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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  WTG Nissan! - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Amber - November 26 - 8:16 pm

  I fell in love the very first time I saw it. At first I thought it would be a very expensive SUV for the sylish features it has, but when I saw the pricetag I was blown away and I called "dibs!" This vehichle is one of the best interiors as well as exteriors that I have seen and it looks very classy and is a smooooooth ride. The CVT is awesome and still has get up and go power! The rear seat has an enormous amount of room and is very comfortable with the reclining seats. I am amazed by all of the standard features that would normally cost extra in other vehichles. Way to go Nissan!

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  Love This Truck - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By Yolanda - November 26 - 1:30 am

  I upgraded from a 2004 Jeep Liberty and I definitely made the right move. The most impressive thing about my truck is that it drives really smooth. I like that the rear windows roll all the way down and not halfway like other SUVs I have browsed in the same category.

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  My opinion of this vehicle. - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By elsea - November 24 - 5:23 pm

  This car handles well on the road in all types of weather. Both the exterior and interior look nice; the interior has some nice features to it. It has good gas mileage. I get between 25 and 27 miles per gallon when I drive this car. There is plenty of room for items in the trunk, and it has a good size consoul. Overall, this is a nice car for the money.

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  Very Reliable - Great Performance - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By vmok - November 24 - 11:30 am

  I have a 1997 Maxima SE 5sp. It has 145k+ miles on it and continues to deliver the smooth fast performance that it did the day I got it. The power delivery and smoothness in the engine makes freeway merging, city driving, and any thing else you can think of a easy. In fact, with the 5sp, its easy to hit the rev limiter because the engine is so quiet and smooth. Its not the best handling car nor the fastest, but a great sports sedan for the money!

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  2nd Time Around - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By patricio - November 23 - 4:50 pm

  This is my 6th Nissan/Datsun and my 2nd Pathfinder, In just a few short months I have managed to put on approx. 3000 miles and have driven in some of the worst winter driving conditions I can remember. I had the opportunity to drive from Northern Alberta through the Rockies to Vancouver shortly after I took delivery of my new Pathfinder. The V8 power, all wheel drive and luxury appointments made for a great trip and despite the blinding snowstorm and icy conditions it was a very reassuring knowing I was driving a Pathfinder. No problems and the handling was excellent along the way. I can hardly wait until summer. By the way gas mileage was above my expectations as was price vs value.

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  Great Car - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By dlkl1193 - November 23 - 2:36 pm

  I have own a Maxima before and have returned to one after 3 years. I found an off-lease Maxima SL that was loaded. It drives well and is very quiet (due to the SLs tires). SE drives like a go-cart and was too rough for me. I have found no problems or complaints so far. First tank on premium yielded 22.3 MPG over 60% freeway and 40% city. Averaged 25.2 @ 75 MPH on fairly level interstate for a 48 mile stretch.

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  2002 Black on Black SE 6M - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By 2002 Black on Black - November 23 - 10:00 am

  OK, I am back. OIL CONSUMPTION caused me to lose the engine. Even after caring for the car like a baby. Always made sure it had the correct oil level. Replaced the engine, car runs great with quirks. Should have kept my 94 Maxima. Nissan blew it with this model year. Just an fyi not all have this problem. If youre interested buying this car, look at the tail pipe. If the pipe is heavy dark black color. Great chance its burning oil. At that point (NEXT!!!) keep it moving. Also I suggest premium gas. It makes a difference

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  My Six Machine - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By B Dan - November 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought my pathfinder used, and instantly loved it! It drove me all over the west coast mountain ranges to every family members house. It was comfortable to be in for long drives. It also did awesome on daily drives up and down a super windy curvy 20 mile highway to and from work. Never felt like a corner was too much for it. (Never felt top heavy). Could pack it full of stuff for camping and shopping at Costco. I never had any mechanical issues. It ran great! Just routine services. Great family car or singles car. Ended having to sell it because of tight finances, and am still kicking myself for it. Awesome car for me!

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  My 2010 Maxima - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By C and K Jones - November 23 - 10:00 am

  The new body style is what drew us to our 2010 Maxima. We love the winter frost color and the car come with so many standard features it was to good to pass on.

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  Roomy small car - 2011 Nissan Versa
  By Al - November 23 - 10:00 am

  I needed a economical car after totaling my G-6. The Versa exceeded my expectations. Its roominess and comfort is more like cars that cost a lot more. I play in a band and needed a car to carry my instruments and equipment the hatchback gives me plenty of room. The driverÂ’s position is higher so you have a great view of the road and traffic. Performance is good with the 6 speed manual and it is fun to drive. I have been averaging over 30 mpg in combination driving. One of the things that impressed me was the fit and finish of the interior, everything looks well made.