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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  Great Great Great - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By GMS - February 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car a week ago and I get more impressed every day. I traded in a 2001 Infiniti I30 and theres no comparison............

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  Decent for the money - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By tron20 - February 19 - 6:40 pm

  Maybe its the way I drive, but Im getting way better gas mileage than what the sticker says. It says 28C/34H. The computer inside says Im getting on average 38.1 MPG. NIIICE! Likewise, the similar 1.8L AT 2006 Corolla was rated at 32H/38H and I was averaging 38 MPG. What gives for the EPA Ratings??I regularly get 450 miles to a tank of gas. The cars engine has good pickup if I choose to slam on the gas. Sound system is great on the Special edition package.

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  TITAN IS KING - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By Vin D - February 19 - 12:53 pm

  I love my Titan. Style looks great, performance is typical of great Nissan quality, and most of all the reliability is 2nd to none. Ive owned 10 Nissan products and in between made the mistake of getting a Chevy and it only took 12 months to go back to the Nissan. My loaded LE Crew Cab is a dream. Plenty of room for my college age sons, my wife and I for short or long trips. Works for my weekend warrior project hauling and is also stylish enough to take on evenings out with the wife. I will never consider another truck!

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  better than what even good reviews say - 2011 Nissan Cube
  By kawolve - February 19 - 12:49 am

  We only buy Nissan in our family. Currently own a pathfinder, I traded in a fully loaded altima only 3 years old & completely paid off for the cube, there was no room in the altima for me, carseats and a 63 husband. Best decision to date. I have owned my Krom 10 months & room is great for groceries and car seats. Back seat adjusts, bonus. Gas mileage I was only getting about 25 city, until I hit about 8 k miles and rotate tires. I drive backroads daily for work, no highways. I get 30/31 now city and 36 when I drive the occasional highway, seriously. I fill my tank every 10-14 days, which is great. Downfall little compartment storage & not speedy, but I have adjusted. If it fits u buy it.

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  XTerra is Awesome - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By CPO Sharky - February 19 - 12:46 am

  I love this vehicle. I originally wanted an FJ Cruiser but I didnt realize that the XTerra was in my price range (a little cheaper than the FJ actually). Once I took it for a test drive that was all I needed to change my mind. You get a lot of vehicle for the price!! Also test drove the Jeep Liberty and it is garbage compared to the XTerra!

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  Love the 2009!! - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Douglasville Newbie - February 18 - 10:16 pm

  I love driving the 2009 Murano. Had test drove the Infiniti FX35 loved the car but husband wanted me to check out the 2009 Murano and I loved it and bought it the same day. I did not compromise anything with the purchase.

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  Glad I chose the Armada - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By David - February 18 - 9:13 am

  Needed to tow horses. Looked at the Suburban, Expedition, etc. The Armada had more standard safety features and more convienence features than the others. Second row legroom beats any other SUV (by far), and the nav/voice system is best on the market. However two areas could be improved: 1) the suspensions "shudders" when driving over broken pavement. 2) the seats arent very supportive - although the truck has little body roll, the unsupportive seats magnify this effect. Im fortunate enough to have owned LX 470s, RRs and G500s and I still find myself driving the Armada most of the time. If you prefer a "richer" environment, consider the QX56.

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  Disappointed - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Not a happy consumer - February 17 - 6:46 pm

  When I first bought this vehicle I thought I was getting a good deal. I have had my car for 5 years and now I am told that I need $5000.00 dollars of engine work done on it. I have completed all my maintenance schedules. I paid the higher price for repairs and maintenance by getting all my work done at the dealer. I have had to replace the stereo twice in the last 5 years. The rubber molding around the door has come off numerous times. Maybe the newer models are better but make sure you get the warranty to cover yourself to 100000 miles, I didnt and now I have to pay. The car should have lasted longer than 5 years.

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  Like a top - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By bob - February 17 - 4:33 pm

  This is my 5th Maxima, each held for three years and an average 25,000 miles per year. No maintenance problems other than brakes and tires have been experienced. Just routine oil changes at 3-5k miles. The ONLY car found that does NOT give me a back ache after 2 plus hours of driving. Runs like a top.

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  Outstanding car and amazing luxury. - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Dustin - February 17 - 2:43 pm

  I must say when someone mentioned the Altima I never would have thought I would get one. I test drove the 3.5 SL and absolutely fell in love with it. More amenities than the Acuras and far cheaper. The bluetooth phone system, pushbutton start, and smart locks are great additions. You cant go wrong with this car, it is fast, comfortable, fun to drive, and if you need it as a family car it works great for that as well.