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:

• 

  best sedan value under 20k - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Paul T. - August 24 - 10:00 am

  i got my ser for $17,200. considering what you get for the money: alloy wheels, spoiler, fog lights, sunroof, and sport suspension, this model is a bargain! fun to drive! the automatic has enough pickup, thanks to the wonderful 2.5 liter engine. the four wheel disc brakes stop you on a dime. interior layout is convenient with stereo controls up nice and high on the dash. nice side bolsters on the seats to keep you snug on those hard turns. i love this car!

• 

  Ergonomic Nightmare - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By GWindsong - August 24 - 10:00 am

  The Maxima SE is GREAT in all respects but one - cockpit layout. Whoever designed it knew NOTHING about human interface design. The seats feel like bench seats, the climate controls use mixed modes (slide AND dial), for those with long legs the steering column does not telescope resulting in arm/shoulder fatigue, and the control console is hard to reach if your seat is all the way back. A month after purchase I had such neck, shoulder, and back pain that I was going to the chiropractor as often as twice a week. It took a while to figure out that the poor seat and layout design in the car were to blame.

• 

  Disappointed - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Phil in Mn. - August 22 - 10:50 pm

  This is by far the poorest quality Nissan I have ever owned and I have had most of the models, 240Z, Maxima, 350Z, and Murano, yes, I was a loyal customer. The overall body panel fit is poor to say the least, the engine is loud especially when it is cold, the hood shake is almost scary, makes you think it is un-latched, and the interior road noise is terrible for a so-called luxury car.

• 

  Fun to Drive - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By brent - August 22 - 10:30 pm

  The armada is fun to drive. No problems as of yet. The interior space of the armada is second to none. We have three boys and two large rottweilers, plenty of space left over. We paid invoice minus rebate.

• 

  Godzilla invades USA! - 2009 Nissan GT-R
  By Road Rage - August 22 - 5:16 pm

  Technology is amazing on this car - almost over the top, but when you add it all up, this car flat out delivers. Engine is phenomenal, with gobs of power and a flat torque curve. The two small IHI turbos spool up very quickly, so the car feels more like a V-8 than a juiced six. The DCT shifts smoothly in norm and comfort modes, and bangs swift and hard in race mode. Note I downrated the "fun to drive" category because this car is deadly serious, and one has to be very attentive to the power and the braking, both of which are amazing. My S2000 was more fun to drive, but I do not regret buying the GT-R one bit. It gets a lot of attention everywhere I go, and I like stealth, but I am happy.

• 

  Nissan & Transmissions - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Very Disappointed - August 21 - 10:30 am

  I purchased my Murano after reading numerous Edmunds reviews. In January of 06 everything I read was positive, yet now I sit with a $5000 estimate to rebuild my transmission on an 03 vehicle that has just tripped 87,000 miles. This is my 2nd Nissan & my 2nd issue with replacing a transmission (the 1st a 92 Maxima with over 150,000 miles). I too have had the issue of putting my foot on the gas and getting no power after a stop in traffic. Its scary, dangerous & frustrating to think I know have to replace a transmission so soon.

• 

  Find another car - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Maxima owner - August 19 - 5:33 am

  I love the performance and handling of the car, but for the money, I wish that I had bought something more comfortable. The suede-type fabric inside is getting dirty after only 6 months, and moldings inside & out are beginning to loosen. The gas mileage is not nearly what I expected for a car of its size and class. My salesperson led me to believe that it would be good also. My husband & I are ready to trade for an Acura--similar price with many more features and creature comforts, and hopefully better gas mileage.

• 

  04 sentra 1.8s - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By gls59 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  great value for price 2500 rebate, auto, air ,power doors/windows, cd player for 11K. 37MPH on highway, fill ups dont cost 45 bucks like the pickup does.

• 

  Fun to Drive - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Tbone 97 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I own the 04 SE w/ the Elite Package. The car handles well, but the front tires break loose fairly easy. The car shifts hard from first thru second. Overall I am impressed. ,

• 

  Pretty Good vehicle - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By quest888 - August 18 - 1:53 am

  I bought my Quest brand new in january 2006 and I take good care of it, always have. It has paid me back well since I have never had any engine problems and its going on 128,000 miles now. this van has taken me and my family everywhere. the only thing i have replaced is the engine mounts, one catalytic converter and lower control arms all after hitting the 5 year mark. it was expensive to replace these but considering the amount of driving ive done on it i didnt feel too bad and chalked it up to wear and tear. as far as the engine goes, no problemo! still running smooth like new! just take care of it and do not neglect regular maintenance services and this van will keep running well......