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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  My Max... - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Frack - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I never planed on buying a Maxima...Ive always had Grand Cherokees....but once i test drove a Maxima...I was hooked! Overall, my Maxima has been the most reliable car Ive ever owned, and is also the most fun to drive! Superb acceleration, & braking, and decent gas mileage. I just miss that high driving position of an SUV....perhaps I should check out the Nissan Murano next year...

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  Not all it cracks up to be - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By broncobubba - June 10 - 2:00 am

  i got the truck on a friday, by the following tuesday i didnt want it anymore. at 200 miles the transmission started shifting real hard and iratic, to the point of when you get on the hwy it literally slams you around. another problem is after running the truck for a while when you stop at a stop light it runs rough and shakes. Another thing when fueling the pump doesnt sense the tank is full and keeps pumping and gets gas all over(bad valve in tank). Lastly occasionally when cornering the right side speakers cut out.

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  Cheaper than Toyota - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By srl99 - June 10 - 2:00 am

  Cheaper than Toyota and you get what you pay for. Auto dumped all tranny fluid at 1507 miles (yes, brand new). Nissan USAs response - refill fluid and have a nice day. Truck looks nice and gets excellent mileage on the back of tow truck. Cant operate defroster independent of A/C, shift lever blocks controls.

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  Looks Great, Rides Terrible - 2002 Nissan Quest
  By sunshinemom - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I loved the look and style of my Nissan Quest GLE. The wood grain dash and stylish leather seats made me feel like I driving a Lexus. That is until I ran over dirt in the road. The ride is horrible. You feel every bump! I found myself scouring the road for divets and ruts just to avoid them. Otherwise, it was a great vehicle. My kids loved the extras like the overhead video system. And, my husband and I loved the dual function of the sound system. It allowed us to listen to the radio (or not!) while our kids watched a movie with head phones.

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  NOT WHAT EXPECTED - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By caesar - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I just bought the vehicle and I have had several annoying problems. It has 28,000 miles on it and the steering wheel vibrates. I took it back to Nissan and they balanced the tires but it still vibrates. The transmission always seems to "clunk" into gear just after take off. The tranny also slips first thing after a start up. Once it warms up it seems to be fine. Im thinking of returning this junker. Also the gas pedal too touchy.

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  Great - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By bobo22222 - June 10 - 2:00 am

  This suv is great. the only problem i have found was that the wind can push it to easily

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  the nissan superhorse - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By jerald alfred - June 10 - 2:00 am

  This car has a very fast acceleration, and great grip to the road. Handles turns great and has very good traction. Like a magnet to a fridge...

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  best for the money by far - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By coltfan73 - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I have owned bmws, hondas and nissans in the past. I would have to say that the nissan is the best car for the money. So many features offered on such a value packed car. Navigation, xenons and 250hp are amazing to have on a car that is under 30k.

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  Nissan Quest - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Kari Foehner - June 10 - 12:16 am

  We absolutely love the Quest. It is very cool looking and very roomy. It also has alot of nice features which are included in the base price unlike other vans. It rides great and handles really well. The seats fold down into the van which is really nice and its user friendly. We would not consider ourselves van people thats why the Quest is so great because it looks like a cross between an SUV and a minivan. Its very appealing to the eye. Great Buy!!

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  Exceeds Expectation - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By Tomtiger - June 9 - 11:33 pm

  I bought this vehicle for its looks a few weeks after its first introduction into US market in 1999 and I have to say that it has served my family extremely well. My wife primarily drives this truck. Other than normal maintenance, A/C compressor was the only major thing I had spent money on in its fist seven years. Is being TEN YEARS now going ELEVEN that ive owned this truck. It has about 190000 miles and still running strong as ever. I will buy another one if Nissan ever decide to make it to accommodate a third row seat.