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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  I love my car - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Lily - March 11 - 8:10 pm

  I love this car, it is incredibly fun to drive. It feels like it has more power than the numbers indicate, and the engine is incredibly smooth and light. I have never had any trouble passing someone when I need to, from a stop or on the highway. The steering feels a little loose, but when you get used to the car it can take turns and dip lanes beautifully. For the amount that I beat up on the car (a LOT, I push the car to its limits more than I should) it has proved incredibly strong and durable. It has never broken down without giving me warning for months beforehand, and it was my fault for being to lazy to get it fixed. This car has sold me on Maximas forever. I love it.

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  Goodbye Murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By MV - March 11 - 5:46 pm

  I absolutely loved the look and performance of this car. It did not get as good gas mileage as it was rated. Rated 20/24. I got 18/20 only occasionally 22. I need better mileage than that and just sold the Murano 2 weeks ago for a hybrid Toyota Prius. Back to the Nissan...the alternator went out last month but was replaced without incident under the warranty. I had the Cafe Latte interior and it was too light for me. I do a lot of paperwork in the drivers seat and got ink marks all over. The paint FALLS off of this car inside and out. It takes very little (bugs) to scratch especially on the bumper, connector between the hatch and back bumper, and the dash, steering wheel middle.

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  Altimax - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By John Buller - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought Champagne GLE on a whim after Honda dealer jerked me around buying my 3rd Honda. Never drove a Nissan before, and Altima seemed like a big step up from Civic EX. Mfg was paying Mass excise tax for life of lease, that was swaying factor. Car itself, while comfy, wasnt much fun to drive, and economy was dreadful. Too small an engine dragging around a porker. Dealer brochure showed a 97 with auto climate control and CD, ended up with a decontented 97.5 with manual A/C and no CD.

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  its a monster - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By fattboyy1105 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  A great performer in all aspects,unbelievable perfomance all around!!!!!!

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  First Review - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Nigelb - March 9 - 11:43 am

  Speed and agility is superb. Drive handling and cornering is excellent. Technology package surpasses any other package Ive encountered. Interior space seem tight for a mid-large car

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  Great Car all around - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Shawnn - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Im in real estate and needed something to get me all over the place. I selected the Versa because I have always liked a hatchback, and its gas mileage is top notch. I purchased the SL and it was worth the extra for the keyless ignition, CVT transmission and alloys. I really enjoy this car. I see lesser competition all over, the Fit is TINY in comparison, my parents purchased a Chevy Aveo, and that car is cheap. The Yaris doesnt have the interior room. I routinely average 33.5 MPG and that is with a mix of city and freeway driving, has (knock on wood) never wanted to go visit the service department, except for oil, and tires!! I love this car.

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  Very Satisfied w/ Fancy New Armada - 2010 Nissan Armada
  By whtbst - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Rides like a dream, absorbs everything and handles nimbly for such a big ride. Love the rugged appearance, the big 20" wheels, the amenities and value for the price. Titanium version has enough goodies for our family while not over-the-top. Amazing leg room, I am 64" 200lbs and have plenty of room in the front or rear, but the third row is far too tight for someone my size. Bose stereo is phenomenal. Love the rear-view camera, Bluetooth, XM, etc. For a vehicle at $46,650 sticker, I was surprised it did not come with memory seating (disappointing because I often switch rides with my wife), power folding side mirrors, and side markers. Paid $36,699, but after tax and fees paid $39,950.

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  Noises? - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By teacherman - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I only have 500 miles on it but notice when the car is full until ¾ a tank I here a sloshing noise that results in a knocking sound when slowing down, backing up, etc in the rear of the vehicle. The sound seems to be the fuel moving around the tank, but it is quite loud, and usually results in a few knocking sounds each time I hear it. I do not even need to be traveling at high speeds to hear this noise. I have never heard anything like this on a vehicle and was wondering if anybody has had any similar experiences. I took it to the dealer and they hear the noise, but according to them it is common in the 2010 Altimas.

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  Pathetic Fuel Economy - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Sorrybuyer - March 7 - 7:30 pm

  I traded in my 4Runner thinking that I would get better fuel efficiency based on the advertised 23/31 mpg. Its giving a dismal 18 mpg in the city and a pathetic 20.5 mpg combined. And yes it is the 4 cylinder 2.5S. My 4Runner was giving me just a mile or two less with a 6 cylinder engine! Besides the poor fuel efficiency its a decent car but if you are looking for better mileage, look elsewhere. My last Nissan purchase!

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  Nissan Murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Armani - March 6 - 11:30 pm

  Very good and comfortable crossover. Very good quality in finishes. Could improve in rear suspension.