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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  OK, not great - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By catcher10us - April 29 - 8:56 pm

  First let me say that I have had Isuzu SUVs since 88, 2 troopers and a rodeo and they were the most reliable cars I have ever owned. I got the pathfinder because Isuzu left the market. Overall, I have about 43k miles on it and use if for business, everyday. Had a problem early on with oxygen sensors, dealer replaced, not a big deal. The brakes have been really poor on this truck, warped rotors at 24k miles, not covered past 18k miles. This is a lease, so not rushing to repair. Other than that, the pathfinder is comfortable, great in the snow and has plenty of power, highway and in town and a ton of room. Overall, I cant find anything better at the price, so I would do it again on a new one

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  Brakes - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By tamsmax01 - April 29 - 1:23 pm

  Orig. owner of my 01 Max. Love it overall, but have put 3 sets of brakes on it now at 140,000 miles. this last set involved callipers as the rotars were very warped - perhaps due to callipers not releasing fully, wearing them faster. Also needed a speed sensor for the right rear wheel. All for $900. Wondering how other owners were faring with brake issues on their 01. Still handles well. Great Giddy-up and gets an avg. of 23mpg in the city - around 330 miles to a tank of gas.

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  2006 Nissan Titan - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By ordosch - April 29 - 8:00 am

  So far, I have had no problems with this truck. Everyone at work tells me they love riding in the Titan. This truck is very comparable and competitive with other full size trucks on the market.

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  Less Enthusiastic Than Most - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Grumpy - April 28 - 9:16 pm

  I bought the OR model to use off road after driving an 88 4x4 Pathfinder for 342K miles (great vehicle!) By comparison, the Xterra rides like a buckboard & handles like a baby buggy on mountain roads (mushy steering, feels unstable - tho it might not be). Cant get rid of constant squeaking from under carriage, despite 4 trips to the dealer. Unnecessarily tall inside (about same capacity as old Pathfinder, so why?). Worse mileage than advertised, poorly engineered cruise control.

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  Knock Knock - 2012 Nissan Maxima
  By dfwtexas - April 26 - 5:00 pm

  My 2012 Nissan Maxima also has the knocks at 30 mph...Ive had it for 3 months and did not hear it when I first test drove it as well. I have taken it to the dealership and st first they had no clue to what it was...The fleet manager pointed it out that it was the ABS...I totally agree that such a steep price to hear a knock every time is very annoying. I have an appointment with a engineer from Nissan but I have a feeling that is just the way the car is built....We test drove a 2012 with 9 miles and it made the exact same knock at 30.Would love for Nissan to put out a formal report on the issue. I have a feeling it is something that will go wrong sometime down the line.

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  Good Choice! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By ks - April 21 - 11:36 pm

  Needed to buy a 4cylinder (sigh) as gas prices are SKY HIGH in Hawaii. So glad I chose the Rogue SL. It handles like a sedan except its higher above the road - like an SUV. Turning radius is fantastic. Gas mileage is good and it really is FUN to drive! Bose system w/6 CD changer is a winner.

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  Once a Max owner, always a Max owner - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By caljn - April 20 - 4:03 am

  Traded a 2003 Maxima which I was sad to trade in... solid, fast, dependable and the last Japanese built. The 2008 SE however is also powerful and an excellent freeway cruiser. Quiet, solid, and quick. Around town however it can feel over weight and lumbering. CVT took some getting accustomed to but now love it. No downshift lag when passing... just hit the gas and ZOOM! Now driving a typical "automatic" feels old school with all that engine revving up then down with each shift. Some interior materials feel a bit cheap which was a disappointment. Overall satisfied and will probably keep for 4 years then trade for 2012 Maxima. As my title states, once a Maxima owner, always a Maxima owner.

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  A Bit Disappointed - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By Raymond - April 19 - 10:26 pm

  Ive loved Maximas ever since I first test drove one in 1995. I then went on to own a 92 Maxima, 98 Maxima, 03 Infiniti I35 (Maxima in disguise) and now this 2008 Maxima. I feel that this 2008 Maxima is probably the worst of all the other cars Ive owned. Having bought this car new I have already noticed light engine ping which is downright annoying. I have used all premium fuel grades and the car still pings lightly. This is my major gripe with this car. Nissan of course says that it is normal. On a more positive note; the CVT will impress you with its quickness and eerie sense of moving the car very quickly at a very low "fuel saving" RPM. But in the end, I shouldve bought an Avalon.

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  Still An Awesome Truck After 3 Years - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Allan - April 19 - 4:30 am

  Have used the truck for a variety of purposes including towing a travel trailer, offroading, commuting at times, traveling long highway distances, hauling building materials, etc. I havent had any problems other than two factory recalls. One for the wiring harness at the back doors and the other for an A/C related component. The truck responds flawlessly to all of my needs and above all it feels like a truck, not a living room on wheels. Exactly what I wanted in this type of vehicle. Handling is very good and stable but need to be cautious around sharp curves because of higher 4x4 centre of gravity. Poor gas mileage. Dont drive it every day & can live with higher gas consumption.

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  Fun to drive and powerful! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Medley98 - April 18 - 10:00 am

  Fun car to drive. Alot of power even with the automatic verison. Gas mileage is far less than desireable, but the need for speed contributes handsomely to this driver contributed problem.