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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  Maxima SL - Wow this cars fast - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By TimNelson24 - September 9 - 10:00 am

  The best part about the 2004 Maxima is that it has some serious power, but its as luxurious as most European cars that are priced almost twice as much. Its competion, the Toyata Avalon is totally underpowered compared to this car, 210 HP. The best part about the Maxima, is the durability of its V6 engine. My previous car was a 96 Nissan Maxima GXE. After 150,00 miles it still ran like new. Theyre easily 200,000 mile motors. If your thinking about it, I honestly dont think you can go wrong on this car. Its has 5- Series BMW quality for around 30,000. Plus, at least for now, not everyone and their mother has one.

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  Sporty Hybrid - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By New Owner - September 9 - 5:26 am

  We purchased this car less than a month ago and so far, the mileage, comfort, drive are as expected. It does have a sporty feel and except for the sudden and slight jolt when switching transmissions, it is fun to drive and wonderful to know you are helping the environment. A surprise: if car hasnt been driven for awhile, the gasoline engine comes on for a min. or two when you least expect it, when you first start car, or when idling at a stop sign or red light. It stays on for a min. or two and if still idling, goes back to EV mode. Thus, not always the quiet experience we were told about. Perhaps it is the cold weather.

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  Better Value than a Similarily-Equipped Tacoma - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By bpm2348 - September 9 - 12:06 am

  Ive owned a Tacoma Pre-runner (2008) and now a Frontier. The Frontier has more power, is more comfortable, a better value, and rides more like an suv than a truck. I liked my Taco as well, but the seating position seemed weird and I am not a big guy. It seemed like my legs were a lot closer to the steering wheel in the Taco than the Frontier. The Frontiers seats are also a lot more comfortable. I like Tacomas, but the Frontier is just a better value and it was a lot easier to work a deal on one than on a Tacoma.

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  Nice new ride - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Grunger - September 8 - 8:26 am

  Ive only had the truck for 3000 km, but so far Ive been nothing but impressed. The shifting is smooth and the power is excellent. Ive read some complaints about the gas mileage, but I just got back from a 2000 km road trip and averaged 24 mpg. For a new truck that has not been broken in I am satisfied. If you really need a truck you dont buy it to get 30+ mpg, you buy it to get the job done.

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  Go get one! - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By Trav - September 8 - 1:06 am

  I use this truck to tow my boat and get around town with my family. Great power and torque. Very well thought out interior and exterior design overall. Highly recommend.

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Mike S - September 6 - 7:53 pm

  This vehicle has design appeal, something I wanted without paying luxury pricing. The controls in the car are very techno, handling is superb. I had five adults in the car, and everyone was comfortable. Air Conditioning works great, very important since I live in Arizona. My only disappointment is that the Radio is not XM ready. I have contacted Nissan about this, and hopefully this can be resolved without using a FM modulated aftermarket unit. Since I have just taken delivery on my vehicle, it is hard to get into the mechanical aspects, but find it generally very tight and responsive. Great job Nissan design team!

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  Still Happy - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By dvkiel - September 6 - 5:26 pm

  I purchased the Versa 14 months ago and am just now approaching 9000 miles on it and so far I have not had any issues with the vehicle. I am getting a very consistent 29-31 mpg commuting around town. Havent taken it on any long trips as yet but would expect the mpg to be very good.

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  Can go anywhere - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By erox - September 6 - 3:40 am

  Within one week of owning the pathfinder we had a snow storm and it did exceptionally well in 10 inches of snow. Also, did great going up mud hills. It basically exceeded my every expectation of a nissan product. For fans of nissan, how could you not get one of these.

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  My 2 Nissan Sentra - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By Frank - September 5 - 9:53 pm

  I own 2 the only thing I do not like is the rockford fosgate system. Speaker went bad on back order (Rear speaker) CD player had to be replaced on my 05 sentra. Speaker was in the 06 sentra. Very fuel efficent car. I get upward of 40 miles per gallon if I keep car under 65 MPH. Car is great and very quiet on road trips suspension just a little stiff but nice car to drive on long trips. I do not like the stereo only problem I have with the cars every thing else is great.

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  Reliable SUV, most bang for the buck! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By thesugarrush - September 4 - 4:06 pm

  I bought the murano because it is on car frames instead of truck, has fulltime AWD with good gas milage and buttery smooth CVT transmission just like the one used in AUDI A4! Driving a roadster before, I am surprise that MURANO can match the vehicle dynamic of a my BMW Z3! Murano has been very reliable (for 2 yrs). Could not justify myself buying RX330 for $10K more. Nissan VQ engine has been proven reliable, do not hesitate. Murano is a vehicle for the most bang for your hard earn money!