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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  fear - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Howard - March 17 - 2:00 am

  We live in fear since buyng ths vehichle. We were not told that the headlights ,which cost $2000 apiece were being stolen in droves. You replace them they get stolen. Great car if you live in it and never leave it anyplace unattended

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  Very nice package - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Tink - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Very good and solid small car. It competes well with other cars in this catagory.

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  good vehicle - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By stuie - March 17 - 2:00 am

  quiet, reliable, solid no squeaks or rattles after 36k, no problems or shop time. i think this one is a keeper..should get 200k out of it with the proven V6

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  Xterra has stood up to my bad habits, Great Truck - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By plmr747 - March 16 - 12:43 pm

  This vehicle had been through the mill, I have put 250,000 miles on it and replaced the tires twice, changed the oil lots and now have to replace the rear shocks. Along with driving constantly in bad weather, I have towed very heavy equipment and up to 23 boats on a regular basis. I have the 3.3 in it which makes it a bit of a slug off the line, but the power is there when you need it. (well geared) While not towing I get around 28 mpg and can go from Kingston On. to Boston Mass. on 1 tank of fuel.

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  Great, but a little passionless - 2009 Nissan GT-R
  By Shawn - March 16 - 7:33 am

  The GT-R is without doubt an amazing feat of engineering. That said, Im not sure I love it. Ive had an S2000 for four years, and like a previous reviewer I really think it is more fun to drive. Whereas the S2000 is a fun little partner in petty crime, the GT-R is more akin to a nuclear weapon. I know its unbelievably powerful and fast, but I also get very little chance to use it on the street in a way that seems fun. But thats a knock against any supercar. So, while I greatly respect the GT-R, I dont really lust after it, in part because it does not look good.

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  Z-YA Later - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Mike - March 14 - 10:33 pm

  The best sports car if you cant afford a Porsche 911. Boxsters dont count, there not a real Porsches!

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  Its worth every penny - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Justin Elixson - March 13 - 1:30 am

  My wife and I just had our first baby and need a bigger vehicle. I had to have a truck with my business. We got the Titan and was and still are very impressed with all the back seat room.

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  Use This Car For What Its Intended - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Michael Tonelli - March 12 - 11:03 pm

  I bought this car because the $4.50/gal gas prices were worrying me. I assumed they would only go higher. The tax credit was a huge incentive. I chose this car because it was the "sportiest" choice of the hybrid vehicles on the market. While it can set you back in the seat, it has some quirks too. The mpg are disappointing, but not terrible. The best I can do is low 30s. The regenerative braking system feels "grabby" when rolling to a slow stop. There is something wrong with the drivers seat. It pops when your weight shifts in turns. Dealership worked on it and its better, but not completely gone. But mostly, use it for long distance commuting. I dont drive far enough to justify the price

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  Fun Wheels - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By peabodyg - March 12 - 11:00 am

  This is my first SUV, and fun to drive. A week after purchasing it, we had snow, the 4x4 makes it fun

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  Love my Altima - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By DMS - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I have been satisfied with this car (1997 Altima) since I purchased it used in 2000. I have not experienced any large problems with the vehical (engine, transmission, etc.) and overall it has been a very reliable car with plenty of power and control for Colorado driving.