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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  Allsome - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By hv2fdf - January 29 - 7:51 am

  Very nice car ,well built ,looks and rides great Considered a Honda Accord ,but the Altima was a better car . 4 Cylinder motor has plenty of power

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  Awesome - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By kolczk - January 29 - 5:10 am

  Switching over from a Chevy Equinox, this car has been amazing. I have no real complaints about the car. It has 9,000 miles and has only been back to the dealer to have a sunroof put in and for oil changes. I do see other peoples concerns with the awkward shifting, but it isnt anything that really bothers me personally. The fuel economy says 24, but if you dont drive hard, I easily have cleared 27-28 in the city. Great crossover for the reasonable price.

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  Review of 2000 Maxima - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By LS - January 29 - 2:20 am

  I have had to replace the catalytic converter (cost approx $2000). I keep up standard maintenance. The performance and handling are great. I really am pleased with this car.

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  SWEET RIDE - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By drock31 - January 29 - 1:49 am

  I purchased my Maxima about 1/2 a year ago with 89,000 miles on it and so far so good. I may do the struts soon, front a rear, but other than that manual trans is sweet, clutch is working fine, and engine wants to go go go! Glad I went with the manual after reading some reviews of the automatic trans. jerking, plus it is extra fun to drive. My only complaint is the road noise and that it burns a quart of oil every 5,000 miles. I would only by a manual Maxima, and so far happy with my purchase!

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  Big, Black, and Bad - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By ABeezy - January 29 - 12:26 am

  This truck is awesome. Ive always been in the import scene with sporty coupes and sedans, this is a truck that has the same appeal. This is the third vehicle Ive owned in about the last 6 months (01 Lexus IS300, 2002 Nissan XTerra, and now a Titan) and Im pretty sure Ill hold onto this one for a long time!

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  Awesome value and performance - 2012 Nissan Sentra
  By gtvapsamtik - January 28 - 12:48 pm

  Ive had my Special EDITION for about 6 months so far put 10,000 miles on it. MPG has been 31 for city and around 34 for HWY. All my friends and family love this sport Sedan. So far its quiter on the road then my wifes CIVIC SI and our Corolla. I paid around $18,500 for this and it came with all the bells and wistles like NAV, Sunroof, Premium Audio, Camera. This like is just like a CASH in the hand at all times. Whenever you want to sell it, without a doubt you will get a good resale value for this. But i plan to keep mine till the end. AWESOME car and fun to drive.

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  New Car - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Bill Plance - January 28 - 12:33 pm

  nice car - great mileage (avg. 27mpg. in city) steering too sensitive and outside noise a little strong - overall good car for the price body a little heavy for engine.

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  Problems, but it never left me stranded. Car changes its own oil. . - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By driftisfun - January 27 - 7:35 pm

  Ok its been 5 years since we purchased our gunmetal grey 2002 Maxima w/6 speed manual. The car had roughly 78k on it at the time certified pre-owned vehicle from West Covina Nissan. Now has well over 160k fast, hard miles. Maintenance has been: Front brakes three times, goes thru tires a lot. Front right wheel assembly and hub became loose. Replaced clutch as well. Sound system broke. Power steering leak. Uses 2.5 quarts of oil every month or so, which is a lot. This is very common as are the individual coil packs failing (theres 6), and O2 sensors (4 I believe),Catalytic converter failed. These days my Maxima is firing on only two cylinders and we have thrown in the towel. Car still runs!

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  havent regretted it one bit! - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Combusto - January 27 - 3:00 pm

  Since I was replacing an old small pickup I wanted something with space that wasnt an SUV and it had to be comfortable. The cube is EXACTLY what I wanted. I used the cash for clunkers program so I had to go with the CVT but it works wonderfully, better than any auto could dream of. It did take some getting used to but the smoothness it returns is worth it. You dont climb into a cube, you sort of slide into it. The low flat floor and wide doors make ingress/egress drama free, even for grandparents and our greyhound. I cant say theres really anything wrong with the car, a few niggles maybe but thats it. The price tag might hint at "budget car" but the car itself screams "DRIVE ME!"

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  Too many problems! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By JMM - January 27 - 1:53 pm

  After comparing a number of SUVs I selected the 2005 Pathfinder because of its power, comfort and features. I still enjoy driving it and I am satisfied with everything but the build quality. In the eight months Ive owned it, my Pathfinder has been to the dealer four times for a number of problems. Most have been relatively minor, such as various noises and a bad power window switch. But, the last problem was serious and unacceptable. The rear stabilizer bar completely disconnected from the right rear suspension! Ive owned American cars for over 30 years and have never experienced such a major problem with a new car. This was my first Japanese car and it may be my last!