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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  Poor build quality - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Ron - December 4 - 5:23 am

  Im not sure at what factory my Armada was assembled, but there were simply too many parts that were either not installed at all, or installed broken. Also, the under dash squeaks and window rattles are driving me nuts. I did get the brakes fixed, but the parts that needed fixing were the redesigned parts, so Im not confident theyre truly fixed. I love the power, but given the choice, would not buy this vehicle again.

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  Its a truck... Really. - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By Scott - December 3 - 9:33 am

  After considering a variety of cars to upgrade to from my previous vehicle, I chose the Frontier as it provided a high level of features, great build quality, and is very comfortable to drive both around the city and on long HWY hauls. As a commuter vehicle, the Frontier has all the necessary comforts and features of a comparable sedan while also handling well. However, as I also needed a vehicle that would accommodate the tools and supplies used for home renovation, the Frontier was an easy choice to make as even with the 5ft bed it

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  Bench Seat Collapse - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Steve Coleman - December 3 - 7:53 am

  I have a 2004 4WD SE with split bench seats with cloth interior. Looks like the 2005 suffers from the same seat issues. Whats with the sagging split bench driver and passenger seats. Im 210 lbs and the Maxima I traded in had awesome support in the seat. I feel like the seat is slowly collapsing on any trip over fifteen minutes. And the material starting to come apart at the decorative stitches. The tailgate pivot pin is loosening up and looks like it may work its way loose. Time to visit the dealer. And yes, Im soon going to be on my third brake job which means the new heavy duty ventilated rotors and hopefully dustfree brake pads. Otherwise the truck is great! Steve

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  excellent except for ignition coils - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Bill Barber - December 3 - 4:10 am

  excellent car, very reliable and fun to drive, 5 speed, except for 2 very annoying issues, the ignition coils that Nissan is aware of and wont fix and brake calipers

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  Good to Go - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By AJay - November 29 - 4:50 am

  This vehicle is good to go. The third row is a little cramped it is only enough room for children. I love the style and the get up and go the engine has. Would buy another one next time.

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  Reliable - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By hueyco - November 28 - 2:13 pm

  Bought it as salvage in 2003 from flood in Texas, but no mechanical damage. Had the recall for crankshaft sensor back in 2003, but have not have any issue with this 5-speed. With 102K and with no belt to change (vehicle has timing chain) no major expense for that so it saves in this aspect. Hoping to get another 100K? with regular oil changes of course.

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  My Altima - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By AF_J_Herman - November 28 - 10:00 am

  So far, Im really enjoying my Altima. Great AC (for New Mexico) and reliable. Easy to change oil and filters and beautiful engine. Go 2.4L!

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  Simply Awesome for the price - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By johcha - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Nothing can compare with the Maxima for the performance quality and price. I shed a tear when my 1999 SE (47,175 miles) was recently totaled in a rear end collision. I walked away with a $19,215 insurance check. I went right back to Nissan and bought a loaded (except Nav)GLE with spoiler added. I only paid $25,752 (after $1,000 rebate) plus $400 for spoiler installed for a total of $26,152. Of course there was also the customary state tax, title and registration fees. I test drove the comperable Honda, Acura, and Lexus and they all have their good and and not so good points. However, when it came to value for the dollar, the Maxima won hands down, no contest at all.

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  My second in as many years - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Jersey Jeff - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I traded my 2000 GLE for the 2002 and I couldnt be happier. Driving 30-40k per year doesnt allow owning any car too long. For the 1st time, I bought the same car twice. My 2000 was (prior to this) the best car Ive owned. The increase in HP for 2002, in addition to the new features made buying it a "no brainer". I loaded it with all but the GPS and walked out for a little over $26K. Tell me any other car with this kind of comfort and performance for the price, and Ill take a look... but until then, I love my car!

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  2 Dr. KC 2WD XE - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Joeeick - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a Nissan Frontier XE for a no-frills truck. I looked at every truck in its class and for the money it is the best. Handles well, so-so power, and good looks.