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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  The Poor Mans 5 Series! - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Lyon - May 19 - 10:36 am

  I own a SE with a 5-speed manual that I love to drive hard. Ive owned this car for nearly six years and drove it over nearly 98K miles, and have never needed any mechanical assistance. No matter how hard Ive driven it, its never left me on the side of the road or begged for anything more than the routine oil change. The car is just a joy to drive and still performs like few cars under $30K can. When I bought it in 96, no family/sports sedan under $30K could. I dubbed this car "The Poor Mans 5-Series" because for those of us who would give their right arm for an M5 (if you didnt need it to shift) but can only afford about $26K worth of car, the Maxima makes for a decent consolation.

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  Oh, You Gotta Love It - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By grieman - May 19 - 10:00 am

  Ive been raised to love Hondas, but once I sat in the Nissan and took it for a spin, I knew I was now a Nissan man. I love this car. Its quiet, its beautiful, its comfortable. I could not be happier with the purchase.

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  15K and still purring along! - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Chris - May 17 - 4:27 pm

  I am a first time owner of any Nissan vehicles. I have owned a lot of cars and I have read the reviews about Nissan vehicles in the past. People are correct that Nissan did have major issues with their CVT transmissions in the past. All I can say to anyone as a suggestion is that whenever you by any new vehicle or slightly used is buy the EXTENDED WARRANTY. My mother passed away in May 2015 and this was her vehicle and I took over on the payments and decided to take ownership of it and sold my amazing 2003 Infiniti I35 (Nissan/Infiniti are one) to keep it. Unlike the cars before 1999 all these new cars have a lot of sensors and computer crap and does go bad. More importantly if you see issues with your vehicle check online for recalls and check with the NHTSA (register your vehicle and they will send you complaints and recalls on your car). Research online for technical service bulletins that recommended service needed for the vehicle. When I purchased my first newer car ever in 2013 (never drove a car pass the year 1995) it was an amazing Infiniti FX50 S I got it from a private owner who had passed away and his wife was selling it. I got it for $10-$15 below book value so I thought I got it for a deal. First thing I did was research on the vehicle and though it had only 28,000 miles I was told an extended warranty was needed. Thank god I did it cost me $3,000 for the 7 years 120,000 coverage but in 5 months the Infiniti dealership did over $5,000 worth of work. Why? I found online thru NHTSA complaints from consumers about the vehicle and I found some of my own issues since I been working on car for some time. I also registered my vehicle thru Infiniti and called the corporate office and had a case number assigned to my vehicle forcing the dealership to fix the vehicle. Ironically enough you would think they would want to fix it since Infiniti corporation pays the dealerships when it comes to recalls or defects. Hope this has helped some of you out there. Reality is they dont make the cars like they use to. I love the cars from the late 80s and early 90s because they were simple now they manufacturer cars so you cant work on them and force you to go to the dealership.

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  best deal for the money - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By happy owner - May 16 - 11:36 pm

  I have 16547 miles on this car and its never been in the shop. Front tires are beginning to wear(have not had them rotated). Uncomfortable after a couple of hours of steady driving (legroom). Fantastic gas milage always 38-42 on the highway when speed is kept at 50-55 miles an hour, lowers to 33-35 at 65+ miles per hour. Great value, lots of extras included in price (power everything and remote locks). Nice exterior design, lots of compliments (spoiler and low profile 16" alloy wheels).

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  Nissan titan - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Bob - May 16 - 5:40 am

  Great truck. Plenty of room. Like how back seats foldup. High clearance but cant use chains on tires.

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  My 2004 Nissan Sentra - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Ms T - May 15 - 10:00 am

  I love my new Sentra. It drives like a charm. I drove a Ford F250 Long bed pick up befor this...WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!! I would not give my sentra up for anything!!!

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  Beat out Civic and Corolla - Great Rebat - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By fratomdev - May 15 - 10:00 am

  Originally we wanted a Manual, but couldnt find one in upstate NY. Went with an Automatic, sunroof, ABS, side ABs, Road Trip Group and spoiler. For all these features we paid what a stripped down Civic or Corolla would cost, due to the $2500 rebate. Nissan also gave us a 4.25% loan. Quality is up with Toyota and Civic, dont know what Edmunds is looking at. Its got adequate power and is stylish. The interior is functional and well laid out. The back seat is plenty big, again what is Edmunds looking at - Im 6 with long legs. Trunk is a good size and the fold down seats are welcome. Not sure on gas mileage yet, only have about 500 miles on it.

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  Best Suv/Car Value - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By JIM2006 - May 15 - 10:00 am

  Pound per pound , this is the best SUV value. Nothing comes close. I test drove Highlander , Pilot 4Runner, and Touareg. They are all bland , heavy and unexciting. Got the spirited SE over the SL for the 6 speed CVT for better control and acceleration. Always a smile whenever I drive this vehicle. Betters my 5 Series BMW in driving. Nissan underpriced this vehicle. I am getting a second one for my wife.

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  my review - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By knit-32 - May 15 - 10:00 am

  now 11/2 years of driving the murano and i still enjoy this car. i have had no problems with this car. into the dealer only one time. minor problem service was great car is great.

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  Nissan Xterra SE 4wd - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Buteo - May 15 - 10:00 am

  If youre looking for: -Off Road prowess -Utility everywhere -An acceptable towing vehicle -A fun to drive car -An spacious vehicle The Nissan Xterra is the vehicle of your dreams! If youre looking for that features that typical cute-utes can bring... Go for another car.