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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  2 years down the road - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Daytona - May 16 - 9:00 pm

  Well, Ive had this car now for 2.5 years now so I think I know it pretty well. First, second and third gear rubber, not bad. Torque steer can get very bad and out of control. Looks are excellent. Reverse lockout is very poor. Hitting reverse while shifting to 6th gear is possible with little effort (Ive done it several times). Front seats are poor design. Put something flat on it and it ends up in the back on the floor. Turning radius is also poor, Fuel average for city is 20 mpg. I have the black one, paint quality is poor but looks great. Nicks or scratches with little effort. Still, I like this car. Sound system is fine, for me anyway. This car will hold a tight turn like no other.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Todd Columbus - May 16 - 4:36 pm

  Ive had more than 20 cars, and never owned one for more than 3 years before this car (9 years, >100,000). Its absolutely the perfect balance of acceptable family car, but an absolute thrill to drive, especially with the SE suspension and 5sp. I was contemplating trading it in, and I just cant do it. Ive replaced the muffler, an O2 sensor, and the blower motor for the heat/AC. If you are contemplating buying a used Maxima, I strongly encourage you to go for it!

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  Great Vehicle - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By 60Chevy - May 16 - 2:36 pm

  I was looking for a new car since November 2007. I looked at the Lincoln MKX, Ford Edge and the Lexus RX350, which I came very close to purchasing. Then I saw the new 2009 Murano. Having never owned a Nissan before, only Toyotas, I was a bit concerned but this vehicle is great. It is much more technology advanced than the Lexus. I find the Muranos seats are great. Not hard whatsoever. The fuel economy is great. Getting 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

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  For a van, its tops - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By carolanddavid - May 16 - 12:36 pm

  Ive driven many vans, even if only brief test drives or rentals. This one hands-down feels like a nice ride compared to others, which simply felt like a van. Honda was decent, but Nissan has more sport and maneuverability feel to it. Quality is high; only the most minor of things required attention. After 2 years Im still discovering nooks and crannies for storage. Im not sure its worth the price difference to many, because the rising cost of fuel also means lesser mileage vehicles are yet more expensive to own over the life of the vehicle. But to me, the enjoyment of its comfort, handling, convenience and quality IS worth the difference. Im looking at the 2007 models now..

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  Catchy - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By Wayne Goss - May 15 - 6:37 pm

  Great car! Not too big, not too small. Looks good, drives well, very efficient gas mileage.

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  Great Auto - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Nonni - May 15 - 4:23 pm

  Just purchased a 2007 Maxima two weeks ago and just love it. We had a Maxima in 1994 and 1998, but then we switched to the Toyota Camry, 2000, 2004 and 2007. We watched the quality go down with each new model. We are now back to Nissan and very happy with this purchase. Its very well made and a pleasure to drive. No problems!

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  Second Max - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By y2za - May 15 - 3:33 pm

  I had a 2002 SE Max - sold it after 20K miles back in summer 2004. Bought my current Max in 7/05. It is a blast! Great Combination of performance, sedan, room, looks, features, price, uniqueness. No regrets here whatsoever. I cannot believe how easy it is to approach 100 mph.

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  2008 replacement of 2005 - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By Spunoffandaway - May 15 - 2:33 pm

  Another great car! The 2008 may be the last in this series, so I had to buy before they change it into a cross-over! I drive a lot of interstate miles, and feel safe with higher assurance of returning if hit. Sort of a small tank. No fear of muddy country roads with the great 4wd. Did have to give up a power plug for the MP3 plug-in (bummer)!The 08 has added XM radio and does offer some good entertainment while on trips. Almost same as 05, slight loss of build quality. Noticeable looseness in rear torque conversion around 35 mph or so, not in 05. Maybe it will go away with time. Still could not get side airbag option, must be a myth, like GPS. Not an economy car. Feels secure on the road.

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  Maximum Maxima - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Calvin - May 15 - 1:46 pm

  The car has given me "0" problems since I have owned it. The ride is still smooth and has had minimum service costs.

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  Best fun for the price - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By Mark in Alabama - May 15 - 8:06 am

  I have only driven the car a couple days and about 250 miles, still not broken in yet. Handles great for a front driver, Brembo brake option recomended, they work excellent. Was looking for a good car under 18K and this was the only one near that price. Civic is way too overpriced for me and no other car was even close to the Spec V in that price range. It wasnt too hard to find but had to get my blue one from Birmingham (100 miles away) after another dealer sold the black one I wanted from under my dealer. No noises, nice tight solid car, no complaints as far as quality of the car for the price. Test drive one and you will know how nice they are. Buy one.