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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  Nissan Has A Winner - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By vinnie - October 3 - 1:56 am

  I have to tell you. Ive had my Max since 2003. Its a great car with both power and style. Still turns heads after 2 years! The engine is smooth and powerful without sacrificing MPG. I avg. 24.9 MPG. Not bad for such a strong motor! If I have anything negative to say, its nothing different that whats already been in reviews - fix the torque steer issue and work on the wide turning radius. Other than that - I love my Maxima!!

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  98 Frontier SB - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By rben - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 98 Frontier used 18 months ago. Only normal oil changes so far- its been perfect. Have taken on two long(2500+ miles)trips- very comfortable and reliable. I think this is the best light truck value for your dollar. The four cylinder gets about 23mpg city/ 27 hwy. w/ a tonneau cover on the back. The power is adequate, evenly heavily loaded through 9000ft passes in the Rockies it did fine. Quite peppy around town without a heavy load. My fifth Nissan, but first truck- I highly recommend this vehicle!

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  Best Damn Mini Van Out There - 1999 Nissan Quest
  By Dawn Bowman - October 2 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I test drove several Mini Vans when we were looking for one and wound up with the Quest for the comfort and handling of it. I love it! I have always owned a Nissan and I cant believe that we actually thought that the Pontiac Montana was more a good Van. If oyu want my opinion, stick with Nissan they hold there value and are very reliable cars.

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  Pathfinder - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Cathy - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I love my new Pathfinder! Nothing bad to say about it yet - except someone couldve taught me how to get the gas cap off before I was stuck in a gas station about to cry...

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  Nissan Strikes Again - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Braxton - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Prior to the PAthfinder, I had 2 Maximas after owning two Camrys. I never thought much about Nissan, yet I found my first Maxima to be as good as Toyota and Honda. I longed for a more pwerful Pathfinder and they finally made one. The Acura MDX was my first choice but I couldnt justify the exter $9k. After almost 2 years (I have 2001 model)I feel totally vindicated. This is a great, dependable, smooth driving truck with storage for my 4 some and our clubs.

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  Pathfinder - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By cathy - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I love my new Pathfinder! Nothing bad to say about it yet - except someone couldve taught me how to get the gas cap off before I was stuck in a gas station about to cry...

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  Great Value, ALOT of car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By OD - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I walked into the Nissan dealer "kind of" interested in a car. When I drove it and compared it to simiilar vehicles with the same options, the Nissan was about 5-7K less. The car is a great value. I purchased the SE with BOSE, leather and the MSRP was about 30K, I got the car for 25K. At the time, I also got 3.9% financing over 60 months. The car got 28 MPG on a recent drive to the beach. In the 5 hour drive, I was comfortable and enjoyed the passing power. Interior looks great. I considered the Altima, but hated the interior.

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  Good Car, Good Price - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Nerf - October 2 - 10:00 am

  When i was shopping around, i was looking at the acura TL (maybe Type S), maybe a low end lexus, mercedes or BMW, but for the money, i found the maxima to be the best buy. the only issue i have is with the sunroof wind deflector wich keeps gettin small cracks, but nissan keeps fixing it for me. by the way to sergei91 you can program your car to NOT make the beep when you lock it with the remote. read your manual, thats what it is for.

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  I love my decision - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By WF - October 2 - 8:43 am

  I downgraded from an Altima to a Versa for better fuel economy. The Versa turns out to be a nimble car thats very fun to drive. It has more rear leg room than the Altima! And I cant complain about its 30 city/36 hwy mileage (I have the CVT version). Its convenience package (intelligent key, bluetooth phone, audio controls on wheel) offers some features typically found on more luxurious models.

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  Now you have it now you dont - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By Cookie - October 1 - 5:18 am

  I have owned my Murano since November 2016. I love my car. The only problem is my Bluetooth works intermittently. I have taken it in for service twice. Ive had a software update. When I took it in I was able to see my text messages. Now I cant. Also, Ive spoken to Nissan support and noone has a specific answer. I think nissan should have a solution for this since it is a feature.