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 Sentra 2.0 - 2011 Nissan Sentra
  By cobalt_08 - September 3 - 8:09 pm

  With ever increasing gas prices, my old Cobalt (29 mpg highway) was getting expensive at the pump. After browsing a bit, I found a base-model 2011 Sentra w/ CVT at my Nissan dealership. Completely void of anything except the basic necessities, an affordable price with very low mileage, I bought it after a test-drive. Like all of you, I have places to go, people to see, and with a 34 mpg highway rating, I would save a bit on gas. *Sigh* The one place I wanted to avoid is now my most popular destination: The Pump. No matter what I do, this car cant get above 27mpg on the highway. Ive tried all manners of tests to improve gas mileage, to no avail.

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  Gas mileage; - better than expected - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Brunte - September 3 - 9:40 am

  We have had Nissan cars before, so when we decided to get a truck the Frontier or Titan were the options to consider. After test drive of a Frontier, the choice was real easy. We have just over 4000 miles in two months - no issues what so ever so far. First cross country drive, (1600 miles) towing a 1000 LBS trailer with a 4000 LBS load we got 17 MPG, second longer drive (no trailer, but a SNUG bed cover) we got 21 MPG - Im sure well see 23-25 MPG when we have put 20,000 miles or so on it. By the way, all my driving is at max legal speed, but from a stand still I dont floor it, I can spare the lost 10 seconds.

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  Great Car - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By cclobbyist - September 2 - 5:13 pm

  I did alot of research, even tried to look at the American cars, but it everyone in America has the 300m. Thus I decided to break it down to two final cars. I Looked at the Avalon before I purchased the Maxima SL, got the Onyx exterior and black interior. The Maxima was a far better choice than the Avalon. Got the SL with the drivers pref.pkg. The car rides great, and yes I did notice the turning radius issue that was discussed on this site and yes it begs for improvement. But hey I have yet to find the perfect car that will make everyone perfectly happy. I like the car a whole lot, and was happy to trade in my 04 Camry for it. The heated steering wheel is perfect for the cold Chicago winter

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  2004 Nissan Maxima SE - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By ColoMtnHiker - September 2 - 3:10 pm

  Driving the car here in Colorado is flat out fun. The car has performance to spare even at altitude above 10,000 feet and it runs great on regular gas. I have had fuel mileage approaching 30 mph on interstate driving. I do use Mobil 1 which in my case does help fuel economy a bit. Only downside has been a faulty oxygen sensor which was replaced by the dealer but with the suggestion that I stick with Nissans air filter instead of a high performance air filter.

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  Not really a bad car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By dcmajesty - September 2 - 12:58 pm

  i have a 2005 altima v6 se model i mus say overall its okay needs minor work such as alignment, struts, brake system etc , just small things but can be pricey, its lasted me quite a while, the design is quite nice i get alot of compliments not like other altimas i gave it a custom paint job got creative and just modified the current hid system from the factory and added some after market bulbs. threw some 18 factory 350 z rims same bolt pattern as alitima fit like champ , painted those black , it really makes the car stick out , i just gotta gut the exhaust system the one from the factory really sux , i think modifying the engine jus a tad and overall suspension this car will go!!

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  So Close... - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By Brunson - September 2 - 9:23 am

  Traded in 05 F150 for used 07 Xterra this winter (needed baby space). Just over 30k on stock BFG tires and they were SMOKED. Traded up for Firestone Destination A/Ts with favorable results. Front brake pads/rotors replaced at 31k miles. Frequent issues with SLIP/ABS/VDC light coming on with little assistance from local Nissan dealers to determine the issue, possible ABS problem. Engine is strong but not the best sounding when heavy on the throttle. Average gas mileage for an SUV of its size. 4 wheel drive system is excellent, performs well in moderate snow, heavy rain and off road. Very versatile with numerous cargo configurations. I am 64" and have no complaints regarding interior space.

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  ZGO TRIPIN - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By Gregory C! - September 2 - 2:06 am

  My son and I drove 260 miles to get this car new. Actually he drove 250 miles; I drove the last 10 miles. It was the exact color combo I was looking for, and I managed to drive it off the lot for less than a used one. I had been looking for months at convertibles that I could feel comfortable in and still have disposable monthly income left for savings and eventual retirement. I looked at the 2 pricey Porsche, the mild mannered miata, the 2 large Corvette and the Honda s2k my sons dream car, which he eventually bought. I believe I got the best of all four cars in my z: speed, luxury, great looks, reliability and affordability!I will be zgo tripin for years to come!

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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By starrleight - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I did extensive research before I purchased this vehicle, but it sure paid off! I just love driving my pathfinder! I took a trip a trip in the winter from California to Arizona (1000 miles) just after I purchased it. I was comfortable for the entire ride. But most of all, I felt safe! Especially when cruising in the snow through the pass near Flagstaff, Arizona. During that portion of the trip, I saw 4 overturned SUVs in a 1 mile stretch. I just kept plugging along in 4WD with no problems. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone! I love it as much, if not more, than my Toyota 4x4.

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  The Best Care for The Price Range - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Dave Zeitlin - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Powerful, economical, and reliable. I looked at the Camry, Accord, and Maxima. The first two are very good cars but a little underpowered in my opinion. They also cost more. I feel that the Maxima is the best choice when considering performance and reliability v.s. price.

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  leave em smokin - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By smokin - September 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Nissan product. I am thrilled with the roomier interior (5 10" and very comfortable).We bought the 4 cylinder because it was plenty of power for our needs. The dealership was very helpful...dont understand why THEY dont offer a better service package for new car buyers.(Brenner Nissan, Camp Hill, PA) This car is "Smokin".