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:

• 

  Nothing compares - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Crack Shot - December 20 - 8:53 am

  Im sold from the first day I started up my wifes new car. I love the sound of the exhaust, the styling, the sleek ride. No car compares for the price. Never been told by so many people how beautiful a car was. I love cruising through the mounts like a bullet.

• 

  Titan is a beast - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By ERNIE - December 20 - 2:23 am

  I love that I purchased this truck. Has good power good looks and is a very comfortable riding vehicle. Shimmies a little when going over very rough roads or roads with a lot of potholes. Thats the only complaint from me. It had only 40,000 miles on it when I bought it and it still looks new in and outside. Love it!

• 

  Couldnt ask for more - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Andy - December 19 - 8:13 pm

  I bought this car sight unseen using an online auction. I did a lot of research. I was pleased with it when I went to pick it up and have remained so even after three years. It originally had 68,000 miles and now has 116,000. The only problems have been: 1) one coil pack went bad, and I replaced it myself (about $45) 2) the automatic temp a/c wants to cool even when it is cool outside. You can still get heat if you run it up to 85. If the temp is cold outside, it works normally. 3) Ive had to replace both c.v. joints because of boot failure. Both were after 100,000 miles, so I kind of expected that. The joints were not making any noise, but the technician suggested replacement anyway.

• 

  2007 Nissan Altima 3.5 SL - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Jose - December 19 - 10:36 am

  I was in the market looking for a new car and my choices were, Accord, Camry and Maxima. I loved the new Accord coming from a long time Honda owner as well as the Camry. I did drive the Camry and liked it, I tried the new accord and loved it. I was about to purchase it, then I told my wife lets try the Maxima. We liked the Maxima but the salesman said just try the 2007 Altima. Wow, I was impressed, the power and all around design just caught my attention. Nissan has stepped up on this model and I recommend you drive one for yourself. I love this Altima.

• 

  NISSAN IS GREEEAAAT!!! - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By andria - December 19 - 4:46 am

  This is a great car!!!

• 

  What a Rocket!! - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By Kevin K - December 18 - 11:03 pm

  I just bought a new 2007 350Z Touring Roadster. What an awesome car!! I have owned several Nissan cars. Altima, Sentra Spec V and now a 350Z. The Spec V was great, but the 350Z is no comparison. Fuel economy is what I expected for a sports car.

• 

  Total Utility for the Utilitarian - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Phil - December 18 - 9:53 pm

  I’m a connoisseur of SUV’s, 4 runner, Trooper, Disco and now Pathfinder. Utility is her name: Superior power, nice/tight handling, vicious 4wd and good room for family w/kids. Gas mileage is great for its class, space is optimal and compartments judiciously arranged. Outlets are all around, roof racks, good towing capacity, comfortable suspension, cup holders and running boards are super. Safety is also great (tire pressure reading, weight sensor for airbag turn- off, steel box frame, ABS, etc). Very comprehensive SUV, especially for the utilitarian like myself…

• 

  Good Trooper - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By northwest - December 18 - 4:56 pm

  Given as a gift after graduation, 65000 miles. Thanks aunty, some parts were modified for more power and sound, in turn most stock problems never happened. Runs like a champ with mobile 1 syn every 4000miles. Ngk sparkys & wires. I still get 22-25 city, 37+ highway. No prob w/engine yet. I have good mechanics:). 144300 miles strong.

• 

  Great car with growing pains - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Osiris - December 18 - 8:43 am

  Overall, It is an excellent sports car. Harsh ride; no, but it IS firm. Luxury is minimum when compared to BMW; but compare it to anything in its price range, and it is more than sufficient. Because of the smooth torque, I find it much easier to drive in traffic than any other manual I have had. I bought the first year model, and have the tire noise, but I knew it was a problem going into it. There are sacrifices to make when buying an affordable sports car, and the Z asks for a few, but not many. Overall I am floored with my Z experience thus far, and would do it agian in a heartbeat.

• 

  Just O.K. ( Buyers Remorse ) - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Durell - December 17 - 11:20 pm

  I decided to wait 6 mos before writing a review of this car. Lets say that its just ok for a daily driver. The v6 is advertised as having 270 hp, somehow I think thats not entirely true. The AC is lacking punch, The steering is ultra light, the handling even with SE trim is floaty, build quality is better than last gen but not by much, the brakes are pretty much dead if one must make a sudden stop from say 50 mph, lots of fade, the gas mileage is horrible even when taking it easy on the engine.