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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  nissan frontier - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By mark - November 16 - 6:20 am

  the little engine that could, it pulls a 3800 pound bass boat in wv mountains, no problems. I still get great mpgs, and I have given zero power away to a "fool" size pickup, this is my first Nissan, I have previously been sold on Toyota, but the Frontier kicks its tail.

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  A great car - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By bestinshow - November 15 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Nissan, (first was an Altima) and I wont drive anything else. After 3 years, it has never been in the shop for anything but regularly scheduled maintenance. It is a powerful and solid driving car. I still love the look of this model Maxima. I recommend this car to everyone who wants a maintenance free vehicle.

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  Not worth the money - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Jean66 - November 15 - 10:00 am

  I expected better when I purchased this car. Little things keep failing (coils, sensors), but you can expect at least a $300 bill each time. Customer Service is terrible, too. Interior is noisy and seats are uncomfortable for long drives. However, engine is powerful and the car moves when you want it to. Its too bad all the little nuisance problems spoil what should be a good car. Unless you find a really good deal, or dont mind a noisy interior with irritating squeaks, dont waste your money on this one.

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  Black Max - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By SuperBlack - November 15 - 10:00 am

  Really got used to the SE firm suspension, it rides fairly low and sports carish. The power is great when the knock sensor isnt on the fritz. Milage is great for a V6 I think we averaged almost 30mpg on our last trip. We looked and looked for a 5-speed and when we finally found a good one we snagged it. Now I know why they are so rare. If you could drop a Honda 5- speed in the max it would be great but Id pass on Nissans manual. The car shifts like a 1-ton Ford, long throw, linkage by "Gumby", it is impossible to drive smoothly, and Ive had standard trannys all my life.

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  Armada is a Beast! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By sikatuna - November 15 - 10:00 am

  We recently bought our Armada in July 2004. In less than 3 weeks, I have put on 3000 miles traveling to Canada and Florida. This SUV has exceeded our expectatitions in every way. Have had no problems whatsoever with the truck. Having owned 2 Suburbans in the past, the Armada is hands down the better vehicle. Fit and finish as well as engine are superior with the Armada. Bought the car at a local dealership at $1800 below invoice (with the $1000 rebate). A better buy than the Sequoia. Thank you Nissan for designing a beautiful SUV!

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  Nissan Returns to Splendor - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By tankantc - November 15 - 10:00 am

  After years of being the whipping boy of other Japanese car companies, Nissan hits a home run with the new Altima. This car is both fun to drive, economical and a lot of ride for the money. I would highly recommend you take one for a test drive and experience the New Nissan for yourself.

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  Disappointed consumer- Do your research! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Disappointed person - November 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car a week ago and noticed the rattling noise too. The service light soon came on and a compartment hatch was broken. Therefore, I had to take it to the shop. This has been a bad experience and my comfort level is not very high right now.

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  Go MO - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Elliotgb - November 15 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a boxy 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee for the MO. I prefer the great styling and performance of the Murano over the Jeep anyday. Id say the expected future reliability should be above average. Fun to drive and look at, responsive. Gas mileage could be better, though.

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  Relatively Speaking - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By finalfrontier - November 15 - 10:00 am

  This is truck for truck guys, unless you need it to haul stuff and go off road on a regular basis there are more car like options (like cars and those danged SUVS). It needs better brakes and a new engine not to mention better paint and more room in the back as well as better NVH insulation among other things. On the other hand its cheap, tough as nails, very utilitarian and looks good. Plus its loaded and will last forever, has very low maintenance and retains its residual value way better than Ford, Chevy, GMC or Dodge (not as much as the Taco though).

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  ENOUGH OF THE RAM 1500 - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By PMAC1974 - November 15 - 10:00 am

  Too many Ram 1500s and 04 F-150s on the road today. Very obvious that many people only took looks into consideration. Yes, the 1500 looks great with its big rims and muscular build. However, the interior components are cheaper than a Tonka toy. The new F-150, looks like a big box on wheels. The tailgate looks ridiculous. Enough bashing, I spent much time researching all of full size trucks on the market. Hands down, the Titan had it all. Power, looks, agility, and oh yes, that plush interior. Believe it when you read that this truck has people turning their heads, left and right. If they only knew how it drove..