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 (wifes) new car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Rod Johnson - July 14 - 10:00 am

  Awsome car! This is the first front wheel drive car I have ever purchased and thats because it is the only front wheel car I have ever driven that didnt drive like a front wheel drive car. I have always disliked the torque steer commonly associated with FWD. Handling is great, the ride a bit firm, but we much prefere firm to mushy. We would highly recommend this car to anyone.

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  Just bought one - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Luis - July 13 - 4:33 pm

  I just bought my SE-R a few weeks ago and so far no major complaints. The car looks and handles beautifully. As suggested I made sure to get it with the side air bags for extra safety and also got the Sirius satellite radio ( a must have feature in any car).

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  Maxima fan - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Mark3092 - July 13 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Bought in November of 2001. I have put 36,000 miles on it since. Not a single problem. Plenty of power, and fun to drive with the 6- speed.

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  Absolutely wonderful SUV - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By joshua - July 13 - 2:00 am

  I have had three other SUVs, and this one tops them all in performance, comfort and reliability!!!

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  Very Nice Car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Altimabuyer - July 13 - 2:00 am

  I also have an Accord, the drive is much better and no problems at all

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  Good Car - Not Great - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By CTBuyer - July 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 03 Altima 2.5S 4 months ago. No problems at all! Interior is a little loud, but not bad. Interior materials are GM quality. Seats are comfortable, heat works ok, but have whistling when fan motor is on anything above "2". Nissan has to upgrade the interior materials, they just look and feel so cheap. Notice a little transmission "clunk" when accelerating fast between 1st and 2nd gears. The cupholders are awful. I cant get my cup of coffee out when I put it there. But overall, not a bad car for the money. Much better than any American car.

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  Great Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By zipred - July 13 - 2:00 am

  I have owned Audi, Volkswagon, Honda, Lincoln and many more, none offer the power, comfort, style and features of the new Maxima. I had previously owned a 96 Maxima and loved it but this one is special.

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  Great looking, fun to drive - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By kpitzmc - July 13 - 2:00 am

  Just got my 2004 Maxima, but its a winner! Fun to drive, sporty, roomy, high-tech interior. Lots of bang for the buck!

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  Lazy doesnt pay - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By J Friend - July 12 - 10:30 pm

  Only had the car about 5 weeks and the only complaint so far is that after you have dropped the rear seats for cargo or dog space, they return by motors. The problem is that the headrest will not permit them to come back up without moving the front seat backs or the whole front seat. I called the dealer and they said it was just the way it was manufactured and we could remove the rear headrest. Not. They are hard to straighten manually (I assume because of the motors).

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  Great Choice - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By Makavelli - July 12 - 8:46 pm

  I use my Titan as a daily driver and I am very impressed with its handling, Im 6-2 and need a spacious interior and cannot complain.