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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  Love it! - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By alycia22 - February 27 - 4:20 pm

  Its a reliable durable vehicle that you feel safe in! For a woman it really makes me feel like a man! It seats my 3 kids comfortably (incl 2 car seats).

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  Impressed- but. - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By johntc88 - February 27 - 6:17 am

  I needed a vehicle that was 1)economical 2)durable 3)comfortable(back issues) and Nissans offering was unbeatable. I bought the 2015 Altima S in gunmetal grey new @ end of November 2014. 1 was really amazed with the initial fuel economy consistantly getting 38 mpg on my 250 mile commute running 65 to 75 mph. then something strange happened and I started getting 27 to 32 mpg after 4000 mile oil change (1st change @ 400 mls, 2nd @ 4000 mls). Im @ 8000 mls now and avg 32 to 37 mpg (using math formula:mls/glns). Rust has developed @ trunk release trim (after 3 mnths!?), stone deflectors(plastic) under car come off and hang/rattle. Comfortable for long trips! Im 62", great hwy car, im smilin

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  A Life-long Maxima Lover..... - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By David - February 27 - 3:50 am

  I am currently driving my 6th Maxima and they just keep getting better! I’ve never had a single thing go wrong with any of the 6 cars. I’ve had my dark blue SE for over a year now and I still notice people turning and staring when I drive by. The car is powerful and solid and is still as much fun to drive as the day I drove it off the lot. I realize that there are other quality cars out there, but I’m sorry.... the Camry and Accord and just plain BORING. If anyone is the market for a “sporty” mid-sized, four-door car, make sure you test-drive the new Maxima! You’ll fall in love!

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  Sweet Ride! - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By gilmore - February 27 - 2:13 am

  I bought this pathfinder for my wife. She had never seen it or driven it. I fell in love with it when I took for a test drive. So she trusted me and now Ill never get to drive it again! She loves it. Its powerful, comfortable, stable. Its very luxurious inside and looks tuff on the outside. The front seats are very soft and comfortable. Great driver comfort when it comes to radio controls on the steering wheel and everything is easy to reach on the dash. Love the Bose stereo and the sun roof. Very good buy for the money.

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  5 time Nissan Owner! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By LoveMyMaxi - February 26 - 6:06 pm

  In my opinion you can not go wrong when you purchase from Nissan. The company is top notch and the customer service is superb. I drive a 2004 Maxima SL and I absolutely adore it. This is my 4th Maxima and I also drove a Pathfinder. The Pathfinder (2001) drove just about as smooth as the luxurious Maxima. I missed having a car, so I bought the Maxima the last time. You cant beat the value because the cars come standard with so many great features. The buying experience was good and I feel like I received a fair deal each time. As far as reliability...the cars have been virtually flawless. Go get one!!!!

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  First Mid-sized and Happy - 2014 Nissan Frontier
  By racrfanny - February 26 - 7:35 am

  Ive always owned full size Chevy or Dodge p/ups. Now that kids are moved on it was time to downsize. I needed to still have the pulling power to haul a trailer and car, as well as true 4wd (not AWD) capabilities. Looked at the Honda (no locking 4wd over certian speeds) and Toyota (less towing, HP and MPG) and settled for the Nissan. Im very happy with my choice. Recently towed a Boxter hour and half and couldnt have been happier. The truck towed without hesitation. The power was more than adequate and the ride was great. I hear complaints of fuel mileage but coming from a full size Im used to it. Currently averaging 17 around town but reached 24 on my last highway trip to Charlotte.

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  Point A to B - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By twoutes1 - February 26 - 12:46 am

  Reliable vehicle. I am not a big fan of SUVs, so right off the bat Im biased, however, for the price it was worth it. It doesnt compare to the big guys in terms of comfort, the acceleration from a stop is fair at best. It does not have decent gas mileage nor, if you need it, leg room.

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  Its early, but so far.... WOW! - 2012 Nissan Quest
  By ramguy22 - February 26 - 12:33 am

  We leased our new black with grey leather Quest SL with DVD player today. So far we LOVE it. What a HUGE improvement over our one-owner traded in 2004 Quest!

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  4x4 on/off road performance - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Amanda - February 25 - 1:26 pm

  Newly acquired nissan frontier 4x4 only so far driven on paved road surfaces, the vehicle has good power in acceleration and braking, the ride is smooth for a truck, the ground clearance is sufficient for normal not too extreme use,the steering is smooth, easy to turn the wheel, So far my overall review is very good for this truck, I have yet to test drive off road on uneven surfaces to see how the truck handles and responds in 4x4 drive mode

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  Too big and bulky - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Tiny - February 25 - 12:03 pm

  I traded my Mazda CX7 because it drove rough. The Murano drove worse. It drives hard and heavy. It is hard to park. You cannot see in the back well. There is not enough room for more than two suitcases. When on smooth surface you can still feel little bumps.