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:

• 

  Thirsty Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Jon - January 1 - 11:23 am

  Really love the Performance, and sound of the truck. Really quick. LE has an awsome Rocksford Stereo system, and has a sub-woofer under the drivers seat, you can feel the thump. Good A/C, lighted tailgate, sprayed in bed-liner, tie down system. Now for the bad news. This truck gets terrible gas milage. No matter how you drive it, easy, hard, fast or slow, it only gets 14-15.8 MPG.

• 

  Daddys blue rocket - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Eric - December 31 - 3:20 pm

  I purchased this car back in March of 2006. i have 7500 miles on car now. It has been quite an exhilirating ride to say the least. I find it is very quick and responsive for an suv. I have yet to experience 25 mpg on hwy, best I have done is avg 21hwy and 17 city and thats stepping on the gas pedal like there is an egg beneath it. I have owned an 01 Avalon and a 98 4Runner. I was happy with these vehicles but I wanted to combine the best of both worlds (suv heght & sports sedan handling), and still keep reasonable price. I crossed the tracks from Toyota to Nissan for this one model because I liked the size of the interior and features offered. It has a rigid ride over bumps.

• 

  mixed - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By jim - December 29 - 8:46 pm

  I purchased this vehicle because I own a 2001 frontier which has given me excellent service. I have close to 200,000 miles on it and havent had to fix anything, not even the shocks or muffler. Hoping this 2008 frontier will be just as good. My complaints are to much plastic on the inside and the turn radius is awful. I like changing the oil myself but the oil filter is really hard to get to

• 

  1997 Nissan Maxima SE Review - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Tinbird - December 29 - 10:00 am

  Attractive, fun, safe car. [Engine] performance superior in many regards to most competitors, though suspension is merely adequate (unforgivable for Nissan to forego true 4-wheel independent suspension when many competitors have been doing so for years). Also, while the car is enjoyable to drive and reliable, fit- and-finish is merely "average." Finally dealership support is very typical: long waits; dubious sales/service tactics; premium prices. Overall, definitely a GOOD car (safe and reliable); in some ways a VERY GOOD car (potent engine and nice [optional] "creature comforts"); but not quite a GREAT car (mediocre suspension, fit-and-finish).

• 

  Another Altima ...not disappointed - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By carolscar - December 29 - 10:00 am

  My 5th Nissan, 2nd Altima..usually lease and dont find NMAC great to deal with on that, but interest rates too good to pass up for a purchase. Traded a Sentra SE -Altima and Senta SE have about the same power on the road but Altimas a better "ride". Good audio system , theres lots of interior storage and a huge trunk..Controls well placed. Got "base" S model with no frills.

• 

  2005 maxima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By TMoore - December 28 - 8:06 am

  I own a 2005 Nissan and I get lots of compliments and several friends purchased one after I allowed them to drive mine. Awesome torque on the highway, great maneuvering and handling. This is my 2nd Maxima and I really enjoy my car however, my a/c was out of coolant after @18 months. I only received notice about 1 recall, dislike cheap interior panel. Motor mounts needed replacing after around 86K

• 

  Love it! - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By mrredskin - December 27 - 8:06 pm

  Very pleased with the purchase. Feels almost like a luxury SUV, except for half the cost. Only mechanical issue Ive had was a loose heat shield that took an hour to fix at service dept. Some controls could be arranged better, and definitely should have another 2 inches to move the drivers seat back (im 62). not uncomfortable - just cant stretch my leg out completely. i havent second guessed myself for buying this, and i doubt i ever will.

• 

  Average - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By kurtski - December 27 - 12:30 am

  CVT not as expected as it downshifts too often. Windshield is always fogging up. Electrical issues as airbag and tire pressure light go on and off.

• 

  Fantastic car! - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By eewell - December 26 - 3:50 am

  I bought this car about a year and a half ago and still love it! It is a Nissan so quality is excellent and the car performs great! Its got a lot of pick up so for those of you who want something with power, this is your car! Its great that its a four door because you get a powerful sports car without having to pay sports car insurance.

• 

  3 Month Review - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Patrick - December 25 - 4:26 pm

  After 3 months, I continue to be very happy with the Versa. I enjoy the extras (MP3 plug-in, etc.), but the basics of the car are great (ie: automatic tire pressure warning). I get 25-30 mpg depending if I have been using the AC. No problems driving in the recent snow. Its no sportscar, but I definitely notice good pick-up off the lights compared to almost all other sedans on the road. Overall, a great value.