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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  Compare than buy this one - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By stevexsxsxsxs - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Shopped for nearly 4 months, and really drove them all. Even took a decibel meter to measure road noise. Maxima was number 1. For overall form, fit, and function nothing compares under $40k. We drive it everyday to work and to Canada twice a month for ski trips. I can afford nearly any other human car, Id buy another Maxima, dot.

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  Update - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By phillygm - December 29 - 12:43 am

  Ive got about 10000 on the clock now. Car still drives like a champ. Mileage pretty much the same as when purchased, @ 20-22mpg combined 20 miles roundtrip daily depending on foot. Noise in engine compartment is ABS automatic and occurs on all Lexus and Nissan V6s, some more audible than others. Sadly, the rattle in the back was never solved after repeated trips. Strangely, it goes away when a passenger sits on side of the back seat, may try and lcoate rattle myself at some point. No major disappointments yet.

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  Rogues08&15 - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Captain2 - December 28 - 11:20 pm

  This my second, both SLs. The 2015 redesign is a vast improvement and the new high tech gadgets mostly useful. Do wish that Pandora would work Bluetooth. Comfortable and very quiet - new model gets almost 4 mpg more than 08 . Computer overstates FE by 5-10% although display currently says 30.1 for the last 6000 miles. A lot of 40-60 mph country roads, almost no city or highway. Can get a bit pricey (mid 30s) loaded but overall a nice car

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  Murano - Fun Car to Drive - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Cookie - December 28 - 3:03 pm

  Enjoy vehicle - bought vehicle for new look and Nissan reliability. Have previously been a Toyota owner and fan. Variable transmission has not detracted from the vehicle- it has a fast passing speed. Love the new look - definitely not a box like most other suvs. Overall a very roomy, soid, fun car to drive. Have had to have the car serviced once - required reprogramming of software so transmission functioned properly. Other than that, no problems. Would like a better paint surface - tends to scratch very easily. Overall, very happy with vehicle.

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  Murano - Fun Car to Drive - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Cookie - December 28 - 3:03 pm

  Enjoy vehicle - bought vehicle for new look and Nissan reliability. Have previously been a Toyota owner and fan. Variable transmission has not detracted from the vehicle- it has a fast passing speed. Love the new look - definitely not a box like most other suvs. Overall a very roomy, soid, fun car to drive. Have had to have the car serviced once - required reprogramming of software so transmission functioned properly. Other than that, no problems. Would like a better paint surface - tends to scratch very easily. Overall, very happy with vehicle.

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  great vehicle - 2011 Nissan Armada
  By gorilla7 - December 28 - 7:43 am

  this is the best choice and value in a large suv dont bother with the tahoe or yukon no room on interior, no tow capacity cost 7-10M more for equel equipment expedition = no power, ugly sequoia = toy like dash, no handeling dont knock it till you drive it you must drive this vehicle to really appreciate the luxury

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  Mixed Feelings - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By diesengine - December 28 - 5:30 am

  Sport Package Pros:37.3 mpg in 90/10 city/hwy driving (light foot), design, comfortable zero gravity seats, and lots of interior space. Cons: Starting with the 2013 redesign, Altimas moved over from the hydraulic steering system to electric which does not have the same "organic feel". The car wanders left to right and right to left requiring constant correction of the steering wheel on speeds above 65 mph which is major safety issue. Took it twice to dealer and they could not find the problem. Nissan markets the car as sporty, yet having owned a Maxima and 350z, the only thing sporty about the car is the exterior design. Has no steering feedback whatsoever. Will try Mazda next time.

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  interrior fogging - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By B Ray - December 27 - 9:44 pm

  Winter in NE needs good visibility however my 2015 Altima is horrible with interrior windows fogging. No one seems to know how to prevent. Ive been told to run my AC in the winter...really? Usually drive with windows open which is rather cold. Running dedrosters only make the ptoblem worse as i was advised be the dealer. Since there were recalls for this problem in previous years I would think Nissan would find a fix.

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  this is a great truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By nissan boy - December 27 - 8:36 pm

  This is my 4th nissan truck, the 06 is by far the best mid size you can buy. Super reliable and fun to drive ( its got zip)rides great what else do you want. Many more features on the 06 not on the older models, they hit a home run with this one.

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  dependable car, good for students! - 1996 Nissan Altima
  By Kob - December 27 - 10:00 am

  these cars are very dependaple and unless you take real bad care of them they will get you going. No major production problems, totally recommend if dependability is what you seek.