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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  2005 350Z Touring hatchback 5A - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By My first Nissan - March 27 - 5:13 pm

  supposed when the door is open, the windows will slide down about half inch and the interior light will be on. However one month after I bought the car, the drivers side window failed to operate as described above. Gas mileage is poor. I paid $500 over invoice from the Long Beach dealer.

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  was ok at first - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By dc - March 26 - 4:46 am

  The car was great at first. Fuel regulator replaced twice. Three visits for air conditioning. Parts were on national back order 2wks. Two weeks with out air in fla. They didnt want to put me in a rental, but did. Now some really. Weird noises when I accelerate. Appt tomorrow. A few other minor things no big. Will not buy another Nissan. To many problems with this one.

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  A solidly built, reliable compact car. - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By Josh R. - March 25 - 8:00 am

  This is an unobtrusive little compact sedan that doesnt ask much of its owner - but admittedly doesnt inspire love and affection in turn. This is not a Mini or a Corvette we have here, though - its fuel-thrifty transportation, a Point A-to-B car. Pickup from the 1.6L inline-four when coupled to the automatic is unimpressive until the engine kicks into high RPMs. Adding an aftermarket intake and exhaust system really helps. Brakes are a tad small for the vehicle but are serviceable. Interior is probably the best thing: good use of space, fit and finish is nice for a compact. Standard seats, though, have no lumbar or lateral support whatsoever. Overall, not bad-made in the USA too!

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  Built to Last - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By RSH - March 25 - 5:56 am

  This is my 2nd Sentra, my 1st, a 1991 2-Dr model, lasted until it was totalled in a collision in 02. When I purchased this one, it was a definite upgrade in terms of weight, acceleration, comfort and style. The mileage could be a little better these days (avg 25-30), the leg room in the back is too little for people over 5 tall, and it is very sensitive to the wind. I am overall very happy with the car, its very reliable and can handle its own. Other than the above issues, its a great car for long term owners.

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  Noisy below 50 degree - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By nickwu - March 25 - 2:06 am

  It is the worst car I ever bought!. If below 50 degree, start the car and it will sound like motorcycle and no power. I have to drive it for 3-4 minutes than it quite down. Nissan says it designed like that and meet the specification. My 2004 150K mile Toyota is better than this car. Service is absolute the worst too, they told me to install a remote starter to warm the car so it would be less noisy. But Nissan USA told me it was wrong, and wont fix the noise issue, you need to drive it to make the lube "go through every places" . I lost $400 right their! They stated all Altima car like that. Battery died 4 month later. Already did three warranty services and two recalls. Last Nissan!

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  nissan murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By ronny - March 25 - 2:00 am

  i didnt like the way how nissan designed the wipers of the suv its impossible to shake it or even take the out during the winter time. people need to shake ot take out the ice from the wipers blade so it wont scrach the windshield what happened with nissan..? cmon guys take a look at this is not so hard to find out that you guys screw it up there!ahh i almost forgot the seat control button are really bad located im a thin person and it was really hard for me to reach the buttons with out having to open the door...

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  Love It! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By KGreen - March 25 - 1:00 am

  We bought the Armada used and was very please with its condition. Its pickup is awesome and I love the space it provides for my large family.

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  One of the best cars for the price - 2012 Nissan Maxima
  By bettercheddar - March 24 - 2:40 pm

  Didn’t plan on buying a Maxima. I looked at it because a friend who owned one said I should. Couldn’t get it out of my head after I took a long test drive. It was a fun car to drive – really fun! The engine sounded great as soon as it turned over. Moving through traffic was effortless. All I had to do was press on the accelerator and the car went as fast as I needed it to go. There’s more than enough power to move this car and it’s got the handling so that you’re always in control. It’s also very comfortable. The interior is put together so that the controls are where you expect them to be. They’re handsome and easy to operate too. Seat is firm and comfortable. Go see one for yourself.

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  Winner - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By jma - March 24 - 2:00 pm

  The GLE sedan is super! The ride is not a Buick Lesabre ride, but it is comfortable and handles more like a sports car. I get more compliments on this car than any other Ive ever had.

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  Bad ride & suspension system - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Jerry - March 23 - 1:10 pm

  I am really not happy with the ride of this vehicle, my driving is mostly in the city and the vehicle does not take the pot holes & various bumps that you find in most Cities. On the freeway the ride is very good. I had complained to Nissan Northern Regional in Canada and they referred me my dealership locally and they inspected the suspension system and said nothing was wrong with it that is how it was manufactured, well I sort of expected tho, to no avail! But on the more positive side the car is really a nice car, nice styling and the engine is a little noisy but runs good it is too bad that its suspension is not adequate to give a more comfortable ride overall.