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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  Tough little truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By CL Owens - June 9 - 11:03 pm

  I have taken this truck off road as much as city streets and highways. It has been a great vehicle with decent performance. Acceleration is a little lacking but towing is not a problem at all. Top speed is limited by Nissan at around 95-97 MPH. My truck is loaded with the limited slip differential, skid plates, power everything, cruise, running boards, roof rack (which will actually hold the rated 125 lbs its rated for). My truck came from factory with P265/70R15 BFG all terrain tires and full size spare. GVWR as equipped is 5220 lbs. This vehicle is my daily commuter, toy, toy hauler, and work truck.

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  beyond excellent - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By lockout3 - June 9 - 12:25 am

  I had all kind of cars this car is the best car I ever had. The only things I have done is put gas and change the oil. If you want a great car get a Nissan maximum must be your choice.

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  SHIFT AND HAVE FUN - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By LIGHTMIX - June 8 - 8:56 pm

  I have had ny car for a year now,I love it. Its fun to drive and sorry bmw dont get mad at me if you cant say with me on an open road.I love my BOSE SOUND SYSTEM. Shift and have fun.

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  Awesome Altima 3.5 - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By D. Jarrell - June 8 - 6:23 am

  I love this car and so has everyone else that has been in it. My boys 17 and 18 are fighting over who is going to get it when we hand it in. Its fun to drive and I get a lot of compliments of it too. The color (that you have discontinued) is always commented on and how much they love the color. Ice blue, I believe it is. Ive had no problems with the car at all. Just trying to keep it below the proper speed limit is the only one Ive had.

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  Built to last - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By Drive it - June 7 - 2:46 pm

  Best buy for the money, compare all prices and you will buy the Nissan because of value and dependability. Nissan makes the best engine, period. After you drive your Sentra 320,000 miles you may find it uncomfortable, THEN BUY A NEW ONE, technology changes. I have driven three (3) Sentras for a total of 420,000 miles without an engine service light coming on, this should tell you something. Both of my daughters now own Nissans. I feel better knowing that they are safer, and in a dependable vehicle.

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  A Very Nice Truck - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By JimG - June 7 - 11:50 am

  A very well-built and nice looking truck, fun to drive, plenty of power. The towing cap. is very good.

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  Great Car - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Damavr - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Bought this Maxima in 1998. Got the top of the line (GLE) version with all the additional options (side air bags, heated seats, heavy duty battery, sunroof, spoiler, leather etc). Its a great car, I am still enjoying the ride and I dont even dream of trading it in since they will only give me around $10k and is definately worth a lot more.

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  First Car - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By MAR - June 7 - 10:00 am

  The pathfinder is my first car and i am very happy with my choice. Fun to drive looks great on the road and dont have to worry about my safety like i would in a small vehicle.

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  4x4 Granite Xterra - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By rickmeister - June 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Xterra, I had a 02 Super Black 4x2, and traded up for a 03 Granite 4x4...what can I say, this truck is fun to drive, the 4x4 capabilities on the truck is pretty awesome...it takes rough roads and climbs steep hills...check out xterraownersclub.com and check it out for yourself...

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  Love my MO - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By MODaddy - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I luv my Murano! Wife loves it, kids love it, neighbors love it, dogs love it etc... It is so smooth and quiet, the first couple of times I came up to a stop light/sign, I thought the engine had died (it hadnt). Ive had a couple of things that needed fixing (sunroof and the rear cup holder), but other than that, it has been great. Mileage is around 21mpg city/highway. CVT is a different from regular transmissions, but you get used to it. It is pretty cool going 70mph and see the rpms below 2000. I like the 6 CD changer. I got a blue SL AWD with cafe latte cloth interior.