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:

• 

  Great Max - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Guantanamo - December 25 - 2:00 am

  When it came time to replace my 93 Maxima (with 175,000 miles on it) it only made sense to give Nissan another try -- and boy am I glad I did. The 2001 Max is better in every way - bigger, roomier, faster, and more powerful. Its comfortable for long trips, has great front and rear passenger room, and the V-6 is one of the best on the planet.

• 

  From 540i to great value in 6.3 seconds. - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Old 280 Guy - December 25 - 2:00 am

  This car is the best value for the money out there. I test dove both the Acura TLS and the Lincoln LS, both nice cars but without the 6-speed they dont compare. The quality and options on the car are exceptional for the price. My previous car was a BMW 540i which you cannot compare, except that you get 75% of that car for 55% of the price. The next generation I believe due next year may effect resale.

• 

  What an engine!! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By David A. - December 25 - 2:00 am

  I was thinking about buying something smaller, but the test drive sold me. The wonderful 3.5L V-6 engine is this cars best selling point. After having lived with the car for 3 months, the engine is still the cars strongest point. It just never fails to impress. Handling is another strong point, although it does get a little unsettled on bumpy pavement, but never enough to throw the car offline. The exterior of the car very pleasing to the eye. I think the profile is the cars best view IThe interior is very quiet. Road noise is very subdued, as is wind noise, except for an air leak from the sunroof.

• 

  Long Term Report - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Nutnfancy - December 24 - 5:46 pm

  The 350Z in all versions is a performance bargain. It is a quick, well-balanced, superbly built sports car. Styling is head turning. Acceleration is good. Overall MPG runs 21.5 city, with about 40% aggressive driving, 25-27 hwy if you drive with cruise and accelerate gently. Build quality is outstanding: no squeaks, rattles, misaligned panels, or mx issues. Maintenance costs have been zero for me in the last year. Stock exhaust note is exhilarating. Stereo is good. Amenities, storage areas, utility of hatchback are excellent.

• 

  I love my Altima! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Angelena - December 24 - 2:50 pm

  I love this car! I really made the right choice. Its classy w/out being too pricy, and with this new gas gouging that were going thorugh Im relieved to know that my car gets abou 28 MPG on the freeway. I have a fear of cars breaking down, and Im so happy to say that Ive never had a problem with my car, its an absolute dream.

• 

  99.5 Pathfinder 217k miles no problems - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Ryan - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I own the 1999.5 Pathfinder base model XE and its a great vehicle hands down. Just exceeded 217,000 miles and Ive never had a problem - ever. I do take care of it however. I change the oil and rotate the tires every 6k miles. I change the trans. fl. every 33k miles. I replace all seals, the water pump, the oil pump, timing chain, etc. (Nissans recommended maint.) every 100k miles. I have the brakes checked every 60k miles. The engine still runs like the day I bought it (Ive been the only owner). Interior has held up well- but pass. window is real slow. Exterior still looks good- never been garage kept and I hardly ever wash it. For the abuse Ive put it through, a great vehicle.

• 

  2004 nissan sentra 1.8 liter 4 door - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By jrb - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Bought this Nissan 4 yrs ago. Had to replace breaks, tires, wheel baring starts hard and some times will not start at all, the radio went out 1 yr after purchased, trunk leaks water pump went out 102,000, dip stick broke, engine lite stays on all the time.

• 

  Love it - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By baramos - December 24 - 2:00 am

  We use this veh. heavily off-road and it is a performer, for sure. Now have 27K miles, with no problems ever. Have taken it over some really horrible roads, and it takes all in stride, keeping up with Jeep Rubicons, and all comers. my wife and I love it, and it is a pleasure to drive, both on road and off. Will keep it until it dies. We did beef up the suspension as it is weak stock----add- a-leafs in rear, and 2 1/2 inch leveling kit in front---helped a lot. I highly recommend this vehicle, especially with the up-graded suspension. Destroyed 2 of the stock BFG Rugged Trails tire, so replaced all with BFG All Terraign AT KOs---- they work great!

• 

  Clicking noise - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By richbern1 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  The car is great. When I drive the car cold, as I accelerate to 20 mph I get a clicking noise from the area of the front right axle or wheel. It goes away after 20 mph. I was told at the dealership that this is normal. It is a computer self check for the fuel system. Is this true or not? I only have 1000 miles on odometer.

• 

  LOVE MY JUKE - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By Ram - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with the looks and when i took it for a test drive couldnt think of anything else but to own it. I have had the Juke for a month now and i love everything about it