In a word, fun. The "Z" is all sport car and doesnt make any apologies. It is quick, has high handling limits and a great exhaust note. It rides firm not harsh, stiff frame, very positive steering and easily modulated brakes. The power available does require a bit of discipline but you can get to the limits very quickly. If you are looking for a plush touring car you had best look somewhere else as this car demands your attention, but rewards your attention with great performance, fun. I always look forward to getting in and going. Want a ride?

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  Z - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Alans - June 21 - 10:53 pm

  At age 52 this is the most fun car I have ever driven.