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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  5th Gear Whine - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By Fred - October 5 - 7:00 am

  My wife and I really liked the Sentra when we test drove it. It was small (I am 62 and 250 lbs) but was comfortable enough for me to drive. There is no room in the back seat behind me when I am driving, but we are getting 38 mpg on the highway, and 33 - 34 combined and fuel efficiency was our goal. One thing that really disturbed me was the engine noise produced at 60 - 65 mph. There is a very audible whine that sounds a lot like electrical feedback. We had the transmission replaced, but the noise never went away. The dealership claimed that it was just part of the 5 speed Sentra. To their credit, I test drove another Sentra yesterday and it whined too. It may not bother you, but check

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  Buyer Beware - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By AB - October 4 - 2:20 pm

  Think twice before buying a Maxima. Yes Im sold on the horsepower and the beauty of the exterior...but this horse needs to be shot. With less than 17K miles Ive had to replace the rotors, struts, one tire (should replace all others)and the chrome trim that runs across top of the car. The turning radius is horrible...buy this car and youll become an expert at 3 point turns! Im afraid the beauty of this car is only skin deep...youve been warned...shell seduce you with her looks and power, but leave you sitting on the sideline (or in the service waiting area) with all the other Maxima owners.

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  Nissan Altima hybrid - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Bruce D - October 4 - 7:40 am

  Ive only had my car for 3 weeks, but so far so good. One of the big benefits is the roominess. Im 65 tall, and I have lots of leg room. The car has surprising power for a hybrid.

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  Great Value...Love it!!! - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By The Shadow - October 3 - 9:56 pm

  Extremely well thought out interior with loads of extra features. Handling aspect is limited due to front wheel drive, but otherwise a lot of fun to drive. CVT transmission is very smooth and peppy; has the option to revert to 6-speed manual for added excitement and fun.

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  2005 Nissan Frontier King Cab 4cyl Auto - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By EYECAT - October 3 - 4:06 pm

  I bought a new 2005 in Jan-06 in Jun- 07 I have 80,000 miles on it. This is my 5th Nissan I have purchased for use in my business and the only major thing I have ever replaced was a clutch at 200,000 miles. My last was a 1997 & I replaced 2 clutches, a starter & alternator. I traded it at 487,000 miles & the others were over 300,000 miles. I got them all from the same dealership. Now at 80,000 miles the transmission seal leaks & the flange in rear-end went. Nissan dealer said it would take 10days to get the part. The same dealer sent my mechanic the wrong part 3X. After 2 wks & 20 calls to corp. no one returns my calls & no answers when theyll have the right part made, no loaner.

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  The Four-Door Sports Car - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By jphinney - October 2 - 10:50 pm

  This car has a bit of an acquired taste. It isnt very pretty when you first look at it, with its big shiny braces, and enormous wheels. It almost seems obnoxious, this one. The end is rather fat, the front is awful to look at, but there is something about this car that keeps you hooked. The inside is nothing to brag about, but whats under the hood, thats a whole different story.

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  1997 GXE - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By hollyhobbie79 - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I have put many miles on this car I am now at over 100,000 miles and it still runs good. I have a few small things with it just like any car would have but I never see them on the side of the road and I will buy an altima again.

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  COMMENTS - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By GLENREEDER - October 2 - 2:00 am

  WORST VEHICLE IN MY 40YEARS OF DRIVING, WITH 12MILE TRANSFER CASE LEAKED OIL. HAD TO GET REPAIRED 3 TIMES.NISSAN SAID THEY NEW ABOUT PROBLEM. TOLD DEALER FOR ME TO KEEP DRIVING IT AND JUST KEEP PUTTING OIL IN. YOU BET! PULL OVER ON THE SIDE OF ROAD AND PUT OIL IN A TRANSFER CASE.BIGGEST BUNCH OF JERKS I EVER HEARD OFF. NISSAN IS AN OVER-RATED, LOSSY CAR COMPANY.

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  Black Beauty - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By nccs57 - October 2 - 2:00 am

  At first glance, I had to have this car! The amount of attention you get with this car is unbelievable. Ive only had this car about two months now, and I only drive it on weekends. So far so good. No problems at all and I cant wait to drive it again this weekend.

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  real review - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By oaks - October 2 - 12:26 am

  fairly solid and quiet vehicle. plenty of power and torque. both exterior and interior lighting is excellent. I have not had any brake component problems...yet. Test drove all others available and by far the titan out- performs.