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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  Fully Loaded Mostly Worth It. - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Michael - February 14 - 10:06 am

  Let me first start by saying that this is one of the most fun cars I have had the pleasure of driving. It sucks down the recommended 93 octane like it is a sports car with a big engine. Oh wait, it is a sports car (4-doors) with a good sized engine. The ride is a little stiff but it is supposed to be like that. There are more bells and whistles that I can shake a stick at. If you want luxury, you will get most of the high end items that you would get from the others. If you like to drive, this is a great car!

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  XTERRA ROCKS!!! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By BIGHEAD - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE ONLY OWNED MY 2003 XTERRA SC 4X4 FOR ABOUT A MONTH NOW BUT I FEEL THE NEED TO TELL EVERYBODY. THIS IS THE BEST VEHICLE I HAVE EVER DRIVEN AND I COULDNT BE PROUDER TO SAY THAT I AM AN OWNER. THIS VEHICLE RIDES GREAT, HAS ALL THE BELLS AND WHISTLES, AND RUNS LIKE A CHAMP. NISSAN RULES!!!

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  Murano Vs Infiniti FX35 - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Undecided - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Im trying to decide whether to go with a loaded Murano SE AWD or the Infiniti FX35...many similarities. Anyone have any views?

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  My dream car exceeded expectations - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By alison - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven many different cars & minivans for 20 years. I drove an Altima once and found its handling superior to anything I knew - so when I went to buy my next car I had to try the new model Altima. Now almost two years later I still smile each time I get in it - it was the best decision Ive made in a long time. It still handles crisply, hugs the road on corners, brakes and accelerates responsively, is very roomy and comfortable - while looking and feeling sharp. The interior has maintained like new. This is an excellent car and a delight to drive - all distances and in all weathers. Not a single problem.

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  None can compare - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By MaxMan04 - February 14 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 Nissan Maxima SE (5AT) is perhaps the finest sports/luxury sedan ever built. I have always been a huge fan of Maximas since the 1990s and this most recent design is inside and out, Nissans best effort. I find it funny that this site compares it to the Honda Accord and the VW Passat. As if comparing it to the sluggish and horrible-performing Toyota Avalon wasnt enough, the Acoord & the Passat, although priced in the same ballpark, are not even close to being in the same class of vehicle. The Maxima handles better than any vehicle in its class, including the Acura Type-S, and has a bold, new styling that cannot be beaten.

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  No refunds. No returns. - 2017 Nissan Sentra
  By Ted - February 14 - 12:28 am

  We purchased it because we couldnt find the Toyota we wanted. It was a mistake. Their warrantee will be voiced for almost anything. ie if you dont get the oil changed on their schedule BUT some of them say change it every 3500 miles some say every 5000 miles. If you choose incorrectly your warrantee is voided. After one day, we took it in because the brakes were spongy and made a slight noise when stopping. They said nothing was wrong with them. We said we wanted to return it, and they refused. A Toyota corolla for approximately $1000 more has everything the Sentra has. To have the safety features that the Corolla has would cost $4000 more.

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  2015 Nissan Rogue a Solid SUV option - 2015 Nissan Rogue Select
  By REBECCA ASHLOCK - February 13 - 10:58 pm

  I bought my 2015 NIssan Rogue Select S certified Pre-owned approx. 3.5 weeks ago. I chose the Cayenne Red exterior, gray interior, with the convenience package. I test drove a Ford Escape, Jeep Compass & Grand Cherokee, Chevy Trax & Equinox, and Subaru Forester. I chose the Nissan for the comfort, options, gas mileage and price compared to the others. I will start with the interior & seating- The first thing I noticed compared to some of the other models were the soft material in the Rogues seating. I found the front seats to be very comfortable, plenty of leg room with a high back & comfortable head rest. Im 59 and my husband is 64. We have no problem with space or comfort. I was surprised at the reclining/sliding seats offered in the second row seating which gives passengers more room. If you have to set in back its not a bad ride. I opted out of the third row seating, its small and cramped for this model. So please keep that in mind. My display is 4.3" color, rear view monitor, Illuminated visor mirrors, illuminated steering wheel. On my steering wheel are audio controls, bluetooth controls, and cruise control. The screen does offer hands free blue tooth. The back-up camera is very convenient and easy to see. I have Sirius radio, a CD player, Ipod/MP3 hookups, USB ports. I used the SIrius free trial, its nice but I wont subscribe. The radio is average, easy to pre set with 6 speakers. The controls on the steering wheel has made things very easy. I dont have to look away or reach over they are right at my fingertips. Kind of a nice safety feature for me since I love music. Its convenience is well worth it. I will say the steering wheel is a little smaller than my Dodge Charger. A side note on the Hands Free, you have the capability to switch to manual controls easily, I love that option over my moms Ford system! Cargo space is actually quite spacious. Its not a truck so if you have expectations of it offering full size truck capacity you will be disappointed. I believe my overall space is around 70cu feet with the second row seats down. Its more than adequate for a grocery shopping trip or to haul luggage, camping gear, sports gear, ice chest, etc. I have went to Lowes and bought some wood for my deck and it fit nicely with seats folded down. There is an option for a hide cargo system, I actually like this if I want to leave anything of value its great for concealing. The AC/Heater gets very cold, and there are plenty of vents throughout the vehicle. The performance is not bad. I have heard a lot of people knock passing or going up a hill, its not a 6 or 8 cylinder vehicle! I have the 2.5L FWD. I dont have a problem going around someone or getting on the highway, I also dont put my foot all the way in it either! If I wanted to drive like that I would get in my 2009 Charger and go for a drive! I drive 95 miles to work every morning and have not had a problem reaching speeds of 80mph. While driving at this speed, its smooth, easy to handle, and I dont have any blind spots others seem to have. I adjusted my mirrors to fit my view and no issue there. If you are going up a hill it is a little more noisy but nothing major. I have my radio set at 15 so most of the time I rarely notice any noise. The brakes react well, and driving in rain has not been an issue. I have never hydro planed so far and I love the Traction control. I live on 5 acres off a private dirt road which is why I wanted a small SUV or truck. The Rogue has handled well so far. When it gets muddy I dont have a problem getting through the road, it rides smoothly over the bumpy road, and handles well. That was my main reason in purchasing a small SUV was the country roads! So far its performed well. I get roughly 25.5MPG average mixed highway/City driving. This is not a muscle SUV or Truck, if you want a mid size economical SUV that handles nicely in various road conditions this SUV would be worth the look.

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  Good Car - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Chummy - February 13 - 3:53 pm

  Car has been been reliable and dependable. Slow leak on Tire only problem and annoying TPMS light. CVT is great on highway, not fun in the city. Overall a great commuting car. Bluetooth works well. Voice Recognition is not great. Build Quality just ok. Not the best. Trunk needs a big push to shut, and rear passenger side door not aligned that well. Sharp edges under the Trunk opening. Cut my hand there. Noisy in the rain. Ride not great over bumps. However its roomy. Was over charged by dealer for my 30,000 miles service over $500. It was routine, and no issues, but fee was high. I love the color, Magnetic Grey. Leather Seats feels like plastic. Should have bought the Altima.

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  Best Car - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By MaximumBrian - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive had Toyotas, Acuras, BMWs, Fords, and finally this Nissan. It is hands down the best car Ive ever owned. It is rewarding to drive, roomy, comfortable, frugal, and VERY reliable. Ive had absolutely no problems, and there is hardly any preventative maintence (unlike Hondas and Toyotas). Ive owned Integras and Tercels and this Nissan is actually much cheaper to own and operate then both of those.

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  Shouldve kept looking! - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Charles Williams - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought it in July 2010 as I thought was an upgrade from my 1998 dodge stratus. The first mistake I made was when I test drove it; I loved the ride of it and the smoothness of the CVT transmission, but little did I know that that is pretty much the only good thing about this car. I thought I did my homework on it but apparently not. I shouldve read the reviews on this site from people because the people giving it bad reviews are spot on. I waited 8 years to get a new car and I ended up getting totally let down. I immediately regret my decision.