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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  1995 strong after 20 years - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By myedmunds6 - January 1 - 4:46 am

  I had my 95 maxima for 4 years. Bought from a dealer at incrredible 65K miles in prestine condition. This is my 5th datsun-nissan. Just change oil regularly at 5k. Need to replace consumables. Other than that, no major repair needed. Spends aboout $300 for repair/maint. On my previous 94 maxima, I drove about 300K+ odometer stopped at 230K. I drove 4 more years until the tranny gave up. Gas mileage is about 20 mpg on city+highway mix.

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  We. Brought. It. For. My. Wife. She. Loves. It - 2013 Nissan Juke
  By Shawn - December 31 - 4:15 am

  If u got a large family its not for that it built. For. Only. Two. People but over all. We. Love it

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  practical and economical - 1999 Nissan Sentra
  By chrisreed82 - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car 2 years ago with 65,000 miles on it. It now has around 100,000 on it. I has never left me stranded, and never let me down. Ive pushed it pretty hard on some long trips, and some times when I just want to have fun! But I maintain it regularly and meticulously. Ive had lots of compliments on the car, for example: "thats a Sentra?! It doesnt look like a Sentra....., thats pretty cool!" I love a lot of features on the car, and its practicality. Recently it has cost me some money though, and I think that it must be one of those "luck of the draw" type of things. This is a good little car though, Im not going to give up on it yet.

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  This is a keeper - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By CaptainD - December 31 - 1:43 am

  Purchased my 2001 Nissan Maxima new and roughly four years later I am still enjoying the drive. it has a strong engine (227HP) and excellent and brakes. its transmission is the most irratating item. Its shifts are not as crisp or predictable under certanin driving conditions as I would expect in a sports-oriented sedan. It provides a high level of comfort and convenience. The only quality issue was the leather on the drivers seat side bolster wore through from sliding across it or snagging on cell phoneThis was a $200 repair, but now it is like new. The seat is only partially covered with leather, most of it is vinyl. The Bose sound system is supurb! I am experiencing an annoying groan / squeak from dash area that I cant locate. My overall evaluation is that this ia a great vehicle for the money.

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  love my z - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By silverz - December 30 - 8:33 pm

  This car is a blast to drive. It has a look no other sports car has, it is in a class by itself. Its beauty and class will definitely catch the attention of others.

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  Nissan patchfinder 2005 - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Mark - December 30 - 3:40 pm

  The 2005 pathfinder is fun to drive and has a powerful engine. The gas mileage is better than I would have expected. I am getting 17.5 to 18 MPG and that is a combination of highway and city. The ride is nice and the interior is very comfortable. The third row seat is for small kids only. Adults will have a tight fit if they had to sit in the way back. When the back third row seats are down there is plenty of room for storage in the back.

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  Takes a hit well - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By salesman - December 30 - 11:30 am

  Bought this car a couple of years ago with 70000 mi now has 171000 still show room new with no problems. oil changes syn oil, new tires firehawk gt are the best I found for this car. I even hit a deer and it made sense to fix the car.Was looking at new tdi jetta and couldnt do it, spoiled with this car.

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  Love my Xterra - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By -D - December 30 - 5:26 am

  Bought it used 2 years ago w 65k, I am the 3rd owner. Now has 98k, runs very strong. A few maintenance issues that was no big deal= air conditioner recharge due to leaky hose (common on these), a full brake job, new radiator (not expected) and I fouled a plug due to running cheap gas (must use premium at ALL times with the supercharger) so that was my fault. All of these issues in my book are normal wear except the radiator. Bottom line; drives anywhere and runs over anything with no problem. First car I have owned that I can say that I drive it any way I want and it just runs no problem. With the 4x4s get a good set of all terrains and will go through anything. Mud, snow, no problem.

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  Nice Compact Car - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By franksentra - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Solid and relible, small outside but big inside, good driving experience. Very practical even not attractive from outside

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  Best bang for the buck - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By johnchoi - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I have over 45K miles on my car and aside from gas and oil changes, no maintenance at all. The car has been bulletproof. I have upgraded with a Cold air intake, Stromung cat back, Hotshot header, and 17" rims and tires. The car flies and is such a blast to drive. I only get around 20- 22mpg but that could be due to my heavy right foot :) For the $16000 that I paid for the car, there is no better car out there. The car is definitely a sporty car and has a firm ride. Those who want a cushy ride should look at the Corolla. Those who want spirited performance are looking in the right place.