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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  Zzzoom - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Zira - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I have shopped quite a bit for a roadster as a gift to myself, or as some people say my "mid-life crisis". This vehicle fulfills all my expectations and criteria. It has great style, handling, performance, and it exhilarates. I love it.

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  Good all around value for a sports car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Wlittleman - October 4 - 2:00 am

  The engine is strong, exhaust note is intoxicating, steering response is immediate, suspension is tight, noise level is a bit high. Visibility out back is downright HORRIBLE. I had my 6 speed manual transmission replaced at 4000 miles, and I dont think the noises from the tranny are completely gone yet; not confidence inspiring at all. Secondly, Many 2003 and 2004 Z exhibit unusual front tire wear in a cupped fashion at exterior shoulder blocks. Dont buy a Z until Nissan fixes this problems (they havent). Save yourself a huge headache! If I had to do it again, Id buy the car next year 2005 when they get the bugs ironed out.

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  Teds Review - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Ted Brinkman - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Fabulous Car overall. Had trouble with fuel pump but was replaced immediately upon learning of problem. Outside a couple of items I would like see changed, we are extremely happy we purchased the car.

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  85,000 and still going strong - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By designbo1 - October 4 - 1:25 am

  After 85,000 miles this truck still is going great. No major issues as of this writting, Cant understand why the truck commercials dont include TITAN.. guess they would make them laugh as this is one good truck. Though the style needs to be changed as they are getting a little dull in the looks, but still is a GREAT truck. No rattles, not one mechanical issue.

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  So many things to fix... - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By meg - October 3 - 7:40 pm

  Ive had my Sentra for about 3 years and put 40k on it. Ive replaced brakes, belts and a fuel pump and need tires. Blind spots are really bad. At 56" my legs hit the steering wheel if I try to drive while wearing any heel higher than 1". Loud road noise, heavy idle, jerks on acceleration.

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  So Far So Good - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Jeff in Sacramento - October 3 - 5:56 pm

  This is a totally solid and surprisingly sporty hybrid. Mileage is as advertised; I get 32-33 mpg with no change at all of my rather speedy driving habits. We are very pleased with the purchase, esp. considering the tax credit. The smaller trunk is not as bad as we expected - a stroller fits easily, as does my golf bag (esp. if I remove my driver first).

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  Nissan Has A Winner - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By vinnie - October 3 - 1:56 am

  I have to tell you. Ive had my Max since 2003. Its a great car with both power and style. Still turns heads after 2 years! The engine is smooth and powerful without sacrificing MPG. I avg. 24.9 MPG. Not bad for such a strong motor! If I have anything negative to say, its nothing different that whats already been in reviews - fix the torque steer issue and work on the wide turning radius. Other than that - I love my Maxima!!

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  98 Frontier SB - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By rben - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 98 Frontier used 18 months ago. Only normal oil changes so far- its been perfect. Have taken on two long(2500+ miles)trips- very comfortable and reliable. I think this is the best light truck value for your dollar. The four cylinder gets about 23mpg city/ 27 hwy. w/ a tonneau cover on the back. The power is adequate, evenly heavily loaded through 9000ft passes in the Rockies it did fine. Quite peppy around town without a heavy load. My fifth Nissan, but first truck- I highly recommend this vehicle!

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  Best Damn Mini Van Out There - 1999 Nissan Quest
  By Dawn Bowman - October 2 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I test drove several Mini Vans when we were looking for one and wound up with the Quest for the comfort and handling of it. I love it! I have always owned a Nissan and I cant believe that we actually thought that the Pontiac Montana was more a good Van. If oyu want my opinion, stick with Nissan they hold there value and are very reliable cars.

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  Fantastic car - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By ttl - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this car for two months, and I love it. I am wondering why people always pursuing Honda and Toyoda and ignore such a good great car-Nissan Altima. I am looking forward to test drive the new Altima in the future, if I have enough money!