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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  Muranifico - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By lynda leal - August 17 - 10:00 am

  Riding the open road going to Vegas. When you first buy a car thats the way to make the vehicle stand up for its name. That is exactly what my family and I did! You forget about the stress and discomfort of the agonizing and ferocious pavement. This vehicle glides, unbelievable reaction and response on the uneven highways. "Fun- tastic!"

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  Very Happy - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By bjacobs71 - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I drove most of the large and midsize sedans on the market before I decided the Maxima was right for me (started shopping last Feb.). Maximas reputation for being a well built, reliable, refined car is deserved. There is nothing about the car that I dont like. Its performance and handling are superior. Its obvious that the car is well built - youll know as soon as you open one of the interior compartments. The sound system is good. The interior is comfortable and roomy - suprised me, Im 62". The trunk is also larger than Id have figured. The fuel economy is good. Best of all, it was $3500 off MSRP at the dealership I purchased it from.

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  excellent car - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By Moawieh A Abu-hatoum - August 17 - 7:36 am

  have been driving nothing but Nissan since 1994, had four Nissan since then,i still have two of them now a Maxima, and an Exterra, this small SUV is a very good tough car.

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  Best affordable sports car of its kind - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By pimpdestroyer - August 17 - 7:10 am

  i love every minute im in the drivers seat and i hate every moment im not in it - best car ever

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  Best Bank for your Buck - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Emmanuel - August 16 - 11:53 am

  I bought a 1995 Nissan Maxima SE with 187,000 miles on it and it now has 209,000. People cant believe the power and solidness of this car. It honestly puts most other cars to shame. When I buy another car, it will be another 1995+ Maxima because it has one of the best and smoothest engines(VQ) and transmissions (LSD) ever made. Just a word of advice to anyone considering buying one of these, the engine and transmission are the same from 1995 to 2001 so you know that they are good. For the price, you cant beat it. You will pay thousands more for a lesser car in all aspects.

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  Ive owned nissans since 1990. Great car - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Vic - August 16 - 11:30 am

  This car is great. I have owned nissans since 1990. Very reliable vehicles. This 2006 is one of the best looking cars on the road. Performance, comfort, a little sportyness a little luxury great.

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  Love the Titan - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By White Titan - August 14 - 6:56 pm

  I have had my Titan Crew cab for 6 months now. I had an Audi A4 before and the drive and quality is not far off. I have 2 boys and outdoor toys. The truck performs flawlessly. The pulling power is better than expected and I have had no issues with this truck. It is fun to drive and my wife loves to drive as well. Stereo great. Drive and power great. Build quality is awesome. I have the 7 year 70k bumper to bumper Nissan had no problem giving that. Highly recommend.

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  Going to miss it - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By kim - August 14 - 2:06 pm

  My 98 Pathfinder was my first car EVER! I had my heart set on one, and sure enough found one. AMAZING car! I just had to change the tires, but thats because the owner before me had put cheap ones on. I had NO problems what so ever! Trading it in however for a smaller car :( Im just a poor college student and cant afford the gas anymore, however, friends tell me their Ford Explorers and Toyota Tacomas cost more to fill than the Pathfinder. Im gonna miss my Pathfinder!

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  Love it!! - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By DianeanWalt - August 14 - 1:30 pm

  We love our new Nissan. Were getting 38 miles to the gallon. On our 07 we got 40 mpg and we havent even broken this one in yet. What a differance color really does make. The 07 was black, didnt have all the amenities that my husband wanted, so we traded it in for an 08. This one is white, just what he wanted with the sunroof, xm radio, and all the additional pkgs. you can get. Life is too short, might as well get what he really wants. For a big-little car, for running around, it the greatest we found it so comfortable, we use it for road trips too.

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  Great vehicle - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Nismo Maxima - August 14 - 1:03 pm

  This car gives me no reason to ever buy another car, at least for years to come. I added the Nismo cold air intake accessory to the vehicle and love the extra sound at 5500 rpm with a mild extra boost. The acceleration is prime and the style rivels the exotics in my opinion. I have always been an accord fan, but this car takes the blue ribbon. I would not want another car or could not think of another car to buy that compares to this. Im not sure what consumer reports tested or JD Power for that matter. When Motortrend has got 5 Hyundais in the motortrend finalists, it makes me wonder if Hyundai owns shares in Motortrend. This car is the real deal and you wont be dissatisfied.