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 - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By Tommy - September 18 - 10:00 am

  its ok. but not big enough for a single person. i mean unless there bones. other cars that are compact or in that subject are a desgned a little better

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  very good - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By gyky - September 18 - 10:00 am

  very good car fun to drive the car is really comfortable :)

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  Vibrations!! (Not good vibrations)! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Stu from Scottsdale - September 18 - 10:00 am

  This is our 5th Maxima. Seems like its the first build in the USA. Every one of our Maximas was wonderful. The jury is out on this one. We have a vibration when the car exceeds 60MPH. The car has been fixed twice and the dealer says that were only feeling the road. Has anyone else experienced this? Being 64 the seat is a liitle too small for me but my wife is the main driver and she is comfortable. Otherwise we do like the car.

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  another new nissan that fits the bill - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By allenas - September 18 - 10:00 am

  pretty fast for suv too early to tell u quality but if like past should be great

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  2005 Pathfinder - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By maximus18 - September 18 - 10:00 am

  overall, this suv is great. the exterior is awesome; it really looks rugged and heavy. the interior is also good. all the nissans have the sporty- looking steering wheels.

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  My Second Nissan Altima, 3.5 Liter - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Larry Stell - September 18 - 10:00 am

  This my second Nissan Altima. The first one I owned was a 2003 Nissan Altima and I had about 5 or 6 discrepencies in the auto, plus a replaced engine (frozen crankshaft) at 10,800 miles. The 2004 had to have a replaced fuel pump at 3,000 miles. To date (18,000 miles), I have no complaints. Performance Good+

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  S OK - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By tarheel - September 18 - 9:56 am

  I got the SL fully loaded and for the most part the car is great. The build quality seems to be pretty decent, although the sunglasses holder is definitely flimsy. I like the sound system, sunroof, Intelligent key, and trip computer. On the highway, I do get about 32-33 MPG, but in the city, I get terrible mileage. I do drive probably 3 miles at a time sometimes, so that was to be expected. My only complaint was that the brake light has come on twice thus far (Im only about 5500 miles in), both times for reasons beyond anyones comprehension. Nissans warranty covered everything, but it was troubling nevertheless.

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  Complaint - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Cadet - September 17 - 5:03 pm

  It is better to buy car in the 90s now. Nissan Altima 2002 is a piece of trash. After only 61000 miles, I have to replace the head gasket which is cost a lot of money.The car consumed more oil than gas. Please stay away from Nissan Altima. I used to be in love with Nissan for so many years but know,many I will buy the older one .

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  Great Ride - 2010 Nissan Murano
  By Virginia DiMaria - September 17 - 2:50 pm

  I have had my Murano for months now and do a lot of road trips. Most road trips are about a thousand miles. I could not be happpier. This vehicle is a very smooth, comfortable and good car for my long road trips. My last 3 cars were Lexus 350s. I was a little reluctant changing to Nissan, but heard a lot about how great they were and decided to check it out. It has surpassed the Lexus in comfort, style, wheel turn, gas mileage and other features. All the family members in my family are tall and the leg room511 to 64" is just perfect. I read some reviews about car seat comfort. So all you tall people should take notice. I love the car and would lease another.

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  I Am Extremely Satisfied - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Big Busa - September 17 - 9:56 am

  This car is a beast! Love the power and the prowess. I love how she moves when I tell her to. My previous just thought about it. Guess you really cannot compare a Dodge Nitro and a Nissan Maxima but I must say, I LOVE THIS CAR. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a luxury car without the luxury price.