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 car - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By 3pitbulls - July 19 - 6:13 pm

  After thinking of getting a Corvette at first my wife and I stopped at a Nissan dealer, we just really liked this new design, looks amazing, and drives even better. Fun car to drive and it turns a lot of heads while driving, had it for 2 weeks only and we already lost track of all the Nice compliments this z car has gotten. Corvette can wait a few more years..

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  2004 Maxima Quality Problems - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By paulfromfl - July 19 - 6:50 am

  I am writing this to confirm other Quality Issues. 1. My transmission failed after 86,000 miles and was replaced by the dealer at a cost of $3,400. Coroporate Nissan would do nothing for me or the dealer although this was my second Maxima. I am shocked at how bad they treat loyal owners of their brand. 2. The chrome accent strips along the roof are peeling and Corporate Nissan will do nothing. 3. The dealer now wants me to replace the valve cover gasket at 95,000 miles due to it leaking at a cost of $690. The gasket cost is around $40 on line. 4. The leather steering wheel is coming apart and this is the second one, as the original was replaced for the same problem.

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  Beautiful Max Very Safe - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By saxguyck - July 19 - 6:36 am

  I purchased my beautiful 05 maxima sl in early January and unfortunately got in an accident in the snow a month later and totaled it. The back end fishtailed going around a curve, I did a 360 and I hit the gaurdrail twice, once in the front and once in the back. Unfortunately, the car was totaled, but I was perfectly fine. The airbags didnt go off, I was able to drive the car for another week after the accident, but it would cost too much to fix. Car was amazing, roomy, had all features including a heated steering wheel! Fast too! I will purchase one again when I get my check from ins. Buy this car, just be careful in the snow. Very safe and tough. High quality.

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  Best Value For Your Money - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Dave - July 18 - 5:03 pm

  With all the features and good build, not to mention easy on the wallet, how can you go wrong? 100% satisfied!

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  Agree.........the A/C is Pathetic - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By fossilhunter - July 18 - 2:41 pm

  I refrained from writing a review on my Rogue as Ive only had it 4 months but having read the previous reviewers gripe with the A/C, I decided to add my two cents. I live in Virginia and although this has been a mild summer in terms of heat, the A/C in my Rogue takes about 15 minutes to cool the cabin to a comfortable temperature. I took the car to the dealership and had them investigate. They said the A/C was cooling to 40 degrees as it was supposed to and by the service writers own admission, on a really hot day, it could take 20 minutes for the cabin to cool. In addition, I cant dial back the blower speed because the cabin never gets that cold.

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  best of the bunch - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By jerry m - July 17 - 11:43 pm

  it is the best all around truck i have owned. it has all the power i need - is quiet even at 80 mph and above. the ride is excellent. it will tow my boat and i have no doubt it will go in snow.

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  My 2001 Nissan Maxima - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Joseph - July 17 - 10:00 pm

  Since I bought the car off lease have had a series of problems. Catalytic converter went bad, Abs sensor went bad, exhaust pipe went bad, CV joints had to be replaced. Had to invest too much money fixing the car. Will never buy a Nissan product again. Their cars have a nice look but are not reliable.

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  Great Foundation - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By thewiredgeek - July 17 - 8:50 pm

  This car has a great ride around town and on the back road. It cruises comfortably on the highway, but can be a little scary if you have to manuver at that speed. The 4 wheel drive system is great, but you need better tires than stock for good snow and mud traction. A high end all terrain tire in stock size will do wonders for performance. I added a cold-air intake to get a little more passing power, and it was money well spent.

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  Great Styling - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Sit L Wong - July 17 - 3:23 pm

  Upsized from Maxima after 110K+ miles. Gave the Maxima to my son. Am a believer in Nissans reliability & durability. I was wowed by the looks of this SUV. My Murano SE has firm, almost still sporty European ride. Love the interior roominess. Love the CVT - smooth acceleration without the shifting.

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  Sweet Ride..... - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Import Driver - July 17 - 1:33 pm

  Just got the vehicle needed somethin 2 drive to give the Spec V a rest. Max is a beautiful car rides and handles nicely. Stock stereo in my Spec V is better than stock stereo in Max (huge dissapointment opt for Bose). Ride & Handling like Spec V but a bit softer. Seats are comfortable and look of high quality. Dash materials are nice and display quality but could be softer like the Toyota Avalons. Headlamps are beautiful and makes the Max look expensive. Love the Interior/Exterior design b/c it doesnt look like somethin u would see everywhere u go. This is our second max and hopefully will be just as reliable as the 1st and the other Nissans that we have owned. The engine is a Top Notch...