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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  Clunking Noises - 2012 Nissan Sentra
  By ecallahan - October 28 - 5:07 am

  Bought 2012 Nissan Sentra SE..I am sick of all the clunking noises when I drive slow ..backing up..turning wheel etc. I have been at the shop 3x they say its normal .Its driving me nuts I just bought the car 1 month ago and I hate it. It also does like aloud grind only the 1st time it goes between 1.5 and 2.5 rpm and you can feel it on the gas pedal as well. I am not happy with this car at all !!!!

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  Not an everyday car - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By john - October 28 - 12:50 am

  I inherited this car as my daily company car. Under normal circumstance I would have been ecstatic, but I commute 90 minutes one way to work 5 days a week. Im a little bigger then average person, so I am very uncomfortable the majority of the time. With all that being said...It is a great looking car and a head turner, but it’s not an every day car by any means. Im sure most would be saying that I shouldn’t be complaining about such a nice company car, but I went from a 4 door to a 2 door convertible with no room for storage. I have to go home everyday and pick up my personal car so that I can get my son from daycare. It’s just an add inconvenience all the way around.

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  Mighty Mighty Titan - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Tim - October 27 - 10:26 pm

  This is the first vehicle that I have owned that has me loving to drive again. It is the most comfortable vehicle I have ever ridden in, the captains chairs feel like lazy boys, and the vehicle rides like a car. It nearly floats over bumps, not like trucks of old that would shake you to death every bump you hit. All in all this is an awesome vehicle much better than the 04 and 05 F-150s.

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  An Acceptable Vehicle - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Tupdog - October 27 - 5:03 pm

  Overall, this is a fine vehicle that has, in my opinion, two design faults. The navigation screen needs to face the driver more and be more protected from the sun as on the 09 Maxima. The navigation screen is almost worthless when the sun is at certain angles. The second fault is with the dual moon roof which is also on the 09 Maxima equipped with the premium package. With no moon roof wind deflector presently available, this vehicle is, with out a doubt, the noisiest vehicle I have ever owned or had the opportunity to ride in my 60+ years. (My moon roof comment only applies to models equipped with a dual moon roof.) I have contacted Nissan about the problem, but that was a waste of time.

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  an aging athlete - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By curtis - October 27 - 2:10 pm

  My Nissan Maxima is a great car and has not given me any trouble it is a class act with unusual style,power and beauty, the Maxima seems more like an exotic with its hidden headlights and so many Maxima enthusiasts i.e. Maxima.org that bread and butter sedans like Camry and Accord dont have,not to mention the 350z engine for top of the line poerformance.

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  Excellent car! - 1995 Nissan 200SX
  By viprdude - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car for $1500 from a private party. Had 213K on the odometer. Very little problems. Less than $400 put into car and nothing is wrong with it at all now. I like the response from the car for being only 1.6 liters at 105hp. Seats big people and is a big plus. Minimal driving noise. Nicely made. Very fun to drive!! Car is very well built. Solid all around. Suspenions is nice and ride is smooth. Very peppy engine. Gas mileage is excellent. 31-35 every tank driven in a suburban area.

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  Thumbs Up - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By HoustonTrev - October 27 - 10:00 am

  We now have 43k hard-earned miles on the car. It was in the shop only once for two safety recalls. Other than that it has gone without a hitch. Even the tires still look good. I love the broad powerband of the engine coupled with the 5 speed. The stereo only sounds good when the volume is high, but I like it that way anyway. :)

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  My review - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Heather Cousins - October 27 - 10:00 am

  i may have gotten ripped off on the price, but its a great truck!

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  Mixed bag - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By MuranoMrs - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, but be sure you test drive it on rough roads with open windows. Interior quality is poor; I have persistent rattles that cant be fixed and had to have the entire center console replaced. My gas mileage is horrendous...about 25% less than advertised. Styling does turn heads. I hope the short warranty doesnt indicate what I think it might after my experience so far.

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  My quest fulfilled... - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By MarianneS - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I have only ever owned a toyota.. I tes dri=ove every available moni0van.. Toyota was great but I was searching for a less conservative look with a bit of style.. the mon-ment I walked into the showroom I knew I ha found "my" car.... It is a beauty and a lot of car.. secure feeling when driving my children around.... Great design!!!