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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  Rusty Bucket - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By Homecmk - December 2 - 2:00 am

  The driveshaft starting rusting before the end of the year and I dont even live near the beach. The door panels are likely made from recycled tin cans considering the thinness. The noise level are outragous on the freeways.

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  Incredible - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By wmyers - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Speed, Comfort, and Reliability (if past years are proof), I love this car.

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  Its not perfect, but.. - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Dude@dude - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Ya its not perfect. I have read reviews about how awfull the CVT is, and how the interiors of some have developed rattles. I have only had for a month, but I can see the happening. As far as the transmission, its not perfect, but does the job well. The ride is a bit harsh (I have an SE), but has little lean when cornering. Its a trade off thats worth it to me. Although it drives and handles like a car, it tends to understeer, and plow like an SUV. Its not the high quality you would get from Mercedes or other high end dealers, but its a lot of vehicle for the money. It sure is better than any minivan out there!

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  great car - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By nismo04 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  The sentra ser-spec v offers sports car performance and handling at an economy car price. It has very responsive acceleration and handles very well with its sports tuned suspension and helical limited slip differential. It is incredibly fun to drive. If you are into sport compact cars you will not be dissapointed.

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  some problems - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Dude - December 2 - 2:00 am

  We bought car 2 weeks ago. This is an awesome vehicle, the 5 sky views, sunroof and auto doors excellent approach. But we got some problems all ready: Sunroof badly leaked and van now at Dealership for sunroof replacement for the second day. DVD didnt worked, mechanical noise in area of the second row right chair or door. Dealership still working with it. I think for a new car and for 2 weeks a lot of problems. What else we should expect?

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  Black Touring - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By boz - December 2 - 2:00 am

  From the first turn of the key you will be hooked. This car is so smooth and has great linear acceleration, that it does not even feel like you are going fast. Even after being out for over a year, this car turns heads every place I go. Simply amazing.

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  As many comps as my old bathtub Porsche - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Ivan Gignac - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Just a wonderful car. My wife and I were very surprised at the number of compliments we get about the car. It is really amazing to see the number of people who appreciate the great lines of this car. It is really a study in form follows function. It is GREATTTTTTTTTTT

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  You get what you pay for! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By elle - December 2 - 2:00 am

  This car is so quite that you wont even know its running when it is. I hate to go foreign in these difficult economic times, but you also have to in these times, get the best from your hard earned dollar. I want something reliable, and something that really fit my style. It was worth the money. I know if I ever go to resell this car, I will get a good turn over value too. That is always something to think about, should you be in the market of buying a new car.

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  Whistling Windows - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Debra Engel - December 2 - 12:53 am

  For 2 1/2 years now we have been trying to get the problem with the whistling windows resolved. I realize it takes someone to drive the car to hear it but that is their job. We have located the noise and have told them time and time again but it never gets resolved. We continue to have to listen to this annoying noise every time we go 60+ mph which is every day. My husband who drives the car to work is fed up with the inadequacy of getting this fixed and so am I since I am the one usually inconvenienced by the time it is left in the shop. I just dont get it in this economy that they dont want to take care of their existing customers. Especially since we bought a 2008 Altima Hybrid also.

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  very nice suv - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By fitty - December 1 - 11:43 pm

  great for family with dogs. easy to keep clean. fun to drive. excellent options. great value for the ride.