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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  Sports Car Feel - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By BEAR - September 27 - 11:13 pm

  A lot of thought went into the design of this car. Large trunk, excellent legroom and good seating. It is comfortable, has an extremely responsive V6 and handles like a sports sedan should, build quality is first class.

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  2 transmission since January 2014 - 2014 Nissan Pathfinder
  By mhasabal - September 27 - 6:13 pm

  I will make it short. whats the point of buying a new car if i have to keep going back to service almost every other week? Nissan decided to change the transmission 2 weeks after i purchased the car cause of shaking problem. then again in April 2014 cause of the same problem. and now i feel i wasted over 30,000 on piece of junk. while driving on highway car is shaking vigorously. there are already 4 recalls on the car. I will never buy a nissan again.

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  It does its job - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By rob - September 27 - 4:53 pm

  It does its job. Obviously the gas mileage is insane but its a huge truck. Everyone who sees it says they love it. I love it too but there are are many things I would change. Has a lack of brakes.

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  Nice Altima - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By heartbreaker - September 27 - 11:56 am

  Bought this vehicle about 6 mos ago. Drive is smooth and has Great pick up speed! The comfort is great as well as the gas mileage. Just a great car for the price. However, there seems to be a knocking noise every time I start the car and take off--took it in and they say it is the brakes and or airbags. Hmmm is pretty loud, sounds like something is stuck. There sometimes is a noise coming from the back, not sure what it is. Over all the car is a good car. No other problems.

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  I love my car! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By amynrobert - September 27 - 4:20 am

  This is my second Altima. I think it is the sharpest car out on the road! It has great pick-up for a 4 cly. The trunk is huge. I have nothing but great things to say about my car!

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  pidd - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By tpidd - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Great car which I enjoy driving every day over the past four years

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  My Review - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By vadeltachi - September 27 - 2:00 am

  An OK car; many leaks--transmission; power steering; power brakes. VERY poor heating; balky auto climate control. Not hot enough in the winter and too cold with A/C. Funky shifting from 4th to lockup-- uncomfortable to drive. Knocks no matter what grade of gas is used. Large front A pillars block views--a very poor design element.

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  Good Value; Commuter Car - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Parrot_head - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Less than a month of ownership. Overall a good value in the market. Older design as compared with the makes. Avg. 35 mpg overall. Closer to 40 mpg would be nice. Responsive handling, good brakes, good headlight illumination, good overall visibility (sans the rear spoiler). The seats were a deal maker for me, great!(1.8/automatic)

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  nissan altima 01 - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By kq - September 27 - 2:00 am

  great car, my first. accelerates great, handles even better. wicked fun to drive. heater starts up quick, good for Boston. i got a ltd. edition with 33000 miles used, no problems after 500 miles

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  nice suv - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By martinez - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I took this vihicle to mexico to the toghest roads and mountains and the experience I had was incredible. this suv has evrything you need its 305 horses and the powerful torque is all you need for wherever adventure you may have.