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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  Pleasant Surprise - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By MrIcemaker - September 15 - 3:06 am

  I originally purchased this vehicle as a means to lower my fuel costs – my main vehicle was an F-350 diesel, and I commute 70 miles each day. In 18 months I would then turn it over to my daughter to drive. Since February, I have put just short of 9000 miles on the car (will put about 20,000 per year I am guessing), including a 16 hour (each way) trip to Reno NV (from Denver) without overnighting. That is a long time in a car, and I was surprised how comfortable it was. Plenty of power, excellent handling, and I averaged over 35 mpg on the trip at 75 mph set on the cruise control. I would not only recommend this car, I may buy another one in 18 months and keep this one for myself!

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  The Future is now - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By bONES - September 15 - 12:03 am

  I has pleasantly surprised with the all I got for the same price as an 2001 Altima- I dont know how they do it. A large Sedan with power and quality of an Infinity at a price below Toyota Carmy.

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  Easy Rider - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By Richard Haxel - September 14 - 12:27 pm

  when you turn your turn signal on be careful that you dont take the headlights off of automatic. AC/Heat dont seem to coincide with the right and left controls. I wish I had gotten passenger side seat electronically controlled because once you put the seat back manually, it takes an act of congress to get back forward position.

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  LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By MissMaxima - September 14 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Maxima (the first was a 97 GLE). No kidding, I LOVE MAXIMAS. Theyre the best! My first Maxima had lots and lots of miles on it and started to make me a little nervous, so I got a 4 cyl 2 door Honda Accord for the gas mileage. Sure, I got 33 mpg, but after three months, I had to have another Maxima. Maximas have other "sport sedans" beat hands down on the power and performance.

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  First Month - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By hbcarkook - September 14 - 10:00 am

  I peeled the cheap lloking MAXIMA ans 3.5 SE chrome stickers off and added a billet grille.... It now looks great. Will add wood dash kit and poly suspension bushings for stiffer cornering.

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  Nissan rocks - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By GOVEGETARIAN - September 14 - 10:00 am

  I love my Pathfinder! Ive got over 33k and it still runs like brand new. I tow a boatover 3000 lb and she flies! I have had to repalce my homelink twice- which was annoying.

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  first impression of new van - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By feharper - September 14 - 10:00 am

  I have to say that I am in love with this van, styling beautiful, with great handling, comfort and amenities. Little or no lean in turns, very roomy. The instrument panel takes a little getting used to, but functions well, and once learned, is simple and easy.

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  nissan 250z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By kentcarr - September 14 - 10:00 am

  great car,great design. comfortable, great style owned a 96 300z and it is no comparison to the new z

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  Environmentally Responsible - 2012 Nissan Leaf
  By chemiedee - September 14 - 9:44 am

  A great vehicle with excellent acceleration from a stop, quiet, nice ride and handling, and very much an eye catcher. Ive calculated my total cost of ownership over 15 years, 180,000 miles as about $45000. $33000 initial cost after the $7500 tax credit, $5000 in electricity, and $7000 for repairs, tires, and insurance. That is about 25 cents per mile, lower than any conventional vehicle. The mileage is 4 miles per kWh in the city, which at 11 cents per kWh is about 150 MPG. In an area with cheaper electric, and when I get metered service for night charging @7.5 cents per kWh, it goes to over 200 MPG city! The vehicle is fun to drive and has great pickup from a stop.

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  Best minivan - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By Connecticut - September 14 - 5:00 am

  Great family car. Have had ours for about ten months and 5,000 miles. No problems. Highly recommend the car, and have no regrets what so ever. Take a look to see how many recalls there have been on the 07 quest, and you will understand why I think so highly of it The only draw back is the lack of snow tires for this vehicle (225-65-16).