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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  Its my fault Im not impressed - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By naquin - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This truck provides an excellent view of the road. I have the four cylinder (my fault) and the rear wheel drive (also my fault) I disgusted myself when I discovered that for 20.00 more a month, I could have had the V6, 4wd, power everything truck of my dreams. Dont skimp, or dont buy. Believe me, power door locks, 4WD and extra power would be worth another 100.00 a month.

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  Over all a great family truck! - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By Bryan Short - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable great for my familey Gas millage is low for a small truck Over all I would buy this truck again Had one problem under waranty Nissan did a gret job fixing and even gave us a rental car

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  GOOD SMALL TRUCK - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By BarryB - May 25 - 2:00 am

  HAVE DRIVEN TRUCK FOR 3 YRS, HAVE ONLY CHANGED TIRES, AND OIL, BEEN VERY RELIABLE.BUT DO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH STEREO, IT CUTS IN AND OUT.

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  X - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By vwguy - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I love driving this vehical. It stands out in a crowd. This vehical stands taller than most cars and trucks on the road. I like the feel of the Xterra.

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  1995 SE 5-speed - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By D. Rossi - May 22 - 9:33 pm

  When I originally purchased the Maxima, I wanted to get maximum fuel economy and reliability while maintaining a semi-luxury design and sporty feel; enter the Maxima five speed, fuel efficent, reliable, and filled with creature comforts (Bose stereo, digital climate control, heated leather, etc.). The vehicle is responsive and comfortable, handling is about average for its size and build quality is relatively good. You really do get quite a lot for not much money, but be warned: Nissan charges premium prices for its components, well over the prices youd expect from a Japanese automobile. All in all I would still recommend the vehicle despite its faults as a great daily driver.

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  nissan quest - 2001 Nissan Quest
  By chad hoffman - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the Quest over a year ago and I have no problems with. The drop-down tv is great for my two year old on long trips. The Toyota was nice also but I wasnt willing to pay the extra money for it. Nissans quality is just as good anyway. The quest is a good van for a family on a budget. Its not a porsche, but it will not break down on you either.

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  2000 SE - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By socalkid - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought this truck in April 2000. Now have 40,000 miles on it. Very reliable and have never had a problem. Sure, it rides a little rough, but look what youre getting for $23,700...loaded, including 6 disk changer, except for 4 wheel drive. Have been very happy with it the last 2 yrs

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  Maxed Out ! - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Disappointed - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this Maxima brand new. It was my 4th maxima and because I was so impressed with previous models I didnt hesitate to upgrade. Big Mistake ! My 2003 model gave me no problems at all. I should have kept it instead of trading it in. Since my purchase in 2007 i have replaced the battery, the CVT, and wheel bearings. It surprises me to see how many other people were experiencing the same issues I am. My struts are making noise but Nissan wont replace them until they get worse. I hear some rattling in the engine that the technician says he cant hear. I thought it was the mechanics but maybe it is just the car falling apart and they are used to it. The car shakes at high speeds also.

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  Just got the Murano SV AWD - 2011 Nissan Murano
  By BeReal - May 22 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I just got the SV Murano trim and AWD trans. type. We got the extra splash guards , mats, and chrome finishes. The base without options is $33.5k we got like $1500 off that base price, but i think depending on your location and dealership you go to. You can get $2k off the base price. We didnt have invoice to work with since its so new of a model and car. But if you can get like around $31k (before tax and fees and options) you right on the money i think.

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  Basic but Reliable - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By practical buyer - May 20 - 11:47 pm

  I have owned this truck since new and it has been a very reliable vehicle. The acceleration is not very good and the back seats are fairly cramped for the average adult ,but fine for kids. The mpg is also very average. I know some full size truck owners who probably get as good MPG with more space. The rear doors also do not open up wide enough(only about 45 degrees). However, having said all that, this truck has been rock solid in terms of reliability and that is important to most people. The truck is a 5 passenger vehicle and it does have a 6 foot bed. The truck is very good in the snow. Tires, brakes, and basic maintenance like oil changes, air filters, transmission flush, etc are the only things Ive had done. I would say the truck was a very good value for the dollar at the time when bought brand new in 2004 which included the roof rack(which comes in handy), power windows, power door locks, cruise control, bed liner,and cd player. I would not hesitate to buy a used frontier if the previous owner took decent care of it.