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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  3 Months and still love it - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Zach J - September 11 - 11:16 am

  I was test driving the Frontier and the Tacoma left and right, but I had to go with the Frontier. Since then it has been great. I love the power mostly, but Im getting between 18 and 20 MPG, which is slow city and highway mixed together. Wish there were a few more features available with the SE model rather than having to upgrade to the NISMO (like a $6K step up). Wanted a better sound system and spray in liner. Nothing I cant do aftermarket though. Plus I can drive on 87 fuel, who wants to pay for 91 in the Tacoma?

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  Pats Altima - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By patricia a leblanc - September 11 - 5:40 am

  This vehicle is totally reliable in the almost three years Ive owned it. The biggest trouble Ive ever had with it was the locking steering column which I just jiggle to get it to unlock. It happens maybe once a month. It steers joyfully. The visibility is really a nine with the last one being that there is still a blind spot on the drivers side. I hate that. Its not the smoothest ride Ive ever had but it comes really close to it. The snow handling is good with a view on when it slides for me. The color is very pleasant, its like a sea green. Ive been going to the dealer for service and it has taken me to long distances happily! I also have a car roof rack!

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  Love it! - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By nicetruck - September 9 - 10:50 pm

  I owned a 2002 Toyota Tundra, very good Truck, but nothing like the Titan. The design, interior room and comfort, power train, storage, fun factor etc are second to none. I recommend this Truck to anyone looking to purchase - new or used. I have just over 1,000 miles trouble free to this point and I mean not event a hint of an issue. I could go on, but I guess the bottom line is that this is a great truck that you will enjoy driving, owning, using for a long time.

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  Best car so far! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By John - September 9 - 2:43 pm

  Have had this baby for almost a month so far, cant say enough about how much I love it! The drive, handling, power, mpg, and the list goes on! Still have my 2003 Maxima for times when this might not be practical. In the past have had a Mitsubishi 300 GTVR-4, couple of Honda Preludes incl Vtec, etc and two Maximas. Nissan does a great job. This car makes driving fun. Youll get lots of compliments. I find I want to take the long route anywhere I go.

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  Engine says all - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By BIG RAM - September 9 - 10:00 am

  I had the 03 Maxima for a couple of weeks now. I like everything about the car. The SE with the Titanium package is both fun to drive and provides comfort and style. I am currently getting 22mpg and that is mostly highway miles. I expected closer to the higher end, 26. Maybe that will get better as the engine is broken in.

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  Best SUV - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Lea - September 9 - 10:00 am

  Love it, feel safe in it, not too big or too small, its a gas eater though

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  This Sedan Tears up the BMW 325 and Audi - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By ejah - September 9 - 10:00 am

  Is this a sedan or not? It feels faster than a sports car, except their are 3 passengers in the back. The Maxima goes 0-60 in 6.3 seconds. Thats fast. It is fun to drive. Nice interior, and oh did I mention it was fast. Cars pull up next to the car and have no idea they can get smoked by a family sedan. This max will make the BMW 325 look silly!!!

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  Me? Rugged? - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By kat4noles - September 9 - 10:00 am

  I am not the rugged type, but this car has let me feel like Im a sporty, outdoorsy type. In actuality, I dont even own a bike, but I feel like everytime someone sees me driving it theyre thinking, "Wow, I bet that girl knows how to have fun!"

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  Nice - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By yacine_dallas - September 9 - 10:00 am

  the best car ive ever had

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  Near Perfect - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Kristo - September 9 - 10:00 am

  At triple-digits on the open highway, this baby roars quietly enough to keep my wife asleep and unaware. Admirable acceleration too, especially for a 4- cylinder. Im not sure what prior vehicals many of the other reviewers have owned, but considering the Altima is an entry-level mid-sized sedan, the interior is impressive. Sure, theres plastic. Sure, the latches on the arm rest are stiff and prone to breaking. But the car is $20k, people! My Altima is a joy to drive, still turns heads with its sleek look (despite all the other Altimas on the road), and has been virtually problem free. I dont know about the rest of you, but Nissan got my Altima right!