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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  Performance that wont break the Bank - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By griffon5 - May 8 - 4:16 pm

  I finally decided on a Sports Car I looked at an Audi TT and a 350-Z In my mind after diriving both, there was no Comparison. While the Audi TT had a nice leather interior, this car had no performance unless you went with their 3.2 250 HP Upgrade. Needless to say I drove the Z and it was a no brainer. I bought a Performance model with 18" wheels and VDC. For the money you will be hard pressed to find a car that out performs this. Acceleration in the mid range is impressive along with the superb handling characteristics. While the Zs interiors are not exactly plush, I bought it for the performance and Have no complaints, Its a sports car.

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  varoom - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By jaime - May 8 - 1:23 pm

  I own a 2004 SERSpecV and it is one the best cars that I have ever owned. There is one problem I have with it though and that would be that I cannot find any aftermarket parts for it. Such as I would like to put a body kit on it and cannot find one anywhere. I have checked with local car clubs and even tried online. Maybe in a few years they will have them out. Other than that the car handles, drives, and looks great. It seems like I get a compliment on it everyday no matter where I am going. Jaime 27

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  Nissan is a name you can trust! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Darren - May 8 - 12:43 pm

  This is Xterra #2 for me. My first was a 2000 XE V6 which I thoroughly enjoyed. I had it around two years and put around 30,000 miles on it before I needed money for getting married and buying a house. Now a couple of years later Ive replaced my lost treasure with a 2003 SE 4x4 V6. Theres really no difference inside except for the gauges and radio package. The Fosgate sound system is awesome and the sub really hits nicely. The transfer case shifts nice and smooth with easy transistions between 2 and 4 wheel. This X has really lived up to the expectations and quality that I know to expect from Nissan.

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  A purchase you can feel good about - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By mrhudy - May 8 - 1:53 am

  I spent a few months reading reviews, comparing vehicles, and doing research on this and other crossover autos. I picked the Murano SE AWD (loaded) because it was the best value of them all. Good price, great ride and handling (down to the thick steering wheel), great comfort (heated seats & mirrors, auto everything, reclining rear seats), best rated engine many years running (same V-6 Nissan uses across its platforms, ITS BULLETPROOF). Most of the negative things I read were about ride, milage and CVT performace. Ride is stiff like a SE should be, gas Milage average for my first year was 17.9, and CVT is smooth (but different so that scares people). I now prefer CVT over a standard auto

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  Perfect Car for now ! - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Ed Eberl - May 7 - 5:30 pm

  After testing several cars including the Corolla, Focus and Mazda 3, the Sentra was the best choice. The interior room is as big or bigger than my 2003 Dodge Stratus. This is the perfect choice in a bad economy with insane gas prices. I beleive the Sentra will be the next smart size family sedan replacing midsize cars, which are quickly become todays gas guzzlers.

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  An Almost 10 - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Impressed - May 7 - 3:50 pm

  What separates this car from all the rest is this car has style! Granted that some high end cars have looks, none look as good as as this one with a few thousand dollars less. Only smart ones will truly appreciate the beauty of this car. This car also has a very smooth CVT, spacious interior, great sound (with the Bose system). Instrument panel is easy to read, also nice wiper/lighting switches. With this car, driving is fun and exciting again, needless to say that 240 horses add nicely to the whole package.

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  2002 Nissan Maxima - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By zawada - May 7 - 2:49 am

  Excellent vehicle, i would highly recommend it. It was very reliable and had an amazing engine. Perform regular maintenance and this car will not let you down. Only draw back was the poor MPG and recommendation for premium fuel

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  The best SUV - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Peggy - May 6 - 11:30 pm

  I looked at all the large SUVs. Toyota seemed top heavy. Ford felt cheaply made. Chevy seemed too much of a truck. Dodge is just ugly. When we tried the Nissan, I thought finally a good looking SUV with all the specs and still cheaper than Chevy or Ford. I have never bought a Nissan before. Ive only owned Ford, Pontiac and a Jeep so this would be a new experience. I can honestly say this is the best car Ive ever owned and planned to buy Nissan again. I have 4 kids and this has been a life saver. Everyone has plenty of room and comfort and I dont feel we compromised getting what I wanted. The kids have the DVD and I have piece and quiet.

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  Not even close to a sports car! - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By Hatedit - May 6 - 7:46 pm

  This model is marketed as a sports sedan. Dont be fooled. The transmission cant figure out what gear to be in. It takes several seconds to figure out to downshift. You can confuse it by using the manual shift mode. It reacts with disdain at any aggressive driving. The brakes fade and shudder with excessive use. It handles like a cow. Torque is completely absent. The turning ration is terrible as is fuel economy. The chrome wheels peel with only one winter. Expect to visit the dealer with many problems with ignition sensors & check engine lights. I traded a 2000 Maxima which was a completely different car. Check out that trade-in value! Nissan will NEVER get my business again.

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  Looks good - but check under the hood... - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By brad Hogan - May 6 - 7:40 am

  Ive had several mechanical issues that just seem to linger - like a bad cold... Ive replaced both sensors - they keep going out. Its December and its 30 degrees outside and the heater doesnt work - at all. They say it has to do with a wire that has broken from ANOTHER sensor. Also, the car will just shut off - usually when Im going slower. But the car will usually start right up - thats always fun when youre coming to a stop light and the car just quits and you have to put your foot through the floorboard to stop the car. To Nissans defense, they have recalled for that very issue - well see if it gets fixed or not. I doubt theyll reimburse me for the other repairs