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 First Car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Well i got the car as of June 1st 2010 to replace my 05 ford focus. I was looking for a car that was larger, safer, and actually had some power,im use to power and i would like something that will move with you put your foot down. Anyhow, for the most part i love the car. I received the car at 109,200 miles, it is now december 2010 and i have already put 8500 on in 6 months. Its not hard to rack up the miles in this car. It travels nicely, comfortable seats, though the ride is a little firm on the SE model,i havent tested one other than the SE so i cant be too nitpicky about the maxima in general. But overall a great car with plenty of passenger and cargo space! cdplayer also having problems

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  loved it when it worked - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 am

  bought a used 06 SE from carmax with a 60 warranty(thankfully) engine wise and looks wise a great SUV but had a few problems with it that were dangerous IMO. Rear diff had to be replaced and luckily under warranty at 49k miles! two different occasions the car would out of nowhere not steer more than 10 degrees to the left and deemed dangerous IMO. replaced under warranty both times and this might have been a lemon cause how soft it was driven. The steering issue the first time was the rack and pinion and the second time was the steering column IMO it was the steering column the whole time. Overall great looks and feel in driving when it steered properly! Great engine and powerful for a re

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  very reliable - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 am

  ive owned this car for 5 months i like the cabin space its as large as some mid sized cars, the engine is very peppy no problem getting on the hgwy. however it could use some storage other than the glove box , and the armrest is woefully inadequate,with that said ive yet to reach gas mileage north of 30 mpg oh and the seats are very firm. overall a good car ,but i really love the cvt transmission a big departure from small cars , the way it pulls thru the gears seamlessly.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2010 Nissan Murano
  By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I have just turned in my 2007 Murano for a new 2010 Murano. I am expecting baby #2 and have found for the space the vehicle is perfect. It runs great, has beautiful design inside and out and is a safe vehicle for my family. I have shopped around and for my budget its the best vehicle hands down.

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  Reliable commuter car - 1996 Nissan Sentra
  By SaveGas - November 18 - 5:00 pm

  My Sentra is now 12 years old, and Ive had it for 8 years now. Its still fairly low mileage at 130k. Ive also tried to ditch it many times before but never had a good reason to do it. It gets still 30+ mpg with automatic transmission. Interior is starting to deteriorate, such as fabric detaching and shredding. Other than that, Ive never had major mechanical problems with it. Had to replace ERG valve, IAC valve, 3rd set of tires, 2nd pair of rotors, on 3rd battery, plus regular oil changes. Alternator, transmission and timing chain are still going strong. I have no complaints as its taken me from college to graduate school, and so far all 5 jobs Ive had!

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  My 3rd Sentra! - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By Shelly H - November 18 - 1:13 am

  I bought this car a few months ago, of which had replaced my 1993 Sentra that floated away from flood waters cause by Hurricane Katrina. Compared to my other two Sentras (a 1989, also) this years model is more stylish then the older models Ive had. The car is fun to drive, as it has always been. And is a perfect car for the new driver, because it is just as easy to drive/park as it is fun. Gas milage is still great (right now Im averaging around 27 miles to a gallon), but I find that this year model drinks a bit more gas then the others Ive owned. Also, the ride is a bit looser and the car does tend to sway during hard turns. The seats are finaly more comfortable, but still no leg room.

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  Love the car, BUT... - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By jpueblo - November 17 - 10:26 am

  Overall a great car, drives and looks great. MPG on the HWY 39+ at 7- MPH. Nice handling and smooth ride. Only problem is a mysterious brake light that keeps coming on while the car is driving. Took it to the dealer once already and its on its way back again. Wish we never had this issue as we really like the car. If it continue will have to label it a Lemon.

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  350Z WOW - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By LarryG - November 17 - 8:06 am

  The car is an absolute hoot to drive. The biggest problem I have with it is that I should have spent the extra money to go with the second level trim to get the cruise and traction control. Nissan should include those two devices and the extra air bags on every Z they sell even if it means adding a little more to the base price. It would make a big difference, especially given the high performance status of this vehicle. Remember, its not just for looks, this car already has the eye appeal, its a safety issue and that should be at the top of all other considerations. Nissan, wake up and get with the program!

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  after 1-1/2 years, still nice - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By myZ - November 16 - 7:30 am

  I like the 10mph to 60mph performance. I have the 5-sp Auto; helps in the stop/go commute. I still love the styling. Wheels are time consuming to keep clean.

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  VDP - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By victor nunez - November 16 - 2:00 am

  IT WAS COOL AT FRIST BUT WHEN YOU HAVE IT FOR A TIME IT IS LIKE A NORMAL CAR