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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  Best in Price Range - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By walbee - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Steering is almost as good as my 2002 TBird. Fun to drive. Great tow vehicle for my 3500 lb. boat and trailer. Love the CVT on hills with speed control on. No annoying downshifts. I test drove the FX-35 and liked the Murano better, and got all the same features for $10K less. Whats not to like about this car and it really turns heads.

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  Oh Yeah! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By citbret - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I was anticipating buying an SUV. Had my heart set on Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, Cadillac Escalade or the Hummer H2. Went to the nissan lot to test drive a used 2002 Tahoe. The dealer asked if we had seen the "NEW" Quest. I quickly told him, I was not interested in a minivan. He drove it around anyway and it was "Love at first sight." The vehicle more than accomodates my family of five. The kids abosultely love this car. It handles far better than I ever imagined. If you havent driven it, you have really missed out.

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  Wife Now Happy to Be a Minivan Driver - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By happydave_ct - October 10 - 2:00 am

  After swearing she would NEVER own a minivan, my wife is proud to tell her friends she is now driving a 2004 Quest SE (many questions and comments from other other moms in the nursery school parking lot). The styling is cool and sporty. It is easy for her to get the kids and groceries in and out (especially with the auto-open passenger doors and hatch). Great performance from the V6 engine (much better than her 2001 Mitsubishi Montero LTD). Who said a practical car had to be a drag to drive? Much applause to Nissan for taking the risk on styling!

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  2004 Maxima 3.5SE 5 Seat - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Adeen - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Great bargain for your money

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  Makes you feel young again - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By JNorth - October 10 - 2:00 am

  After 3000 miles I find my Nissan Maxima a joy to drive. It accelerates like no other car I have ever driven. Hardly a day goes by that someone doesnt comment "Nice Car". What are the negatives? Some small details I would like to see changed. l. I like my ignition key on the steering column rather than on the dash. I like the door handles flush, pull outs, rather than the extended handles. I would like some place in front for a trash receptical. And, I dont like having to use premium gas. But you cant have everything.

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  PERFORMANCE - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By RALPH - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I find that the wheels are made too big for this vehicle the high perfomance tires will not be good on roads when wet or snow exists. Tight wheel base when you go over a bump in the road the steering wheel moves you may lose control

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  Fun and Luxurious - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By LAYNE - October 10 - 2:00 am

  My Maxima is fun to drive and accelerates quickly. The AC and heater are a major improvement over the Bonneville I formerly had. The leather interior is attractive and comfortable. I had a security problem starting the engine one morning. Im still not sure what caused it. Possibly a key transponder problem.

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  Miss mine too - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By Kangel Davis - October 9 - 11:06 pm

  I loved this vehicle also like the review below...mine also was totaled in an accident by a speeder. Not a scratch built to last & safety a plus. With 141,000 still going strong. The only prob;em my air bag did not go off & being hit at 50 oops something went wrong...otherwise the best I every owned & now looking to replace...with yep another Xterra

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  Super Commuter - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Jun in Redwood City - October 9 - 5:50 pm

  Bought my Altima last Christmas 06. Walked in, picked the color, test drove it, then bought it. The car did not disappoint me. Except for the problem of the brake caliper piston on the driver side leaking causing the brakes to squeal/squeak after only 7500 miles. My mechanic who maintains my Pathfinder caught it right away, but the service dept. of the dealer where I bought it gave me a whole lot of bs. I took it to the dealer I got my Pathfinder, they found and concur about the problem, ordered the part and replaced it free since it was under warranty. The car is a sweet drive. Handled the Grapevine in SoCal with ease, mpg is great and Im doing mods to it.

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  Titan From Repeat Nissan Buyer by Hirby - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By hirby - October 9 - 12:26 pm

  Purchased Titan SE, Big Tow Package, 4X4 OffRoad Package February 2004. I had a Reese 5th Wheel inatalled. I have made several trips pullng by 8500lb Wildcat 5th wheel RV. Longest trip was Little Rock, AR to Jackson, WY and back 3500 mile round trip. No problem topping 8500 ft pass in WY, average gas milage 8.5 MPG with 5th wheel trailer. Truck has 17000 miles at present time with only one problem. A bad AM radio which Nissan replaced in August