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:

• 

  Good Car + Investment - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By maxima05_slse - August 31 - 6:56 pm

  I bought it Used, on 2007 at a Nissan Dealer with 9,000 miles on it(Aprox.) Although is a Buy Back/Lemon Law Classified. I got a good Price and the Car was Just like New. the reason for the Owner to Return the Car was for some Gases Fumes from the Engine getting Inside the Cabin Area. They Fixed but the Client did not want the Car back. Dealer took it Back by Buy Back Program(AKA-Lemon Law Statues) Since, the Car did not have any mayor Problems with it. Just the Regular Maintenance Parts & Services. The only thing the Car was Fixed was the Sway Bar and some other Front Steering Parts but under the Warranty during 1st 3 months. It is a very Powerful Car and have Lot Space. Great Family Car.

• 

  best car for the dollar - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By mjamesymc - August 31 - 10:00 am

  After looking for a reliable small sedan under $14,000 we found this fun to drive sporty car for a great price - and we like what we see so far. Best car for the dollar.

• 

  This car rocks! - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By protocide - August 31 - 10:00 am

  Bang for the buck, the Maxima SE cannot be beat. The V6 is buttery smooth. The suspension is designed for zipping along twisty roads and yet is smooth on the highway. You can get the car in stick shift! (Try getting that in an Accord V6 or Camry V6!) The car is quiet even at speed. The brakes are great. Even the base sound system is pretty darn good. The car can seat four six-footers with room to spare. Great gas mileage considering it can run 0-60 in the high sixes. If you want a four-door family car that is a blast to drive, buy a Maxima SE!

• 

  Nismo - 2008 Nissan 350Z
  By Earl Morrison - August 31 - 3:03 am

  This car is awesome as far as driving goes. Would have been better with XM radio and navigation unit. Also upgrade of camshafts to higher lope cam would have set it apart from other 350Z.

• 

  Great Ride - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Bradley Railey - August 30 - 11:36 am

  This is a great ride. The transmission took some getting used too, but now I just love it. The only cons I have is that I would like more trunk room and add some sound proffing. I have the nav. system in mine and would not buy another auto without it.

• 

  Still better looking than the competition - 2015 Nissan Armada
  By Bruce stevens - August 30 - 8:07 am

  Bought a platinum reserve 4x4. To replace our 2005 Armada LE that has 230000 miles still looks great and is our second car. Replacing my 2001 Frontier. That frontier replaced my 1995 nissan pickup. Needless to say I have had great success with Nissan vehicles. I expect the same with the new one. If I have a problem thats why I have the extended warranty. Love all the bells and whistles. Looked at the competition and the Armada feels more luxurious. Of course the gas mileage isnt the best . I knew that before buying. I always make sure it gets the schedule maintenance and pre check before long trips. I highly recommend the Armada over any other SUV

• 

  Nice Ride - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By TitanThunder - August 30 - 1:43 am

  Outgrew the Pathfinder that we purchased a couple of years ago and decided to get an Armada. We purchased a loaded SE, since the LEs that we found all had the captains chair package. The Armada drives nicely, is comfortable and roomy, and gives you plenty of cargo space. Gas mileage is what it is but thats easily overlooked when you think of how versatile this SUV is. The wife loves it, the kids love it, and I really like it due to its size.

• 

  The Altimate Altima - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Cheryl Altima - August 29 - 2:45 pm

  Its not good for hauling around dogs.

• 

  This car saved my life - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By companda - August 29 - 5:03 am

  I got this car from my parents for graduation. Its lovely. Drives like a dream and Ive put this thing in places any other vehicle would have been stuck and its pushed through and gotten out with no problem at all. About two years ago I got hit at roughly 110mph from behind. Needless to say the car that got shoved under mine was destroyed and the police/EMTs stated that if I were in any other car I would have died on impact. The car still drives like a dream and you cant tell anything bad happened to it. Its the most reliable car Id ever heard of. My only complaint? The rising gas prices.

• 

  Big Body - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By rym1 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I love driving our Armada. This is our very first SUV, and we do not regret it. I would definitely recommend this vehicle to who ever is considering purchasing a new vehicle.