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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  simply the best - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By bolibol - June 27 - 9:26 am

  i first saw the juke online about 8 months before it came out. since then i fell in love with it. bought 3 days after its realese date. it was worth the wait. this winter new york had some really bad snow storms but my juke not only didnt get stuck anyware but performed almost as if it was a dry road. love. gas milege is perfect

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  excellent - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By amac - June 27 - 8:46 am

  We love this car. Very fun to drive, nice power for a 4 banger.

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  Fun and Fast - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By allsupm - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I use this car mostly for fun, but occasionally drive it to work. (36 mi round trip) I always enjoy driving it! It is a sports car, and doesnt attempt to be anything else. That is as it should be. It does all a sports car should do, and it does it well.

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  High Miles - Lots of Fun - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By BRG - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Maxima GLE from a relative that bought it several years ago. When he bought the car it had just a tad over 100k on it. He commmuted about 100 miles per day and now it has 155k miles. It took real good care of it and kept all the maintenace up to date. Still runs like a bat out of hell when it hits the on ramp with the hammer down. I drive about 20k per year and I think the Maxima will do the job just fine. A great car for under $4k.

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  Good Car - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Johnnyboy19 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in Sept of 2003 with 42,000 miles on it.I put 6,000 on it so far. I had to replace the belts on it, but other then that car is great.I think in 1999 it was too overpriced. I got it for 13,500.the V6 is smooth but kinda sluggish at times. When accelerating from a traffic light it stay at 1800 rpm for like 3 seconds? But all in all im happy with it.When time comes ill trade it for a 2000 and up Maxima SE or Altima SE V6. Anything NISSAN! I hope they put an 8 cylinder in a Maxima. Now that would be kewl!

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  Nissan Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By t squared - June 27 - 2:00 am

  So far this has been a great vehicle. We have a family of five including one six footer. The second row seating was the first place I looked on every Suv that I considered. The hip and shoulder room made a big difference in how comfortable the three kids were in the back seat. The ride has been very comfortable for our family but we do like the tighter ride the Armada gives us. The softer ride of some SUVs made the vehicle roll to much in corners and during sudden changes

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  Love this Sentra!! - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By chris24ali - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car recently with 11 miles on it. Its a wonderful car. Rides nice and tight, very powerful, lots of low end torque. Recently had to take it in to the dealer to reset the dreaded "Service engine soon light" caused by starting the car with the battery disconnected. (bad idea) Its not my fault, it happened when I took the car to get an EQ installed. The dealer reset the ECU for free!! Thank you NEMET.

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  Great Van - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By parshooter - June 27 - 2:00 am

  terrific vehicle, comfortable, great looks a great ride. Only problem has been the in the third seat. There is a stress rattle when in the up position. They are looking at the attachment brackets and hopefully will have a fix in soon.

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  Fun to drive - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Holbrook - June 27 - 2:00 am

  27,000 miles in about one year and for the most part a good experience. It is nimble and fun to drive with gas milage a little better than I hoped for. One breakdown at 26000 (alternator went out) but was fully covered by warranty.

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  Better than the Highlander, or Envoy - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Adan82 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Murano for a couple of weeks now and it has been so far so good.