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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  Great four years, then problems. - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By Jim-Chandler, AZ - March 29 - 11:33 pm

  Van fine until 2009. Brakes went out completely. Cost of new ones $650. April 2010, new belts, catalytic converter and motor mount replaced. Repair cost $600. Plus. Convertor covered under warranty. July, 2010, timing chain replaced and one belt which was replaced in April. Repairs $2,400. Current mileage 82,000. Disappointed in repairs needed over a one year period approx. $4,500. Unsure about purchasing a foreign car again. Had a Ford van previously, because of front end problem and possible transmission, traded at approx. 80,000. Miles. Also, 2 or 3 cross country trips, one pulling a small trailer. Wish we had repaired the Ford.

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  2001 Maxima SE - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Jim - March 29 - 1:46 am

  SE model has rather sporty ride but at a significant loss of comfort and refinement. Turning radius is horrible which may be partially attributable to 17" wheels. Maxima reliability has been as advertised.

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  Mixed Review - 2009 Nissan Xterra
  By TruckLuver - March 28 - 1:30 pm

  Purchased new 2009. Rockford Fosgate sound system above average, nice technology package. Combined gas mileage (20% city, 80% hwy) is 21-22 mpg. Looks nice, rides comfortably, but Im having hard time adjusting from previous full-size pickup truck. I am 6 tall, and I feel a little closed-in. Short arm rest is more like an elbow rest... it sucks. Test drive was good, but after a month Im not so happy. 6 cylinder engine seems to have sufficient if not awesome power. Back seats are nice to have, but not much room for rear passengers unless you scoot front seats up. Plastic console dents easily (dont drop anything on it). Vehicle is shorter than some cars. Mixed feelings, but quality vehicle

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  No comparison to other minivans - 2012 Nissan Quest
  By greywulfe - March 28 - 4:58 am

  When shopping for a minivan, I wanted something that had less than bland styling. The quest by far is the most impressive looking minivan out there IMO - it has a very distinctive shape that no other comparable van has. Styling aside, the biggest advantage is the interior. I own an LE model -The Honda and Toyota both have very cheap interiors. Try knocking on the dash on the Toyota. With leather seats, this truly is a luxury vehicle. The cargo capacity is massive. Do you really plan to take out the car seats? These fold flat...anything big - rent a truck.

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  IM OVER IT!!! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By josh37 - March 27 - 10:55 am

  I bought this car used with bout 60,000 miles on it. Ive had for about 3 years and im now at 124,000 miles. I loved this car at first, but now, i dont even like driving the car because of the AWFUL transmission! Its so bad! I will NOT replace the transmission! I have been driving with it jerking and hesitating for about 5 months and i am trading it in this weekend! I have been looking at the 2008-2010 Honda Accords and that is probably what i am gonna end up getting. This car is just a head ache now! I have had two previous maximas and they were GREAT! I wish i never would have gotten ride of my 2003 maxima.

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  well it is a truck - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By a truck - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Have not had any problems so far,This is a truck,so it drives like a truck and gets gas milage like a truck.I would buy another one.

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  Great vehicle with few errors - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By felix183333 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I only own nissans and I judge them all and follow the improvements as they develop. I normally buy a nissan about every three years and have owned nissan trucks, sentras, altimas, maximas and pathfinders. Nissan, I can say is a corpration that is for the consumer and puts its best foot froward to please its buyers.

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  Empty nest - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Z-lover - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Z. This car gets stares every where we go. It is a blast to drive. Very fast! Shifts to second a little rough, and the seats are not comfy for a big guy. All and all, a great car.

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  A Great Car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By ted - March 25 - 8:43 pm

  Had my 03 Altima 2.5SL for three years. Excellent mechanical engineering, no fit or engine problems. Comfort for driver and passengers. Instrument panel could have better materials. Poor placing of heated seat buttons and hazard button. Radio with six-CD changer is fabulous

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  The best - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By cone747 - March 25 - 2:03 am

  Build quality of a tank! The power and "tightness" makes it feel like your driving an unstoppable machine. This is the best vehicle Ive owned. The luxury interior is awesome and has every thing you can want on a car (le version). Gas mileage isnt good (12.9), but if a cared I would have gotten a hybrid. Electic 4x4 is great never misses a beat locking in or catching it in auto. Suspension is great and the breaks are ultra smooth. Dont compare the v6 to the v8. Though they look alike there completely different I have driving both. The v6 is a wanna be, the v8 is the real deal.