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:

• 

  great smaller truck - 1999 Nissan Frontier
  By bronco_fan - August 8 - 2:00 am

  If you are looking for an inexpensive pickup thats great on gas too, then the Nissan is the way to go. The bed is bigger/deeper than any other small truck. I bought the std cab because I didnt want to spend more than necessary, though the extra cab would be nice to have. I have owned this trk for a few months and enjoy it. Wife thinks the steering wheel has too much play, but I dont notice it. Rides rough like a truck, and on windy days I get thrown around the freeway because its not heavy enough to hold its own. Thats what I expected though, so Im not upset.

• 

  Second Maxima - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Hunterct - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Anyone looking for a great sports car with a reasonable price should look at the Maxima. This is my second one and I love it. I paid well under 30K for a loaded SE, I cant believe all you get for that price. You would pay almost 40K for a similar equiped BMW or Lexus. My only compliant is the ride is a little harsh, but I can overlook that as the rest of the car more than makes up for it.

• 

  Poor suspension - 2010 Nissan Armada
  By armada platinum - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I love everything except the navigation, suspension and the dark dashboard during daylight driving. Suspension you feel everything steering wheel vibrates when going through bumps or pot holes. Navigation does not work while driving. Set-up that is you must stop, put in park and hand brakes in order to operate. Imagine driving with family kids want to watch another movie cant do it. Setup address cant do it. Nothing. Who ever design this was a total idiot. Imagine stopping on the interstate, side road with kids, some one hits you from behind. Is that not a safety issue. Who is really going to wait for rest stop or an exit specially 15 or 30 miles down the road lets be realistic. For the money it cos

• 

  Simply Wicked! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Fobroader - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car brand spanking new in 05. Drove the 4 cylinder Then drove the v6. The 4 is pathetic, this car is a rocket. Had to get the 5spd manual because an automatic is just wrong when paired to a vq35de engine. Stock tires were absolute garbage, all seasons on a 250 horse car? The 6 pack changer had to be replaced under warranty. Floor mats wore right through under gas and clutch pedal. Great car, highly recommend the v6 model to everyone. Drive a manual before you buy the automatic to see how amazing this car can be. Ive got about 60,000 miles on mine and its been bulletproof.

• 

  Disappointing - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By m j - August 7 - 12:00 pm

  I read many reviews, loved the styling, peppy engine etc. Problem is, the the thing is poorly built. Constant rattling, noisy ride, brakes are touchy. The car has plenty of acceleration and on the highway in overdrive the engine does not labor. BUT..... I would not lease another. Thankfully my lease is up in May. I also own a Saturn Relay, which has its own short comings, but I find it superior to the Quest.

• 

  2000 Nissan Pathfinder 4Dr SE 4WD Wagon - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Bmtaurus - August 6 - 5:56 pm

  I purchased this Pathfinder in 2003 with 44,000 miles. It now has over a 100,000 on it and I couldnt be happier. I have had no major problems with it and have kept up on all the regular maintenance. This truck is very reliable and would recommend it to anyone. I plan on keeping this one for a few more years though as its just too good to give up so soon.

• 

  Traded my 2014 Accord LX for the 2016 Altima SV - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By michael yarber - August 6 - 6:52 am

  What?...traded the Accord for an Altima, yes, you heard right. Why, the main reason for me that the seats in the Accords were not working for me. In a recent long trip from Nashville to Richmond, VA., I had to get out the car three times going and coming back. My was seat was hurting. I do have some health issues, but it was enough to start looking. Went around trying out cars out, like the new Civic, H-RD, and some others and the seats were not any better for me. I went to a Nissan to dealer to set in a Rogue first and then a Altima and WOW. These zero gravity seats are really true, they are comfortable! We went for a drive and I like the drive also. The SV model had everything we were looking for in a car (except the NAV package, I use my iphone for maps). My wife chose the color, Pearl White, and we got a really good deal with the trade and the new car! We only had the cars for a few days, but I think I am going to really like it. The seats are really something and even the back seats are great! Ironically, I just toured the Nissan plant in Smyrna, TN this past Thursday (I live 4 miles from the plant) and was really impressed with the mile long production line and the quality of the production. If guess time will tell.

• 

  Reliable Car - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By RoadWarrior1 - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the car used with 22,000 miles and am still driving it with 150,000 miles. Everyday reliability with minor maintenance (leaking power steering fluid, brakes). Still fun to drive.

• 

  so much better than my cavalier - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By snap0931 - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I really like all the standard features and the modern looking interior. I find that this loooks much better than other cars in its class.

• 

  Rattle and Hum (and gulp) ... - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By dzurej - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this m.v. (my first) for 2 months. The engine and drivetrain certainly hum along. The passenger-side power door rattles over every bump. Im avering just 18 mpg to-date (well below expected). The center console takes some getting used to, but it grew on me (but not everyone). Handles surprisingly well in both rain and snow. My overall opinion is still positive, but Ill reserve long-term judgement until I see how quickly Nissan fixes the door rattle and the interior wears with age.