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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  my titan - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By kenseth - July 19 - 5:33 am

  this truck is solid and reliable,i like the long bed can get a lot of stuff in there,

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  I love my baby!!! - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Jonesnayshini - July 18 - 2:04 pm

  When I purchased my 2016 Nissan Maxima Platinum Edition in June 2015 I FEEL IN LOVE. I have always owned Maximas. There are two things that I am disappointed in with the cost of this car. The passenger front seat should be able to move all ways just as the drivers seat (it only goes back & forth not up and down. so its sits very low) & the back seat is not spacious at all. The look of the car is very sporty. Because I wanted the panoramic roof and the LED headlights I had to get the Platinum since the other styles only offer one or the other. Overall a great car..

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  You may want to look elsewhere - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By MCITV08 - July 16 - 11:50 pm

  Overall, the new 2008 Altima is much larger, more stylish and much "different" car. The Altimas CVT is something to get very used to; not hearing the shifts or feeling when the car is shifting makes the car feel like its constantly whining. However having that constant thrust of flowing power is also a positive. Personally, Nissan never lived up to the expectation of Toyota or Honda, but this Nissan (especially the coupe) may have Honda buyers look at Nissan. However, take one ride in a new 2008 Honda Accord, and you wont ever look back at Nissan.

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  still in love - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By jj - July 13 - 4:13 pm

  We are still in love with this vehicle as if we just took it home. It is powerful,comfortable, and easy to load and unload and great head turning appeal. Love my rear sensors for parking/backing up as it is difficult to fully judge backing distance or objects low to the ground[especially if a child/animal walks behind you suddenly] Seems to accumulate a great deal of break dust so difficult to keep as clean as wed like. great bang for the buck in our view!

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  Battery Failure - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Joe - July 13 - 1:43 pm

  Be aware that something is draining the battery on high end Nissans faster than the charging system can recharge unless you drive it on a regular basis for at least 15-30 minutes. Suggest staying away from Nissans if retired or you do little driving. Know of three new Nissans two 2009 Altima and one 2010 Maxima where battery has failed within 30 days after purchase. My uncles has failed three times even after a new battery was installed. Mine has failed twice. Would get rid of it but dont want to take the financial hit. Joined AAA.

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  Fun vehicle to drive - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By john - July 12 - 6:40 am

  This is a really good vehicle. I bought it new for my wife in 2001 and she drove it for 5 years and gave it over to me. I have driven a lot of vehicles but this is my favorite. Tough, dependable, versatile. Great in the snow if you add some weight in the back.

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  Pros and Cons - 2013 Nissan Rogue
  By wiquincy - July 11 - 10:35 am

  Pros: 1. CV Tranny excellent, no constant shifting 2. Plenty of power when needed at any speed. 3. Drives comfortably, but shorter wheelbase of this class is a little bumpier. 4. I get 28 mpg, my wife gets 24 overall. Gets over 30 on the highway at 60 mph. 5. Door looking options are very nice. Cons: 1. The Navigation system is totally useless. I had to buy a GPS. Cannot be set while moving, no MPH check, No useful trip record, no elevation, etc. etc. Of no use whatsoever. 2. No option for power seats for passenger. 3. Cargo space is small for class. 4. Speedometer is analog only, no digital read.

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  Best Kept Secret - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Rangermutt - July 11 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I have owned a 1999 GXE for 4 years now and it has had few problems - mostly limited to two oxygen sensors (which required the dealer to replace due to their location). I added alloy wheels and a spoiler and aftermarket radio/cd player. I rarely drive it but really enjoy it when I do. I think for the money it was a great buy and would buy another one after we drive this one another 4 years.

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  Fabulous Car! - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By lllarzzz - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought used @ 65K miles, has been perfect for 2.5 years. Most reliable car I have ever owned. Quite fast with 5-Speed, especially for a car of this size. Handles nicely. Would buy another one in a heartbeat... hard to imaging finding a more solid or reliable used car.

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  Titan Good, Dealership Bad - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By commander3 - July 8 - 4:33 pm

  I have had my truck for 1.5 years and loved it until just recently due to the poor dealer service. It has the banks exhaust and gets 15-16 mpg with my heavy right foot and sounds great. The airbag light now comes on and is at the dealer for the 4th time in a month. They just keep replacing parts and two days later the warning lights are back on. You would think a Nissan dealer would know how to service a Nissan truck. Worst service I have ever seen with no end in sight.