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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  Awesome Car! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Mark V. - March 25 - 6:56 am

  I am very impressed overall with my recent purchase of a 2003 3.5SE V6. Car is roomy, comfortable, outstanding acceleration and handling. Bose stereo pumps. Even being a former Corvette owner i am still very satisfied with the Altimas performance. Trunk has ample room to fit skies/snowboard and anything else i would transport. To sum it up..It is a great car that meets my need for speed and practicality.

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  NIGHTMARE! - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By ncjenn - March 25 - 3:34 am

  A week after buying this car in July 12, I took it back, since it had been driving badly. After about 15 minutes of driving, the engine would rev to over 4k RPMs and then jerk hard,even slamming me back into my seat. When it did it for my husband, he insisted there was definitely a problem with the tranny. Not slipping, but rather shifting hard. My dealer waited for Nissan to respond, and of course, Nissan refused to participate. So when my dealer offered to put in a re-built tranny, it also turned out to be bad. Now waiting on Nissan rep to come investigate. Disgusted that Nissan makes a car and only stands behind it for a few years. I now wish they would stand in front of it!

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  Mixed Emotions - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Burnables - March 25 - 1:33 am

  I love the utility of this truck.Great for loading up the dog and the girl and heading up the White Mts for long weekends of hiking and camping, etc. Great for packing a lot of gear. The dog loves it, too. Only a few complaints..which really bug me...its loud driving on wet roads...sounds like a door is open in the back. Also, the thing lacks pick up on the low gears. No muscle.(I traded in my TACOMA for this dog of a truck.) It doesnt seem so strongly built either. The fenders are weak. Overall, it is a strong like. But, it aint no TACOMA TRD.

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  Problems down the road.... - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By tracey - March 24 - 10:40 am

  I bought the car used with 50k and had to replace 3 sensors right away totaling near $1,000. The main sensor needed to be replaced 3 times in a year (covered on warranty). Things were great for the next year nothing more than routie oil changes. at 100,000k things started to go wrong. Tranny blew at 101k. I dont drive rough and only locally drive pretty much. I was shocked. Speakers blew around 70k. I had bent my front rims after too many pot holes, they were impossible to find at a reasonable price considering the size was changed half way through the year (recall). Over all not bad, but really angry about the transmission.

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  The muscle machine - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By The Impressed - March 24 - 10:00 am

  Approaching 1000 miles and I am a very content owner. Great prowess. A 5.6L that delivers if you want that burst of speed. The price is a thirsty engine of course. I have taken it till 80mph with a surprising ease at just under 2000 revs. The exterior has a catchy bold look. The interior has space to accomodate any body stretch and is versatile enough to provide ample cargo room if needed. The one complaint I have about the interior, both seats and pannel, is that it is a tad tacky for the price. Other than that, this machine rocks! I would not go back to Mossy Nissan Houston TX though. Throughout, it was unclear who was supposed to be my dealer and each di

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  My Murano Goes - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Latnlo316 - March 24 - 10:00 am

  Nissan has put together a real winner with the Murano. With its great looks and sweet engine any one that wants a really good suv that they dont take offroad the Murano is a sure thing.

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  Good Truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By RichieGil04 - March 24 - 10:00 am

  1st pickup. Power options, variable int. wipers, cruise, tinted windows, bed extender for $18K. Thats a great value. Commuter car & weekend warrior. Use it to haul mulch, pallets of pavers, bring snow blower for service. 4WD a must with a truck in the snow. Fun to drive.

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  Loves Petro - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By NNeal - March 24 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is one of the most confusing things I have ever owned. To have a small 170 hp v6 this thing drinks more gas and puts out less power than anything out on the road.It is hard to love a car that on its best day gets 19 mpg and needs a good half mile of clear highway to pass another motorist. It is a joy to drive around town running errons but besides that it stay in my garage, I would never recomamend this one to anyone.

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  review - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Mr.Blake - March 24 - 10:00 am

  I like the speed and the acceleration of the 3.5 liter engine. The Bose sound system is excellent.

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  Finally got the grown up car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By beatles guy - March 24 - 10:00 am

  As soon as I got in the car it felt right for me. First of all it is roomy and it looks real nice with the black leather and sunroof. I traded in my Honda Civic. I was surprized at the price of this car. My payments are about the same as the Honda was, only a much better car. When I need power I have it. Just love the way it drives. It is also quiet. And looks great in the driveway. Ps: if you want better milage, try to keep the tack @ 2500 rpms or less. I was able to get 30.5 mpg in this manner.