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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  great SUV for the money - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By shocker0513 - September 11 - 10:22 pm

  i picked up my Xterra used in 2008 with 12k and now im up to 70k. i use full synthetic oil and so far maintenance has been super cheap. ive only done basic maintenance stuff with no repairs in 58k miles! the stock tires suck, but if you invest in a decent set of all terrains, this truck cant be beat for the price. acceleration is lacking, but you sacrifice giddy up for economy. ive gotten up to 20mpg out of this SUV no problem. AC and heater work great. 4wd is great. creeks, mud, water up to the doors. pulls through it all (if you know how to drive off road properly).

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  A Decent SUV - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By sailnkayakman - September 11 - 2:30 pm

  No major problems maintenance with the truck. The engine and drivetrain are great. Fun to drive with a great 4x4 system. FRAME RUST IS A REAL PROBLEM. IT WILL NOT PASS A STATE SAFETY INSPECTION ANYMORE. Exhaust manifold leaks and always has. Been thru numerous alternators. Had to replace both front drive shafts. After 9 years, it will be scrapped - frame is rusted so bad it will likely break at the rear axle.

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  Mixed Feelings - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By Dan - September 11 - 11:40 am

  First the bad news after 500 mile road trip. Front seats dont provide the comfort/quality support that second row seats do. Longer seat bottoms like the second row would be the fix for tall guys. The seat covering on front of the driver and passenger seats bottoms will not stay attached to the seat pan. I noticed this in the first 30 miles. Its on my list to fix. The hood, headlights and grille dont line up correctly. Gaps are off on lift gate. Low speeds 18-22 MPH on gravel roads leaves the trans hunting for right gear. Not enough storage areas. Steering wheel is too far from driver when seat is back. Tires vibrate even after dealer balanced them before I took delivery.

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  the consistant exhilaration - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Birky - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought it new before heading off to college. Special ordered the 5spd. Still blows the doors off so called "muscle cars" even with its conserative apperance. I hate the cupholders; they interfere with shifting. It has gotten me through blizzards and hurricanes with complete confidence. Reliable is an understaement. My mileage is exceptionally low and the paint has been professionally restored after a snow shovel oppsy. Im passing it on to my little brother who is starting at Villanova, as I move on to a CLK Cabriolet. If it wasnt going to my brother I wouldnt part with it. Beauty, power, handling, reliability, style and BALLS!

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  Great all-around performance car - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By dude_472 - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I love this car and never doubt that it will perform in extreme situations. I go through front tires every year so you can imagine how aggressively I drive it. I had this car at very high speeds, including turns, and never lost control; it slides beautifully through the turn. The suspension seems soft and suspect on turns, but the compression is set nicely so that it holds...just have to get the feel. No problems with the engine after 50000 hard miles. Ive gone through 3 sets of breaks and 14 tires already ($$$) but that was my fault, not the cars. There really isnt much you can be unsatisfied with for the money. Had it for 4 years and plan to keep it for 4 more or so (sell@100K).

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  titan gone bad - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By kennythornhill - September 11 - 10:00 am

  driverside rear seat belt still not working right since may. had truck in for worped rotors fixed but worped again. had brake recall done still getting shaking when braking around 30mph. stereo reception sucks,power windows will not come up when pulling up on switchs the first time. front bumper is not aligned properly. maybe i just got a lemon or could it be it was built on a monday or friday.

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  Buy One - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Grrreg - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Test drove Ford F-150 Crew cab,Silverado 1500 Crew Cab, Toyota Tundra, then Nissan Titan, researched it ,bought it. Gas mileage is pretty good. Built much better than Silverado or the F-150. My experience at the dealership was a disaster, I dont recomend Valencia Nissan, sneaky little guys, but I was prepared...........Thanks to Edmunds.

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  Could be better - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Andre Woon - September 11 - 10:00 am

  The car is sexy and fun to drive.I had a Altima before for about 10yr. Needless to say i was a lot younger and crazier. I figured if after 180,000 mil the car was still kicking strong with all those doughnuts and corner to corner races, id stick with Nissan. Im a lot older and wiser now so no more doughnuts. I like the acceleration on the car , the second glances one gets from people when passing by or just standing still.The alloy wheels and tires holds well when corning. Over all i feel good about the car for the money i spent. However if when im ready for another car if certain things arent changed i think id go to toyota (lexus)

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  My Maxima 2004 - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Furqan Mirza - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Im having very good experience with this 2004 Maxima so far. I just got it last month. The ride is so smooth and very sweet. Im 22 years old man, and i love having fun in it by driving.

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  Excellent model - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By rdmprofsvcs - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I have had this vehicle now for 5 months and it still feels like its right off the dealer lot. The interior is functional, stylish and modern and the exterior as well as the color (blue) doesnt get old. I have owned several Nissans in the past but this is the first Altima. Alas, my heart is set on an all-wheel-drive Maxima when they come out and I will reluctantly trade this in or sell it on the private market once that day arrives. But I have thoroughly enjoyed the time I have spent driving it. The only problem I have is that I did not purchase the 6-cyl to save money while waiting for the Maxima but sometimes the 170 horses is just shy of whats desired.