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:

• 

  The ride you have been waiting for - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By Coach C - June 27 - 2:23 am

  I recently traded in a ford escape (02) for my new Xterra. After researching I decided that this was the suv for me. I love the power and so far it has handled well in the snow and ice. I am impressed, so far, with the build quality. I have only had the car for about 6 weeks but so far I am extremely impressed.

• 

  Outstanding Car - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Jessbabe - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car since 1998. Never had to do more than routine maintance on it. I have had two major wrecks in this vechile and it still runs like a gem and I never got hurt. I will never buy anything outside of a Nissan. Coming from someone that changed cars every year till this one says alot. You will never regret buying a Nissan altima.

• 

  All round great car. - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By max1970 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  The nissan maxima is an all round great afordable car. It has the performance of a sports car the head and leg room and comfort of on of those $40,000+ luxury cars. And not to mention the reliabilty of Nissan. I would recomend this car to anyone in the market for a quick great handling put the kids in the back type of afordable car.

• 

  ALTIMA SE 3.5 - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By JEEP110 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This is a very fun car to drive. The performance is there every time you need it just waiting to be released.

• 

  Better than a Ford Explorer... - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Rowdy - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2003 model. Ive had this car since Sept. 2003 and love it. Handles extemely well, plenty of power. The styling is sharp.

• 

  1/2 price Beamer - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By MJ - June 26 - 1:00 am

  20 MPG in city and 30 on Highway, 3,000 RPM at 80 MPH. comfortable for 5. Special Edition Package great bargain. Sun roof works smoothly and quiet. Fun car to drive. Wish it would have been a 6 speed in 2006.

• 

  hot car - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Tony O. - June 25 - 10:06 pm

  This is the second time around for me owning a Maxima, I had a 2005 for about a year and traded it for the 2006. And this vehicle is great!!! from the purr of the engine to the retractable side view mirrors. Everything is on point. I have no idea why Nissan changed up the bodystyle for the 2007. Its absolutely horrible! Ill stick with my 2006!

• 

  So far, we love this car! - 2012 Nissan Murano
  By chris303 - June 25 - 11:48 am

  We bought an SV front wheel drive, and traded in a 2005 Toyota Matrix. With about 3000 miles on it, weve been very impressed. The interior is very upscale, with excellent fit and finish. Motor is very strong. One its best traits is one of the worst in other vehicles: the CVT transmission. In most other vehicles Ive driven with a CVT, the engine drones and the vehicle is sluggish. Not so the Murano! The drivetrain is quiet and this thing takes off! Plenty of room. We love the tilt back rear seats and dual sunroof. Gas mileage has been 25-27 highway.

• 

  Great Car - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Don Parkhurst - June 25 - 10:00 am

  My fifth Maxima and my next car will be a Maxima. Maximas run great for at least 250,000 miles with normal service. A real value when compared to more expensive cars

• 

  Terrific car - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By mary b - June 25 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car Ive ever owned. Beautifully designed inside, extremely comfortable, and a blast to drive. Zero problems after 40,000 miles. Only wish it had a little better fuel economy but not bad -- generally 26-28 mpg highway and 22-23 around town. After 3 years it still looks and drives great.