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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  Fun SUV - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Steve - December 24 - 11:03 am

  Were very pleased so far with our Xterra. It has room for our kids and is very versatile. Interior is easy to clean, big plus with kids, VERY capable offroad. Engine has plenty of power, which I upgraded with an air intake and exhaust system, probably got me 15 to 20 extra HP. Now it sounds as good as it goes. Handles well and is easy to park.

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  Nissan does not compare to Honda, Toyota or Subaru - 1999 Nissan Sentra
  By willard5 - December 24 - 8:10 am

  I bought this Nissan new. It ran well and was very dependable...until the odometer turned 100,000. Then, magically, it became a money pit. Within one year, I replaced CV joints, tie rods, alternator, water pump...and then it developed an aversion to starting. Thats when we parted ways.

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  Most Reliable 4X4 built ! - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By 95pathisgreat - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck used in 97 with 30K on it. I have never had any problems with it! I mean none, other than brakes, tires I have had no problems. Its not the fastest out there but who needs speeding tickets. Drives great on the highway at 70mph. If you want a great 4X4 that wont give you headaches this is the one to buy.

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  a great car - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By cborg - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Im a first time owner of a car and recieved my 95 maxima from my dad (who bought an acura 3.2tl, which is a great car)its been an absolute joy to drive in, even at 100k plus miles it still performs great. The accelaeration is great and the 190hp 24 valve engine is a huge plus to this already excellent car. Everytime my friends get in there like "whoa, nice car" the leather and bose sound system impresses them.

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  Great Car - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By cwf2044 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  The Nissan Maxima is a fabulous car. It provides the comfort of a sedan with the pep of a sports car. My previous vehicle was a 1987 Nissan 300Z. I put over 200,000 miles on it with few problems. The Maxima features a similar engine and I expect similar reliability. The only draw- backs are the brakes and fuel economy. The brakes are squeeky and are only average reagarding reliablility. Also, the Maxima demands 92 gas beacuase of the performance engine. I had to replace an anti-knock sensor for using regular (87) fuel. It still gets good mileage though.

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  3 years old and love it - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By LUV_IT - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Have a 2000 GLE that I drive to airport and back. 3 years old now and just turned 10K miles, totally pampered. Still smells and runs like new. Havent had one problem since I bought, only in for oil change / tire rotation. The way Im putting miles on this baby Ill probably be getting classic car plates for it. Great car for the $$

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  great little sports car!!!! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By thenebean9 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  i just bought this car a couple of weeks ago, and i cant stop driving it! it is so much fun to just drive around, and EVERYONE turns to look! (especially since my car is in sunburst yellow!) you dont see many spec-vs out on the road, and its nice if you want a car that will get people looking in your direction! it also drives like a little power house...quick starts, smooth shifting, i cant get enough of it!

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  Funnest car ever driven!!! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Lullenium - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I was going crazy looking for mid-size cars, until I stopped at the Nissan dealer,this car has style,performance and reliability all wrapped up in one package. The price was great, the options that came were what I needed. Honda and Toyota would have charged me $3000 more for the same options I got in the Altima. Very fun to drive, worth every penny if you are looking for a dependable and stylish car set at just the right price.

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  Nothing Like It! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By BGM - December 22 - 7:06 pm

  When we bought it, there was truly nothing like it on the market... CVT tranny, 18" wheels. It is a blast to drive and extremely practical. Drives and handles like a powerful sports sedan but sits you up higher and more comfortably more like a SUV or mini van. (But this for sure aint no mini van...) We still get tons of compliments on it and it almost two years old. This is a real machine.

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  X-Terra - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Bear - December 22 - 10:16 am

  I bought the 2001 4WD SE because of its price tag and different looks. Dont go off-road. Dont agree that the front seats are uncomfortable. We took a trip (apx 1,000 miles) in it last September and found it quit comfortable and it handled well on the road. I really like the feel of it, even if it is a little "trucky" feeling. Tons of room in the back with/without seats down. Seemed to be the best buy for the amount of room you get in its price range.