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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  AWESOME CAR! - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By nur - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. Its the most reliable, fun to drive, excellent SUV.

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  The best car ever, that is under valued. - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Big - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I love my 1997 Max! It is the first new car I have ever bought and have had no problems ever. Everything is stock except minor maintenace like belts, brakes, tires and I have driven over 108,000 miles. I bought the GXE model in a 5 speed. She looks great and I have never had a problem out of her. Even today when most cars come with more than the 190HP in this model Max, I still smokem at the light. If you are looking for a car with all the anemities, even better power in the newer models, reliable and attractive, the Maxima is the best bet. Forget about Honda and Toyota, they cant touch the Nissans.

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  Danno - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Danno - March 19 - 10:00 am

  like style looks ride and performance

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  Very Happy!!!!!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By rsqrob - March 19 - 10:00 am

  Ordered the car from Nissan and got exactly what I wanted. SL in spirited bronze with driver preferred package and sunroof. I amm a big person and the car is very comfortable. Even the backseats. Made for long road trips. Planty of power to pass those rubber neckers on the highway. Can get you into trouble with the local police if you dont use cruise control.

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  2004 Maxima GL - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By jackconly - March 19 - 10:00 am

  We have never before owned a car that turned so many heads. Strangers will come up to us and say, "nice car." The interior is as elegant as a Mercedes and definitely a step above the 2000 model, which was our last car.

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  Great Cross-over vehicle - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By ahm - March 19 - 6:53 am

  32K miles without a single problem. Very comfortable for front and back seat passengers, sure-footed and fun to drive. Well-built (no squeaks or rattles), quality fit and finish.

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  Happy driver - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By essdee - March 19 - 6:19 am

  We bought the Versa in 2009 in the cash for clunkers program in exchange for an Previa (which had served us very well for 18 years and 225,000 miles) and have done about 30,000 varied miles in the Nissan. It has been trouble free, pretty economical, easy to park in little spaces, a good load carrier and enjoyable to drive. Interior space is generous and the seats are very comfortable but the stowage space around the driver is a bit limited and there is not really anywhere to rest your elbows. Overall build quality is high but the plastic around the heater controls has started to rot. I also find the blue "cold engine" warning light unnecessary and at night easy to confuse with high beam.

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  Fun SUV - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Lglgrl06 - March 19 - 4:33 am

  I purchased the 03 Murano in 2005. I really was unsure about the look of it. But, what made it a sure thing was when my husband 64" was comfortable in it. We drive it everywhere.

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  My forever car - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By BevMaxima - March 18 - 5:46 pm

  Shes had an alternator, a starter, CV joints, & McPherson Struts replaced... lots cheaper than making car payments for 10 years. She still merges effortlessly onto interstates, paint job looks great, just love this car! Im only at 146,000 miles, plan on driving my maroon beauty another 10 years. And 26 around town, 34 on cruise control at 64 mph on vacation this summer. Cant beat a Maxima.

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  Im lovin it - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By rsbible - March 18 - 9:06 am

  In my opinion the Nissan Frontier is the sharpest midsize truck on the market right now. The Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Colorado / GMC Canyon are right there but the Nissan gets them with it’s aggressive stance and rugged good looks. I’ve only had the truck a couple of weeks but so far I love it! I went to the dealership with the intentions of buying the 5-speed automatic but the 6-speed manual was just too much fun to drive. this trucks comfort and convenience are great. I haven’t really been “off road” yet but it was a real treat to drive in the big snow storm we had this week! I kept looking for errands to run so I could get out in the snow and slush! I think my wife was on to me. In short…this is a SOLID midsize truck.