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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  Nickel n dimer - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By wantastang302 - March 18 - 8:19 am

  After almost 6 years and 55k miles I have replaced almost everything on the vehicle except the engine. Not exaggerating. Wish I was. Purchased with 94k miles and just turned 150k. If I didnt love the car so much I would have sold it for a Mustang. Have a decent amount of mods and heavy suspension upgrades. Everything that broke on the car I replaced with high performance parts. I drive this car HARD Daily. Throw 6 inches of snow at this car and its useless although its dry weather fun makes up for it. This is NOT a reliable commuter. Missed more days of work than Id like to think about being stuck with this car. Will not buy another when I tire of this one.

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  Not bad for a last minute choice - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By golfprof76 - March 17 - 11:46 pm

  So, I like others got stuck with the cash for clunkers deal (traded in a Jeep Grand Cherokee) but I have to say that for a last minute choice, I think I did ok. For starters the engine is loud, really loud. Almost to the point that Im waiting for an explosion to happen when I hit 4000 rpm. Fuel economy is great (considering I went from 16 mpg to 23) and the ride is quite comfortable. The price, well I still think Nissan could have done better with the S type. $19000 is a bit much for just about the same stuff you could get in a Sentra.

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  Failed Transmission - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By Saqib - March 17 - 10:00 am

  Owned it since 1997. In 2001, automatic transmission started giving transmission problems. Car would jump into a higher gear with RPM screaming high.. and it just wouldnt go into overdrive. Had it repaired from St. Louis dealership after I moved to Missouri in 2001. Transmission worked fine for 1 year.. then same problem again. Had tramission repaired yet again (spent another $500+ including ordering cable wire), car has been fine since then (8 months ago).

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  Same Old Same Old - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By valtch - March 17 - 10:00 am

  Asked dealer not to give me firestone or bridgstone tires. it turned out that all my bridgstone tires were replaced by goodyear eagles. Car rides harder than any new car I have ever been in. It is extremely powerful but has horrible gas mileage. seats are comfortable. I have a bad back. Extras are an expensive ripoff. 2000 nissan maxima was a better car. these cars need independent rear suspension. Would I buy another maxima? not a chance. far over-priced for what you get.

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  AN SUV that is really an SUV - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By rzrbck1 - March 17 - 10:00 am

  While primarily driven by my wife, I have had the opportunity to spend 8 weeks as the primary driver. The vehicle looks great, is made well, and has a fantastic audio system. Its an SUV in the truest form of an SUV. This vehicle is not for everyone, but we have enjoyed it for what it is. A truck based...SUV.

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  Altima SE 2002 - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Jesus Velazquez - March 17 - 10:00 am

  Sunroof whistles when going over 80mph, interior is made of cheap plastic, great power, rides very comfortable, very good leg room with forward seats in furthest rear position, cabin could be a little quieter because road noise can heard, steering could be tighter. Overall I give it an 8.8

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  Very good but not great - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By Kojak - March 16 - 11:50 pm

  This car has so much potential but.... I researched cars for months looking for a replacement for my 99 5 speed Maxima. Ended up with another Max although was not pleased with the transmission choice. The CV tranny is ok, smooth and quiet, but leaves you feeling disconnected from the engine and the road. I feel much less like Im driving a sports sedan and more like dads buick. The car is very roomy, heat and a/c works well, leather is nice, the car looks nice too. The tires and rims look great, but the tires are too low profile resulting in a really rough ride. Have already blown out one front strut. Did not like the Bose radio in my old Max and the one in my 08 is worse.

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  Adequate-performs satisfactory - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Martin - March 16 - 3:03 am

  I leased this car for two years. It beat out two other models barely. I wanted a manual transmission but this one is real stiff and start offs are hard to mix gas with clutch. My Model A Ford is smoother. Once past 1st gear its good. The car runs smooth and has plenty of power. The interior has good quality materials. I can manage for 2 years but will buy larger and domestic next time. Gas mileage is not too good right now but is over 30. I expect this will improve. This Sentra is a good solid car.

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  Goes like a bat out of hell - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Bob - March 14 - 10:36 pm

  Had this car for a month, and can say the motor and the CVT work great, if not with a small lag when you power up. Nice leather, love the bose system, looks great outside.Great value for the money, like you were in a more expensive car, the interior is quite nice if a bit of work to keep clean, lots of nooks and cranys.

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  frontier 05 - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By steve - March 13 - 10:03 am

  Love my truck other than a squeak its had since it was brand new that they have never been able to fix. seems like something in the suspension. mainly when going over bumps.