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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  better than what even good reviews say - 2011 Nissan Cube
  By kawolve - February 19 - 12:49 am

  We only buy Nissan in our family. Currently own a pathfinder, I traded in a fully loaded altima only 3 years old & completely paid off for the cube, there was no room in the altima for me, carseats and a 63 husband. Best decision to date. I have owned my Krom 10 months & room is great for groceries and car seats. Back seat adjusts, bonus. Gas mileage I was only getting about 25 city, until I hit about 8 k miles and rotate tires. I drive backroads daily for work, no highways. I get 30/31 now city and 36 when I drive the occasional highway, seriously. I fill my tank every 10-14 days, which is great. Downfall little compartment storage & not speedy, but I have adjusted. If it fits u buy it.

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  XTerra is Awesome - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By CPO Sharky - February 19 - 12:46 am

  I love this vehicle. I originally wanted an FJ Cruiser but I didnt realize that the XTerra was in my price range (a little cheaper than the FJ actually). Once I took it for a test drive that was all I needed to change my mind. You get a lot of vehicle for the price!! Also test drove the Jeep Liberty and it is garbage compared to the XTerra!

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  Love the 2009!! - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Douglasville Newbie - February 18 - 10:16 pm

  I love driving the 2009 Murano. Had test drove the Infiniti FX35 loved the car but husband wanted me to check out the 2009 Murano and I loved it and bought it the same day. I did not compromise anything with the purchase.

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  Like a top - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By bob - February 17 - 4:33 pm

  This is my 5th Maxima, each held for three years and an average 25,000 miles per year. No maintenance problems other than brakes and tires have been experienced. Just routine oil changes at 3-5k miles. The ONLY car found that does NOT give me a back ache after 2 plus hours of driving. Runs like a top.

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  Outstanding car and amazing luxury. - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Dustin - February 17 - 2:43 pm

  I must say when someone mentioned the Altima I never would have thought I would get one. I test drove the 3.5 SL and absolutely fell in love with it. More amenities than the Acuras and far cheaper. The bluetooth phone system, pushbutton start, and smart locks are great additions. You cant go wrong with this car, it is fast, comfortable, fun to drive, and if you need it as a family car it works great for that as well.

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  The Best I ever had - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Shawn OMac - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive always admired the Maxima being a car that have some looks to it and come with a stick(Camry, Accord). Someone once told me that it is better to getting a stick in a I4 and automatic in a V6. They are wrong. This car has a lotta bang for buck. It is fun to drive and it takes corners like a dream. This car one of the best FWD V6s for the money!!

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  2002 Maxima vs. 2002 Altima - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Vincent Lursen Jr - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Owned a 2002 Nissan Altima, there not as close as critics say they are !

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  Love my X! - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By calypso - February 17 - 10:00 am

  This is a great truck. The S/C is a blast to drive. I feel like I could drive over anything, and this truck is very reliable and safe. Very roomy, and a slick looking truck. I love it!

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  Great Ride - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Jesse - February 16 - 10:20 pm

  Ive always been a person that always bought American vehicles, so this is my first Nissan. My family needed another vehicle because we have a child and needed better gas milage than my 06 Dodge Ram. This car is great!!! Handles great, ample space throughout, SL & Technology Package gave us everything we needed. This car gets about 19 mpg in the city and about 28 on the highway so we are saving soo much money on gas. I think Nissan has a winner with the Altima, Id definitely recommend to anyone who is looking for more bang for the buck.

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  Push Start/Stop - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Chasler - February 16 - 3:13 am

  I drive a lot of freeway miles. This car is got the perfect balance of power, acceleration, comfort and fuel economy. CVT transmission works like a dream. Get 29.4 average mpg: 80% freeway cruising at 72mph; 20% varied driving about town. Negatives: 1) Tail pipe smells in the cabin initially. Whatever it was seemed to burn itself out after the first 8,000 miles. 2) Push Start/Stop button works great except...frustrated with the stop button instantly killing the sound system along with engine. Sound like a minor quibble but when I get to my destination sometimes I want to hear the rest of the song or talk radio topic without having to continue running the engine.