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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  No gas mileage - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Curious - August 29 - 1:06 pm

  We just bought this vehicle new off the dealers lot. It had 57 miles. We now have 620 miles and have filled up 3 times already. It is rated at 32 highway and 24 city. Most of the mileage is highway so I would expect better than 19 mpg. The dealership says it has to break in to get better gas mileage. I have several trips planned in this car that will cost a fortune buying all this gas.

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  One shade under perfect - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Fast Driver - August 29 - 4:40 am

  I traded in an 08 equinox fully loaded for the basic altima. Love this car! Love the ride, drive, handling, and turning radius! Sometimes I think I hear the speakers rattling when music is up louder but other then that no complaints! 1300 miles on it as of now. Kinda miss some of the bells and whistles, but oh well. Gas mileage is decent. I always wanted to lease but never thought I could be a candidate because of the miles but Nissan didnt blink an eye with letting me do 18k per year. The seats seem firm but Im getting used to it. I had the Nissan dealer detail my car and they did a terrible job but oh well it was free lol!

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  Transmission trouble! - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Donyeckia Rayner - August 26 - 4:09 am

  I purchased my 2016 Maxima 7/14/2015 from Andy Mohr Nissan by sept 2015 my vehicle had to have the transmission replaced, panoramic sunroof replaced and it was another component that was causing the car to miss fire. I was told by the dealership to contact consumer affairs about just getting me into another car because they couldnt recommended nor just put me in another vehicle. The case was then turned over to the arbitration dept. for review But unfortunately Nissan denied the new car replacement claim and now Im forced to drive a vehicle that i really dont feel safe in. Nissan is taking full financial responsibility for the repairs and rental car coverage but no one from Nissan was driving the car on the interstate when the car just totally lost power so they cant imagine what Im going through on a daily basis since Ive been back in the car nor do i think they really care. This is my second Nissan but will be my last! I really like the car but dont like the fact that Nissan is basically telling me Tough it out and we will fix anything that goes wrong with it.

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  Satisfied with my Frontier - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Chad Rossi - August 25 - 8:46 pm

  I use my Frontier for a variety of tasks. I haul drinks for a vending machine business; I use it for hauling materials for the home improvement projects; and I just recently drove it from Baton Rouge to Atlanta for the SEC Championship. It is a solid truck. The only complaint is the poor turning radius. One more thing, if you put in an aftermarket radio it will mess up the airbag system which only the dealer can fix, for an $89 charge.

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  Good Performance but - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By joenoles1 - August 24 - 11:40 am

  powerful engine and very comfortable ride. There are some common problems with this vehicle namely, brakes due to crappy rotors, ignition coils, MAF and suspension issues. I have over 150k miles and it has been an excellent vehicle.

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  Best value in the segment - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Max - August 23 - 9:33 am

  I researched vehicles for at least 1 year before purchasing my 09 SV Prem/Tech White/Caffe Latte Max. I have owned three previous Maxima bodystyles. Funny how many other reviews start out with mention of previous maxima ownership. That says a lot about this car. I love the style, power, options, reliability, and value. It was between this car and Hyundai Genesis 3.8 sedan, but I needed to have front wheel drive. I am very happy with this car and look forward to buying the next full updated model in 4-5 years. Only wish I had waited for rebate offers to save 6k or 0%, but you have to pay to play.

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  Altima still needs some improvement - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Corolla_luva - August 22 - 8:53 pm

  I bought the Altima 2 weeks ago and I dont know how to describe the feeling of looking at the 2008 Altima 3.5 SE (V-6!!). Its beyond great. But the problems are there, I cant ignore it. After a couple days of driving it, I found the suspension noise to be very loud and found it to be annoying (sounds like its rusted metal, a "squeak" sound). Two, the build material or overall finish of the interior was made with cheap material. The 2 front side of the door also made a "squeak" noise when you pressed upon it or when the car turned and your leg/thigh leaned against it.

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  Cant find a better replacement - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Lance - August 20 - 5:43 am

  Im looking to buy another commuter car this year, and Im having a tough time coming up with a better choice for under $20K!

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  My Cab - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By Tim Warner - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Have had one problem with driver seat sticking and will not move forward or backward. I am 64" and need the leg room

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  400 miles - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Bill Pechilis - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Only 400 miles on it & so far I like my decision.Very comfortable seating in the cloth.The front 2 rows are great 3rd row is for kids or small adults.The engine is very smooth on the highway at 70 -80.It does have a little growl to it while accelerating which I love.The tranny is the best I,ve ever had.Space galore.City driving takes care but becomes easier with pratice.I love it.