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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  I love it! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Lina Anderson - September 30 - 10:00 am

  The handling was the best truck experience I have ever had. The R&P steering set up makes the drive smooth. I have driven new chevys Dodges and Fords the titan beats them all. The only reason someone shouldnt buy this truck is if they have to have a deisel motor. I swear all it takes is a test drive and you are blown away! The exceleration is amazing! Each shift has such ease that you cant even feel the change. Anyone in the market for a truck HAS to give the Titan a shot. You have to experience this truck to really appreciate it. So go drive one! I promise this is a truck that will make the the husband and the wife happy!

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  Best Z Yet - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Mikeandjed - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I am 57 and this "Z" has put "FUN" back in life. After owning two Vettes and two "Zs", the new "Z" gets a 10 for looks, handling and design. None car buffs think its a new Porsche. They seem to love the design and I have received comments as best looking car on the road to better looking then the Porsche at 1/3 to 1/2 the price. I have the Liguid Aluminum paint and its beautiful sunshine or not. I cant say enough about it. I only wish it was American.

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  Murano is a great SUV - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Murano Fan - September 30 - 5:20 am

  Excellent fuel economy for an SUV. Has styling, comfort, power and class. Interior is accented very well and has a luxury look. Exterior is very stylish with a solid build and classy look. I get a lot of people that want to look at the inside and when they do, they rave about it.

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  26 MPG V-6 Auto 4x4 4 door! - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Randall - September 30 - 3:20 am

  Yes, 26 mpg @60 mph Cruise control on basically flat road. 21 mpg at 75 mph. Use Mobile 1 5-30, keep air pressure checked regularly. Plenty of power to get to freeway speeds. Bought new in 2007, now has ~ 33k. Fixing to put kn air filter. If there is one thing that is somewhat irritating is the turning radius. Oh, as for the high mpg, it is repeatable. Tried it again this past weekend, little different terrain, a few small hills, 25.2 mpg @ 60 mph! The only thing I can figure is the engine does not work hard at that rpm, so it sips fuel. Nissan has a winner here. Is there a diesel frontier coming?

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  YAAAAHOOOOO! - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By ZmaznZ - September 29 - 11:50 pm

  I owned a 1967 Austin Healy MK3 3000 in 1974. I fell in love with the "sports car". When I test drove my Z, it felt odly familiar, sensitive, powerful, wonderful, totally insanely FUN! I drive it every day and 2 years later still love it totally. I cant wait every morning to get in it and DRIVE. The car is for the drive. Period. I also test drove a 07 corvette, lots of power, but no fun, no road feel, felt like driving a squished super powerful station wagon! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Z! Still no mechanical problems and I drive the day lights out of it every day in the city.

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  2007 Maxima SE - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Charlie E - September 28 - 12:40 am

  This is my 3rd Maxima.It is everything that I expected and more. My wife loves it.Acceleration is excellent.CVT is great although you have to get used to it in the beginning.No torque steer.Pleasant ride.Handling could be improved.Impressive gas mileage, even with only 2500 miles on it. Trunk storage is great and the rear seats fold down - unlike some Toyota models.Great looking-my neighbors and friends were very impressed.

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  Finally a True Sports Car - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Hawkinson Nissan - September 27 - 12:26 pm

  I have driven some of the more popular sports cars (RX-8, S2000, Eclipse, Supra, etc) but none have the passion that the new Z has. Awesome acceleration, and all to the tune of that harmonious exhaust note. The only other rival I considered buying of course is the BMW M3. However, i couldnt justify the price difference as compared with the differenece in HP (30)

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  Ole Reliable - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Allie - September 27 - 10:00 am

  The car has been very reliable and fun to drive. It is very precise in turning and braking. There is a couple of things that I would change. When you are some course pavement, the sunglass holder vibrates as well as the hubcaps making noise going over bumps. It also seems to have a fair amount of road noise. The car is a bargain at the price and I would buy another one.

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  No Contest - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By 02Maxima - September 27 - 10:00 am

  After three months of driving, the 2002 Nissan Maxima SE is definitely the premier, under $30k, non-luxo sedan. The navigation system is easy to use, the seats are supportive yet comfortable, and the power alone could sell the car. Push it hard, push it soft, no matter how this Maxima is driven it accelerates effortlessly, the automatic shifts smoothly, and with all this driving mileage stays at a good rating (currently averaging 24 mpg, the EPA rating seems to be under cutting the Maxima).

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  Great Machine - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By I LOVE THIS CAR - September 27 - 10:00 am

  The new pathfinder (2001 and later) is the best midsize SUV outside of the luxury class. There is nothing to match the performance of this V6, build quality, style, and pure presence on the road. History has proven the Pathfinders reliability, build quality, and high resale value compared to American products...and for less than a comparable Explorer. It sounds very much like Jamey has never even driven (much less owned) one of these fine gems. (By the way the sound system is Bose)