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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  Its a truck! - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Susan - January 7 - 3:00 pm

  I just picked up my Xterra last night, so Ive only driven it 50 miles, mostly city. I havent loved a vehicle this much since my 1995 Ford Bronco. The Xterra is definetly not a luxury vehicle, and although my last SUV (Toyota Sequoia Limited)was, I find I dont miss the plush interior and "bells and Whistles." What the Xterra lacks in interior luxury it makes up for in other ways. The Rockford Fosgate-powered stereo system is awesome, you can feel the base in your seat! The new engine in the Xterra is so powerful you really have to watch yourself. Ultimately the Xterra rides like a truck not a car, to me thats a good thing. Its a great truck!

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  For the price, you really cant beat it. - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By julrhody - January 7 - 2:34 pm

  My last few cars have been Hondas but I am partial to staying within the Honda, Toyota, Nissan circuit. With that said, when it came time to look for a compact SUV or Crossover I pretty much had 3 options, the Honda CRV, the Toyota RAV4 or the Nissan Rogue. Hands down the Rogue won after checking them all out. The CRV interior is kind of stark and cold and the seats are incredibly UNcomfortable...and I have a lot to compare them to since I was trading in my 2010 Accord EX-L. The Toyota frankly, was boring! Dollar for dollar the Nissan offered more bang for the buck when it came to comparing all top end packages for all 3. Im very happy with my decision and the COMFY seats of the Rogue.

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  A car youll be very happy with! - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By John, Columbia MO - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car a year and a half ago with 22,000 miles on it. I have since put 15,000 miles on it and it has been fantastic. The car is solid, runs hard, especially when you take it above 3000 RPM and handles very well. Ive had to replace brakes and tires too which seems to be common. Other than those items the car has been very reliable. For the money, style and performance I agree with most others, this is a better car than a Camry or Accord.

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  Altima1/04 - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By SteveA - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. Good pick-up on Freeway & excellent passing power. Large trunk & very roomy.

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  so cool - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By jrbryars - January 7 - 2:00 am

  i love it. wish we had gotten a different color, though. everyone seems to have it.

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  My Mini-BMW in Volcanic Orange - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By amgpig9 - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I chose this Sentra after having driven the 1.8S, the 2.5S, and the Altima 2.5S. The Altima, while nice, was too big and "family car." The 1.8S and 2.5S Sentras were too dull, despite the facelift (I just came from a 98 Mitsubishi MirageÂ…so I know from slow.) This SE-R was just right. The AltimaÂ’s torque-rich, responsive engine, the sporty size, and the solid Nissan build quality. Plus the updated look, while bizarre on the "normal" Sentras, works like a charm on the SE-R models (I think it has to do with the paint choices.) ItÂ’s fastÂ…itÂ’s loaded (sunroof/ABS/160-Watt stereo), and itÂ’s a Volcanic Orange masterpiece!

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  The Best is Still the Best - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By 94 GXE - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a used 94 GXE back in 99 with 67K on the meter. A preoccupied lady run head on and totalled my trusty Max and I walked away with nary a scratch. Amazing. I put on another 61K with NO problems whatsoever - wearables dont count of sourse. SInce the accident i have been lookinbg for a replacement from other makes and NEVER found a model that is in totality comparable to the Maxima I had in terms of build quality, fun performance, reliability and cost of ownership. I am now convinced that another Maxima is the only way to go for me. The 97 will be my next car when I can find a reasonably priced one.

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  nissan quality - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By bill sivi - January 6 - 10:00 am

  i bought new le in nov. put 1000 miles on, changed oil, hooked up 2500# mcycle trailer and 1000 mi to fla. put 3000 mi on in fla. hooked up trailer and headed home. 4000 mi and not one problem.

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  Great Awsome car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Itsy Bitsy Spyder - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Cant Buy Anything better for this price range

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  Who Says the Maxima is UGLY?! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By TraeSmoov - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Great car!! Near luxury car with the performance of a sports car. If you are looking for a car that will take you from 0 to 60 in under 7 seconds, has room for 5, has the one of the worlds best V6 engines, an impeccable reliability record and has luxury amenities to boot all for under $30K then look no further than the Max!!