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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  Review: Nissan Altima 2.5S - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Tim Daly - August 19 - 2:00 am

  When test driving this car, my wife and I should have really paid attention to the interior layout and design. We bought the car because we thought it was the best looking car. Overall the car handles poorly and the rear suspension makes a lot of noise. Also, we have a lot of trouble backing. The general design gives you absolutely no visibilty out of the rear window. You cant see anything. The side mirrors are small and have blind spots. Also, the engine is a little loud and raspy. If we had the chance to start over we would have purchased something else. We shouldnt have limited ourselves to exterior looks only!

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  My Nissan - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By T. C. - August 18 - 12:13 am

  The new 2005 Nissan Pathfinder is an excellent buy. With the SE Premium package and SE Comfort Package it is awesome, let alone all the standard equipment. The BOSE radio system with a 6CD changer and Duel Zone automatic A/C and more make it in my book a excellent buy for the Money. We traded our 93 Pathfinder for it and there is no comparison--yet the 93 was one of the best vehicles we have owned. Now we believe we have out done ourselves--We will enjoy this one for as many if not more years than the last one. Awesome SUV

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  Great SUV, shoddy build - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By earlybirdjr - August 17 - 10:00 am

  Its got the power. Smooth ride for a truck frame. Great looks. Ive had plenty of esthetic problems. The passenger exterior mirror wasnt working, outside molding along bottom of window was dented, the gas filler door was loose, leather on steering wheel was scuffed. I believe the problems were dealer caused more than Nissan. I hope these problems dont extend into the engine/drivetrain/electrical. Overall, very satisfied with this SUV and would recommend it to a friend or relative. Just buy from a dealer other than Landers.

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  Sentra..One Solid little car - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Dunlopboy - August 17 - 10:00 am

  Just bought the car on 9/18/04 and got a super deal. I checked out the Civic and Corolla. What is all the hype about the Civic and Corolla? Yes, they are both great reliable cars but so is the Sentra. Why does the Sentra always get the "bum" reviews. I read that Consumer Report does not "Recommend" the Sentra because it is below average in reliability. I find that very hard to believe. Where are they getting this information? A couple of my friends have Sentras with nearly 100,000 miles on them and they have had little or no problems with them. The build quality on my Sentra is top notch, comparable to that of a Civic if possibly not better.

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  Muranifico - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By lynda leal - August 17 - 10:00 am

  Riding the open road going to Vegas. When you first buy a car thats the way to make the vehicle stand up for its name. That is exactly what my family and I did! You forget about the stress and discomfort of the agonizing and ferocious pavement. This vehicle glides, unbelievable reaction and response on the uneven highways. "Fun- tastic!"

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  Very Happy - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By bjacobs71 - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I drove most of the large and midsize sedans on the market before I decided the Maxima was right for me (started shopping last Feb.). Maximas reputation for being a well built, reliable, refined car is deserved. There is nothing about the car that I dont like. Its performance and handling are superior. Its obvious that the car is well built - youll know as soon as you open one of the interior compartments. The sound system is good. The interior is comfortable and roomy - suprised me, Im 62". The trunk is also larger than Id have figured. The fuel economy is good. Best of all, it was $3500 off MSRP at the dealership I purchased it from.

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  Problems and more problems - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By newsmaker - August 17 - 8:43 am

  If you are considering this car, dont buy it. We bought new and paid down in 3yrs. Always told service at dealership about jerky movements when shifting and accelerating. Transmission began having major problems at 56K miles. Took it to Nissan shop and they suggested trans oil change. Did not wanted to hook it to scanner. They said car did not need it. Now at 62K miles it is being repaired ($2K at auto shop) and Nissan wont respond. This car can endanger the drivers and passengers life. Will never buy Nissan again.

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  excellent car - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By Moawieh A Abu-hatoum - August 17 - 7:36 am

  have been driving nothing but Nissan since 1994, had four Nissan since then,i still have two of them now a Maxima, and an Exterra, this small SUV is a very good tough car.

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  Best affordable sports car of its kind - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By pimpdestroyer - August 17 - 7:10 am

  i love every minute im in the drivers seat and i hate every moment im not in it - best car ever

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  DO NOT BUY!! - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By johna_tigner94 - August 17 - 3:39 am

  I have nothing but trouble since buying this car. I am only getting about 18 miles to the gallon. I drive only back and forth to school (15 min from home) and I go through $80.00 a week in gas. Nobody can figure out what is wrong with it. My alignment goes out a week after getting it fixed, it makes weird noises going over bumps. When I shut off my car after drving it smells like sulfur. The steering wheel shakes on a regular basis. This is a car that is just going to nickle and dime you to death. DO NOT BUY! It is a waste of moneyyy!!