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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  Good Car! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Larry - September 24 - 6:23 am

  Overall the Maxima is a good car. I came out of a BMW 550 so it was a little getting use too. The payment doesnt hurt as much! The CVT is strange in the beginning but is unnoticeable now. The car is deceiving, with the CVT you get the feeling that you are not going as fast as you actually are. Very roomy. Decent highway fuel mileage.

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  Maxima - Best luxury, performance & Valu - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Maxima Vs. The G - September 21 - 5:10 pm

  My Infiniti G35X lease was up - price went up so looked at Maxima,Acura TL, Hyundai Genesis, Accord - Maxima best program & over-all package - ended up with White/ charcoal interior - Sv with prem, Tech & spoiler. More luxury than Accord More comfortable than my G, better gas mileage, more room & handles good enough - Miss rear wheel & AWD slighly

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  Awsome Value - 2013 Nissan 370Z
  By starcrzar - September 20 - 7:41 am

  The car is beautiful and is an awesome sight anywhere you happen to find yourself. The ride is not particularly good for city driving (bumpy, pot holed roads) but when you hit the highway your able to run and style with the best. The syncro rev manual transmission will help you shift like a pro. The car corners like it’s glued to the road’ it dares you to push harder than you imagine is safe (it will scare you)! Be aware of dealer mark-ups they call it “adjusted market value” they got me!

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  Xterra - best of both worlds - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Natedawgg - September 20 - 2:56 am

  I bought a 4x4 Xterra because I wanted something that was fun to go off roading and camping in and was also good around town. I have only one complaint and thats the gas mileage. But what can you expect for a very strong V6 pulling a 4600 lb vehicle around? Other than that its great. Good around town and great off road. Quite possibly the best composite on/off road vehicle around.

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  Better than average vehicle - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By libbstah - September 19 - 1:43 pm

  While this car has had many recalls since first purchased it has been a very reliable vehicle. It was my parents before they gave it to me, and as a student, I find it great to own. Its fun to drive, looks nice, and gets average fuel economy. Other than the recalls, I have only had minor issues with the vehicle. I have no complaints. Love it!

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  PROBLEMS? - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By RICHARD H - September 19 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST VEHICLES I HAVE OWNED, BUT THERE ARE STILL SOME ANNOYING PROBLEMS. I HAVE RACED CARS, RESTORED CARS & SHOWED CARS, SO I FEEL NISSAN NEEDS TO GET A LITTLE FEEDBACK FROM OWNERS, NOT JUST COMPLEMENTS.

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  Love My Car! - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By kajun8girl - September 18 - 1:59 pm

  I bought my 2004 Sentra with 10 miles on it. I keep up with my regular maintenance (oil, tires, filters etc). The only mechanical issue I have had was a sensor went out. $34 it was fixed (by me). I now have 195k miles on my car and it still drives wonderful! Yes I have some of the simular issues that others have had, my trunk only pops with the key (I know what is wrong but havent had time to take it appart-simple fix), the back door handles pop out on occassion. But for the price I paid for my car, the MANY road trips from TX to LA and the fact that I have 2 children under 10-I would say I have gotten my monies worth. I still get excellent gas miliage!

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  Excellent truck at a great price - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Bruno - September 17 - 10:10 pm

  I was torn between a Toyota Tacoma and the Frontier, and with the Frontier I got the same features for about $1000 less. Having owned a Frontier in the early 90s, Im happy to say the ride of the new Frontier is much smoother, very car-like, as opposed to the older truck whose ride was very stiff. Sit inside the XE and you will be surprised it is the lowest trim level. You ride high up like an SUV, and both interior and exterior are stylish. Only negative Id mention is that the 4-cylinder engine has a whiny sound. However, its got excellent acceleration, I was very surprised.

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  Further Update - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By Hiker / Camper - September 17 - 10:00 am

  At 40,000 miles had Michelin LTX M/52 ORWL Tires installed. Also new brake pads, front wheels. Driver and passenger side engine mounts had to be replaced. Seems a little early for this to happen. So, my reliability rating has fallen.

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  My Fixes - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Ken - September 17 - 10:00 am

  As far as smart key and rear window problems, this helped very much for me. I could not duplicate the key problem for the dealer, but it was getting frustrating. I removed the battery in the controller and bent the 3 contacts up slightly at the folds, using a small pocket knife. It has improved 95% and contribute some to junk in my pocket. I improved my blind spots by installing small rectangular stick on mirrors to my side mirrors. I still look back when I pull out, but it does give you more visibility. Im 62 and I have more leg room than most vehicles. It has rapid response in emergency conditions. For the money, a nice little ride.