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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  Nice little truck... - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By jsan - March 22 - 1:10 pm

  Excellent for in town driving and for carrying light cargo. Offers decent comfort and convenience, and outstanding reliability for a reasonable price.

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  disappointed - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By will - March 22 - 1:43 am

  Purchased used at 101k from dealer who picked up at auction. I heard that the 3.5 engine is indestructible so I bought it. To date. I have replaced typical parts for high mileage (front axel/cvboots, power steering pump, starter, ignition switch, and master cylinder recently which brings me to my dilemma. (brake equpt.). I have spent about 3k in 5 yrs and 89k miles. Bad gas mileage and reliability. Cheaper parts than Toyota

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  good car but could use improvement - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Nancy - March 21 - 2:50 pm

  I bought my Versa hatchback in 9/06 after looking at the Matrix, Fit and Mazda 3. I have never had a problem starting the car, and I find it quite peppy and fun to drive. There are, however, the "little things" that have bothered me about this car that even an economy car shouldnt fall short on: 1. the tire pressure warning light has been on since day 2; 2. 4 wheel covers have fallen off due to low quality plastic pins; 3. the interior cabin gets quite hot from (im guessing) engine heat coming thru the ventilation system; and 4. trim pieces have come unglued. Finally, like other reviewers, I have also been disappointed by the gas mileage from this small car: typically 27 city; 30 hwy.

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  Great car! - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By StephanieHenry - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car shortly after totalling a 96 model. I feel completly safe in an altima! Great performance, no major issues so far. Some small issues: drivers window a little off track but no motor problems. A little road noise but if you want a soudproof car you need to spend a little more. Some vibration on hwy, but I think its more alignment and balance due to the stiff suspension. Great car for a low price and it will get up and GO when you want to!

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  My all Purpose Vehicle - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Family Limo - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Ok where do I start. I think Nissan did a great job with the design of this vehicle, just a poor job putting it together. Within the first month my Transmission started to slip, My tires keep loosing air pressure, my door handles get stuck, air keeps coming in from my windshield. Twelve months later my tires are all chopped up with 10k miles, air still comes from my windshield. I have had a Nissan since I was able to drive (20yrs) This has been by far not my best experience. Got another 24 months with this misery!

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  Just too cool - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By GenO - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Super fun to drive and great looking. MPG not the greatest for todays prices but you know that buying it. Inside is comfortable with plenty of room for people and "stuff". The Xterra feels very stable while driving even at high speeds. Acceleration is normal for a truck this size with the six cyl. Although the acceleration is a bit slugglish when going up "steep" roadways or while towing, although you can feel the pulling power. I did some light off roading with mine and had zero complaints, especially with with the 4 wheel drive.

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  Fun, cool looking, but built cheaply - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By racolo - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Fun, cool looking, but built cheaply

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  maxima rating - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By first time new car - March 21 - 10:00 am

  we purchased the 2004 maxima in aug. 13 miles on it. it is the se model with the 3.5 i like the car, but hate the seats, they are short on the bottom, and hard. i have yet to set my seat position because i havent found a comfort zone yet. the remote for the outside mirrors is not in a good location, you have to reach forward, and down to adjust the mirror, and then sit back to see if its right. our car listed for over 32,000. my husband refused to pay that amount, and with trade in, we ended up paying 27 but i think we still paid too much. he loves it, but i drive it daily, and im not so sure i would purchase one again, unless i was able to take it home for a weekend, and drive it.

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  Nice Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By FFPM198 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I dont think safety features should be an option, they should be standard equipment. I was on a tight budget and chose the ABS/Side airbag option but would have like to upgrade to a convienence package. Overall a nice care for the money. Car has good power for a 4 cylinder engine.

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  good - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By myass1 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The only fault I find is that it is a hard riding vehicle.