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 Ride but Painful Seat - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Houston Commuter - December 19 - 7:40 am

  I commute over an hour each way every day and liked the performance, mileage and range of this car. It has lots of zip in traffic and motors along at 80 with no problem. The exterior styling is distictive and the interior is big enough for a family of 5 on the rare occasions when the family comes along. My only serious complaint is the width and rigidity of the front bucket seats. I find that the little wings on the side of the seat are rock hard and they are putting my leg to sleep, especially on the right side. The problem didnt show itself until I had been driving for about a month and now Im regretting the purchase.

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  Love that SENTRA - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Norma - December 19 - 6:46 am

  The Car is just a cut above. This is my 3rd Nissan. I went on the lot looking at a Versa. The only reason I didt get the Sentra SL by ordering it. My wife said after driving the S model with CVT.The only 2007 Sentra they had. I love this car.

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  This SUV is a beast! - 2017 Nissan Armada
  By Michael C - December 19 - 5:05 am

  After driving the behemoth Chevys / GMCs we almost bought the better handling Expedition except the interior was too drab. The Nissan by contrast is very well designed, comfortable, very (very) quick off the line, handles well and is very quiet. The auto AWD mode is easy to drive but once you switch to other modes, driving gets clunky fast. A couple of complaints however, one is with four children and the back seat in use we like to keep the smaller of the middle seats folded. Unfortunately there is no way to safely secure it in that position, which creates a safety hazard, as it could flip down onto the foot of a third row passenger. The middle row release mechanism is also difficult for kids to manipulate. The Nav and touchscreen interface is poorly designed and the bluetooth has trouble switching between phones of different drivers if the first phone is no longer in the car. Voice commands appear to default only to navigation which is odd. Those issues aside the performance and driving characteristics of this vehicle are second-to-none in this class. Basically youre getting the Infiniti which makes this car a great value.

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  Love this car - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Brad H - December 18 - 6:33 pm

  Excellent reliability so far. Car has 55K miles. Left front tie rod has worn and required replacement. Otherwise, no other mechanical issues.

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  Great car / Great value - 2009 Nissan Sentra
  By jeff - December 18 - 11:46 am

  Cash for clunkers deal I was due a better vehicle. First new car I have ever bought. I looked at everything small to mid sized out there and I mean everything. I was looking for better mileage. Averaging 30 currently. Most cars were uncomfortable, over priced, cheap quality or no room. I am 62" tall and my head hit the roof in half and my legs would have to be held up off of the seat to keep from smashing the gas pedal to the floor in the rest. Not in the Senta. Plenty of leg room, a whole hands with above my head. For you taller people, this one is it. It is very deceiving from the outside. Roomy, comfortable, solid car. Cant say enough good about it.

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  Me and my Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Chuck A - December 18 - 2:20 am

  Ive now had my Altima 2.5S for six months, replacing a Sentra SE. It is a quantum leap up from the Sentra. Ride, comfort, style all a step up. Performance from a 2.0 5 speed manual to a much bigger, heavier car is down some. Do miss ABS. Love the newly styled interior - looks to me like it belongs in a more expensive car. Fit and finish are excellent, with no problems since I picked up the keys from the dealer. Id recomment this car over Camry any day.

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  Decent reliability for the money - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By yokiro - December 18 - 1:06 am

  Overall it has been a reliable vehicle -- minus the o2 sensors failing over the years and problems playing CDs.

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  Best Truck ON The Market - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By shoppy - December 18 - 12:10 am

  I have sold nissans for five years. It took me awhile to come to grips on getting a payment, but I did it. This truck is worth every penny and more. Nissan has quality and horse power over the competition period... If you want gas mileage buy a sentra or civic. If you want a truck buy Nissan. I leased mine thru my company D&M Leasing and have a great payment and the perfect truck. Would recommend D&M and NIssan to anyone.

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  Love my Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By sbrangers - December 17 - 2:16 pm

  This is the second Altima Ive owned. My first was a 1998 before purchasing a 2005 3.5 SL. I love the power and ride this vehicle delivers. Ive owned Nissans since 1986 and they keep getting better all the time.

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  Execellent & Reliable Vehicle - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By John Kesse - December 17 - 4:33 am

  I first bought my Altima in 2002. I traded it in 2005. And I tell you I am glad I did. The car is super. Even my wife who is used to GM cars loved it too. I have recommended this car to lots of my friends.