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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  Great premium level sporty family sedan - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Kevin L - July 7 - 7:11 pm

  If youre looking for a premium family sedan with cabin space that can fit 5 people comfortably, look elsewhere. If youre looking for a premium family sedan with performance, sporty feel, AND fits 4 people comfortably, this is THE CAR! Materials used and the technologies included with the Platinum trim in this car are top-notch with this price tag. When you sit inside the car, it really feels more like a sports car than a traditional sedan because of the interior design, this is probably why Nissan wants to label it as a 4DSC (4 doors sports car). Handling is great for a car thats between mid-full size. Acceleration is plenty with 300HP and 261lb-ft torque. Some people complain about the CVT installed in this car, however those are also enthusiasts who should be driving sticks instead of auto if they really want that "feel" of the engine. IMO, CVT in this car is not bad at all and Id say 95% of the population wont even notice the difference if they werent told about the CVT. With the CVT, my best fuel economy so far is 34mpg highway and averaging 24mpg in city. Safety features that come with this car and especially in Platinum trim are great to have. My car insurance went down 40% switching from a 2011 Camry to this car. Insurance agent told me thats probably because of the safety features and safety ratings from the new Maxima. If youre considering this car, Id suggest watching some review and comparison videos on Youtube.

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  Best Value SUV, Most Improved - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By CHS - July 7 - 6:46 pm

  The redesigned Xterra is one of the best values in the market. With the new 265hp engine power is no longer a problem. Excellent engine braking with the manual transmission makes the HDC unneeded, glad I didnt get it. Gearing is low enough for actual off-road use, great power in the low end. The clutch cancel and locking rear make this vehicle a great value without expensive add-ons that other comparable vehicles require for off roading. Wind noise is greatly reduced from previous design overall much quieter ride. Built on a true truck platform this vehicle rides like it should, not like a car. What makes this one really stand out for me is attention to details such as wiper function.

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  That emergency brake HAS to be ON........ - 2017 Nissan Sentra
  By Sally - July 7 - 5:39 am

  I am single and leased the vehicle because the salesperson was great at what he did and helped me get a vehicle even though my credit was not good.From the beginning I noticed that, on acceleration, there was the feeling that the emergency brake was somewhat engaged.......very draggy and dull acceleration. The car lurches at times (automatic transmission) and that is not a good feeling when I need to GO. The interior is black and very cheaply constructed. Just vacuuming it is difficult because nothing wants to release from the fabric. Nylon of some kind. Its awful. The mats and floor carpet are cheap and also are also VERY difficult to vacuum clean. The construction of the drivers seat hurts my right hip. The GOOD parts of the vehicle are the huge trunk, the nice styling of the outer body, and thats about it. It is difficult to get in and out of. There is no odometer to reset once I fill it up. The gas tank is too small, yet it does get good mileage.......have to fill up every few days......and of all the crazy things, the gas tank opening is on the PASSENGER side of the CAR. I am NOT HAPPY with this vehicle, yet am grateful to have it, given my credit situation. But if you can get a Altima or better, do it. I had a 2005 Altima that was still going strong this March when I was hit and it was totaled beyond any hope. But it was an awesome vehicle all the way around, and I LOVED it and am still saddened that it is gone. Altima is great.

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  Vics Versa - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Vics Versa - July 6 - 3:10 pm

  This is my 1st brand "NEW" car. I did my research and found this to be the car for me! One thing that I love about this car is the comfort; from the front seats to the back! With the high price of gas, it doesnt hurt my pocket as much!

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  Great Truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Erol - July 6 - 4:46 am

  Had it for a month now and its a winner. By far the best crew cab out there. Great style, comfort and most of all power. the layout of the cabin is excellent, everything in easy reach. Feels like a full size truck

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  2 Thumbs up for the Spec V !!!!! - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By bennyspecv - July 6 - 12:16 am

  First of all, I had a 2002 sentra XE (touring: Mags,rear spoiler & 6 CD changer). The upgrade to a 2005 SE-R SpecV was well appreciated. The SpecV is so fun to drive.... when you take a corner that you are used to take with another car in the specV, you will see that the handling is surprising and when you think you cant go faster, it sticks to the road. The only regret I have is that they changed the exterior look from the 2002-2003 but the overall performance takes your mind off the body and keeps it on the road !!!!

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  About what we Expected - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By cb - July 5 - 12:26 pm

  Bought the 2.5S Altima in June. Two months and two thousand miles later I can report fuel mileage at 27 in mixed driving. The car says 29, but fill and calculate gives 2 mpg less every time. At least it is consistent. We have not had any major problems yet, but the trunk hinge spring now rattles and we can see that some of the paint job is not as good as we might have hoped. We are satisfied with the purchase and the car does come with features that should be standard everywhere like the keyless ignition.

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  Love That Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Nissan Nutz - July 5 - 10:40 am

  This is my very first Altima, didnt really like any of the older models. However this is my fourth Nissan. Sure am happy I gave this new model a try. Besides being very pretty to look at, its very comfortable for my six foot plus body. And the 4 cylinder engine still out performs a whole bunch of sixes that Ive put it against. Love it love it love it.

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  I Love It - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Brad - July 5 - 10:06 am

  After test driving a 2.5 SL and a 3.5 SL, I had to get the 3.5 SL. To me, the small difference in price and sacrifice in gas mileage/premium gas were worth it. The engine has a lot of power (100hp more), sounds great, the car has a more solid feel, and is just tons more fun to drive! The black leather interior is very stylish and comfortable. So far nothing is rattling. The CVT and overall ride are very smooth. There are some quirks to the car, like if I press the Bluetooth buttons on the steering wheel hard, the horn beeps, and it feels like it is engine braking more than it should when I take my foot off the gas, but they dont bother me too much (yet).

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  max 6+ years - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By dogz max - July 5 - 3:23 am

  Ive had my MAX since January 2000. It is a vehicle well worth buying. Ive changed the oil, spark plugs, knock sensor, brakes, and timing belt. Unbelievable how I dont now the inside of dealership. Wish 2004 Max generation family had better reviews because I will stick with Nissan, just think about getting the Q45. I have 155,000 miles now and still runs almost as good as the day I bought it with 22,000 miles on it. I highly advise this car to anyone.