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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  2005 Altima SL over Accord EX - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By xNewYorka - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Nissan has won me over. Having owned a 95 Acura Legend, a 2001 Accord, and a 2003 Oddessy, I was a loyal honda customer - the key word is was. I test drove both cars, and felt the Altima was a better car in the top of the line trim vs the accord ex v6. The redesigned Altima interior for 2005 is a nice improvement, although some of the compartment doors still feel a little cheap. What sold me was the performance of the Nissan v6. It is smooth, throaty, and has gobs of power at the will of your right foot.

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  Maxima gives maximum bang for your buck - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Jackie Shroff - October 9 - 9:50 am

  We bought this Maxima brand new. Now after 14 years and 150,000 miles, it is still running well. We did oil changes at every 3000 and tire rotations at 6000 and other scheduled maintenance. Replaced a few parts- radiator, front & rear struts, valve cover gasket, front & rear CV axle and O2 canisters. But this is the best built Japanese car. I remember a 20 year old commercial by Datsun (Nissans previous name) "Creating Harmony by Design". Maxima is a living testimony of it. This car has been with us like a family member through college, first job, new home and all other life changes. I think it will easily go till 200K, but eventually a day will come to replace it. Great job Nissan.

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  2007 Nissan Xterra S - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By LOKRGUY - October 9 - 12:06 am

  After driving a 00 Durango V8 for four years I didnt know what to expect from the 4.0 6. All I can say is WOW! I drive up a 6000 "hill" twice a week and it just loafs up, hardly ever kicking into low gear. Performance in snow with aftermarket BFG AT T/As was fantastic. At 64" and 300 lbs its still a very comfortable drive.

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  Happy but not estatic - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By cegledi - October 8 - 9:06 pm

  Personally think it is one of the most attractive sedans in its price range. Went from a Passat to a Nissan - bad move. The ride is nice but not germanic. The MPG is disappointing (averaging 2.3 mpg less than the DIC). The CVT makes it sound like a go-cart. Should have bought the V6 but didnt want to put in premium fuel - bad move #2. The V6 is too strong not to love. Only a few minor problems but nothing major to report. Highly recommend the V6 since you get cool rims, turn signals in side mirrors and VDC standard. I bought the SL package to get all the tech goodies which I dont regret and Nissan makes deals on their cars. Will trade it probably in two more years.

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  This Pathfinder Is Outstanding! - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Sam01 - October 8 - 1:23 pm

  My 1998 Pathfinder has been a true pleasure to own. It has only had a few minor problems...Mostly while under warranty! It has been extremely reliable. I take my truck off roading in the mountains and it never fails to impress me at how well it handles off road trails. My only complaint is the lack of power. It actually isnt horrible as Ive lived with the motor for about 4 years now! You cant go wrong with this SUV and Boulder Nissan is a great store!

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  Enjoyed until - 2012 Nissan Quest
  By DChief - October 7 - 10:16 am

  We enjoyed overall. But, we were hit 2 weeks after buying and in shop for months. then got regular maintenance. Went though 5 set of tires, most ever on a vehicle. Now at 152,000, the transmission can not be repaired. Have to replace, itll cost me 3,3000 and AC is not as cool as it used to be. Nissan service has no interest in helping me only stated I need to replace the transmission when I went in for I fluid service. Value is so upside down that trading in is an option. Not happy.

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  Overall happy with my Frontier - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By BaseballFreak - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Bought it w/19K on it. Have put 17K on it in 2 years, has stood up very well. A/T, A/C and cruise. No mechanical probs at all. I nervously towed a stuffed 4x8 trailer 800 miles. Made it no problem. I really like that the A/T shifter is on the column. For tall guys it helps the legroom. Only problem has been because of chintzy plastic. Nissan should not have used plastic for the tailgate handle. The only other thing is the plastic "stuff" under the front bumper, seems flimsy. Overall though I really like it, my wife and I both feel it rides like a car.

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  1st year - Love that truck!!!!! - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By Peter Black - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I have had a great time with this truck. It handles well, and has power when you need it. Great truck! Great look! Highly recomend.

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  Nissan sentra special edition - 2012 Nissan Sentra
  By Slava - October 7 - 2:10 am

  This car definitely worth that money. Standard budget car class is one step higher than hyunday accent and similar models.

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  Altima 2005 2.5S 4cyl w continental 16 - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By peter gartner - October 6 - 3:10 pm

  I have had my altima for about 9 months and every thing is great except the tires. The continental 16 tires developed a vibration problem and I had to replace them at 13,000 miles. No alignment or balance problem, just severe cupping. My advise is to have the dealer replace these tires at the time of purchase with some other brand.