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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  Best 1/2 ton on the market - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Jason Kertianis - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Im a car guy who used to veiw trucks as tools. Not anymore, this is a great all around vehicle. The drivetrain is amazing. Nissan really paid attention to the details. The longer I own it, the more I love it.

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  I Love My Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By JoAnns Z - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Once I drove this awesome car and listened to the exhaust growl, I was in love and was not going home without my 350Z. I have such fun roaring down the turnpike and even greater fun showing those who challenge me just how bad my 350Z can be. I have owned some great cars, but this car is my favorite and driving it is almost as much fun as you know what... ha ha :o) I LOVE MY Z!

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  safe for my family - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By lex - August 9 - 10:00 am

  i would say that say that this is a all around great vehicle.i like the get up and go feel in it . and theres enough room in the back seat for my childrens car seats and anything that they bring along with them.

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  excellent auto - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By mark foster - August 9 - 10:00 am

  this is my third maxima,and my fifth nissan since 1982,the maximas owned earlier had 190000 miles on them before i sold them,these are excellent cars.i have also owned mercedes,but for service quality and duriability the maxima quality, service and durability is twice that of mercedes.the maxima is truly an excellent auto.

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  Love My 06 Altima - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Jeff - August 8 - 5:56 pm

  I Just traded my 1997 BMW 528i in for a 2006 Nissan Altima, and let me tell you that was the best thing I ever did. I love My car. Its bigger inside than my BMW, with more leg room its very comfortable. My Altima is the Satin White with tan interior. The interior is clean lined with so many compartments I had to buy stuff to put in my car. Ive loved the new design of the Altima & couldnt wait to get one. The engine is a 4 cylinder, but it is fast & has pleanty of power I work in Three Rivers & it climbs those mountains like a Hummer. It is also great on gas wheather your driving in town or freeway. I recommend this car to anyone looking for a great car that has style,comfort,performance.

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  The Max is Back ! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By MaxFun - August 7 - 2:30 pm

  After months of research and 3 weeks of test drives the purchase paid off. Before I bought my Silver on Black Max with premium package, I test drove the Acura TL, BMW 325i, Audi A4, Infinity G35, and a few others. The Maxima was not hands down the "better car" in each category, but lets look at what it gives you. Its not as fun as the BMW, not as quick as the G35 (I tested the rear wheel drive). It wont match the interior of the Audi.But, the Maxima comes fully loaded at around $37k. It comes with the technology - excellent navigation system, easy to use interface/layout, cooled/heated seats, gas saver CVT, 290 HP engine, nice leather, quite ride.

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  Great, dependable Car - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By auntieannie2 - August 7 - 2:16 pm

  This 1998 Altima GXE was my first brand new car and, after owning a series of VWs, I enjoyed the reliability and sporty looks of this car. I now have 176,000 miles on it, only ever needed tires, brakes, tune ups until two months ago, when the engine finally went out, ONLY because I got very lazy on the oil changes, mind you! I put in a used Japanese engine and it runs like a charm again but it now has a steering fluid leak that has to be fixed. I think its to be expected at 176000 miles. Its been a fantastic car and I would highly recommend it.

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  Could be better, but I love my Cube - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Fridgemobile - August 7 - 11:56 am

  Well I purchased my Cube with the help of the Clunkers program as well as with the help from a local TX clunkers program. Great discount. I love my cube. Spacious, Fun to drive, economic, great turning radius too. Even though it is 100x better then the 95 Jimmy I threw away, ( God awful vehicle) the interior design could be better. Cup holders are too close to the gear shift, glove compartment opens right into passengers legs.If you want to slide forward/move the seat up, your arm barely fits, have to open the door. Even though these things are a little annoying, The Cube,in my opinion, is a great buy. Nothing else on the road looks and feels like the Cube.Fun to drive.6,200 mi. in 2 mo.=D

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  CVT - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Liz - August 7 - 11:30 am

  My husband and I purchased the 03 Murano with 80,000 miles on it. It was totally clean and very comfortable for my 65", 300 lb husband to sit in and to drive. Just 2 days after we purchased it, we realized why it had been traded in. The CVT was not engaging when in stop and go traffic in the heat. Thank goodness we had purchased the warrantee! We took the car to the local Nissan dealer, they tested it and said we needed a new transmission. So, for the $100 deductable, we were provided with a new transmission and a rental car while it was being installed. I am grateful to this web site. I had read the reviews and as soon as the car acted up, I knew what the problem was. Thanks!

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  Japanese BMW - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By PLUMMAN - August 7 - 4:56 am

  Mating the 5-speed with the V-6 engine brings this car to life. I have only hit the rev limiter once, but what fun! This car is fun on the mountain roads and loves to rev. The suspension is a little soft, but comfy. I installed aftermarket spring and shocks. I got mine used with 54k and now it is pushing 120k with no major issues. Runs best on high test gas and gets the best mileage with high test. I get 24 overall. If you can keep the speed to 60-65, doubtful, it will return over 30mpg. Best car Ive ever owned. Still solid after 120k.