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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  NIGHTMARE! - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By ncjenn - March 25 - 3:34 am

  A week after buying this car in July 12, I took it back, since it had been driving badly. After about 15 minutes of driving, the engine would rev to over 4k RPMs and then jerk hard,even slamming me back into my seat. When it did it for my husband, he insisted there was definitely a problem with the tranny. Not slipping, but rather shifting hard. My dealer waited for Nissan to respond, and of course, Nissan refused to participate. So when my dealer offered to put in a re-built tranny, it also turned out to be bad. Now waiting on Nissan rep to come investigate. Disgusted that Nissan makes a car and only stands behind it for a few years. I now wish they would stand in front of it!

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  Loves Petro - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By NNeal - March 24 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is one of the most confusing things I have ever owned. To have a small 170 hp v6 this thing drinks more gas and puts out less power than anything out on the road.It is hard to love a car that on its best day gets 19 mpg and needs a good half mile of clear highway to pass another motorist. It is a joy to drive around town running errons but besides that it stay in my garage, I would never recomamend this one to anyone.

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  Overall piece of Crap ! Not a good investment - Buy Ford or Chevy - 2009 Nissan Titan
  By buster1957 - March 23 - 3:38 am

  I am amazed that the Titan has as many mechanical problems and lack of reliablility. I paid good money for a truck that has not lived up to its past ratings. I am very disappointed and wish I would have bought a Ford or Chevrolet. I had a 98 Z-71 that was a better truck than the 2009 Nissan Titan.

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  Disappointed - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Summerdrive - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Well, I chose the Maxima over the Avalon and now think I regret my choice. Yes the Maxima has the horsepower, it has a more progressive look BUT the ride is rough, it is a little work to dirve, and outside noise is detectable. So if you only have short hops want to accelerate to 60 -70 and then go slow its great. If you want to cruise and drive for more than 30 minutes at speed NOT A GOOD CHOICE - This weekend I am going to buy an Avalon - will accept less exterior sex appeal look and horsepower for Luxury ride / quietness which should be expected in a $30K car.

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  ugh - 2012 Nissan Sentra
  By sauscake - March 19 - 1:14 pm

  this car breaks down like every month i DONT UNDERSTAND

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  Made in America and it shows - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By DL - March 18 - 1:36 pm

  This car has more rattles than Baby Superstore!! Ive had mine in the shop for various noises 6 times in 6 months and Im trying to work in the 7th. Its the worst built car Ive owned in the last 5 years (including a Mercury Sable). Im actually thinking of taking the hit and trading it in for a Honda. Ive owned a Maxima and G35Coupe and both were excellent. The quality of this one is disappointing. The gas mileage is on the low end of the EPA estimates so be prepared to shell out the cash. It is fun to drive, has plenty of storage and comfortable seats 8.

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  Great Car - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Jay Tharpe - March 15 - 2:00 am

  My car has over 100,000 miles on it and I havent had to replace anything except for a driveshaft that just recently messed up! Great car starts-up everyday and drive.

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  Nissan Altima 2013 3.5 SL - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By brandenmh - March 12 - 5:08 am

  The car shudders at 1500 to 1800 rpms ...had transmission replaced and still shudders...feels like it will stall...very dangerous. ..needs attention ASAP..cant stop driving the car....dealer sends you on way like its ok...

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  Will not buy another Frontier - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By Scot - March 1 - 11:03 pm

  This truck is very slow. I know it is a 4 cyl, but it has this habit of shifting into the highest gear when I need it the least (going uphill and accelerating). When I need to accelerate, I have to either press the pedal 1/2 way down to shift, or push the Over Drive button on the shift lever. Speaking of which, you cant shift into a lower gear if you have something plugged into the cigarette lighter. The shift lever is in the way. Also, the plastic plug to the cigarette lighter is always falling out. DO NOT DRIVE this truck in the snow. It will not make it up even the slightest of grades. Even with XL tires, the back end is very light and slips everywhere. Dont buy this death trap.

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  Loved it until this year - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By dissappointed - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought it new, this year has been hell.I spent about 2k in one month. then the catalytic converters went out. Covered by warranty but Celebrity Nissan did a horrible job with the repair and charged me 200 for some testing that no one can explain. In the end Reed Nissan had to put a new engine in it about a month ago. Still having problems with transmission slipping but no one will take responsibility for it. Big surprise. Nissan of North America will do nothing for you if you have problems. I want to get rid of this car now. Until this year I loved it but Im so disappointed now with the dealership and Nissan in general. Does anyone stand behind their products anymore. NO!