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:

• 

  Sexy and sleek, but a little noisy - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Mike - March 16 - 3:13 am

  Overall this is my favorite car out of 12 that I have owned. I was immediately drawn to the power that comes from the amazing 3.5V6 in this car. My car has over 125K miles on it and the engine still purrs. My gripes have been with the build quality of the exhaust system. The flanges between the midpipe and the muffler have rusted and snapped TWICE. Ive lowered the car and redone the suspension and although its a little stiffer, this car is connected to the road better than ever before. Fuel economy is GREATLY improved now, I average about 50/50 highway city and get 25+ mpg most of the time on 87 octane.

• 

  love it / hate it - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Amy - March 15 - 10:30 pm

  I still love the look of this vehicle, the comfort and the ride (when it is working properly) However, I have had to replace the entire exhaust system, 2 wheel bearings, numerous tie rod ends, breaks, calipers and discs, VDC sensor at over $300, and I cant even remember all the other things. Now I have a broken drivers seat, rear wiper motor died, and another tie rod end. This is over $1,000. Not to mention the tires are replaced every year at a cost of $1,000. It is at the dealers every month minimum of $500 every time and I am sick of it!

• 

  350ZR 2005 - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Scotty - March 15 - 1:23 pm

  Just picked up a 2005 ZR Black on Black. Love the car, fun to drive, turns ALL heads and comments from those you pass. No problems yet. I am 63 and fit nicely. I love my new Toy. Sticker 37550.00 paid 35500.00 .

• 

  Best Sentra So Far - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By andy - March 15 - 8:50 am

  I owned the 2000 Sentra and it was Ok. waited for the 2007 Sentra. I was impressed. I owned the 2.0SL fully loaded. It fun to drive, sun roof, leather seats, CVT engine. I love the car. it was worth the waiting.

• 

  the good, the bad and a little ugly - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By spudskier - March 15 - 2:50 am

  My 2001 Nissan Maxima is more fun than any other sedan out there. I didnt want what everyone else had, and this car is very different. Having said this, it has a poor steering radius, mediocre fuel economy, pthe aint chips easily on front. On the plus side, the car has good power and handling, ground clearance, a smooth ride, It is biga nd hard to maneuver, which is bad for downtown or tight areas. Overall the Maxima is a food family car. It is very safe and has lots of safety features.

• 

  2003 Nissan Maxima SE - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By beegowl - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Traded my 93 Z for the 2003 Maxima. Better mileage, more room, same power, not as much fun to drive by a long shot, but so much more practical. Long trips are comfortable. Plenty of room for my 6 ft 2 in frame. Seat could go back a bit more. Dont like the spoiler, its a dirt catcher and totally useless. Why do they make them for passenger vehicles? Bose system sounds fine. Can carry on a normal conversation during highway driving, the cabin is quiet. Plenty of trunk room. Rear seat folds down for a bit more room. Plenty of power for onramp merges and passing in a hurry. NOT a sports sedan, however, though it handles just fine. No problems so far.

• 

  Pathfinder Rating - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Flower - March 15 - 2:00 am

  we have only had this vehicle for a week now so our mileage is not high. It is very responsive and comfortable so far and has room to spare. Unlike other SUV models, this one has legroom to spare, even in the rear seats!! We have had another type of SUV before and this one beats it hands down for comfort. The other SUV did not allow you to stretch your legs out, therefore making it uncomfortable for long trips.

• 

  hagar 1 - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By hagar - March 15 - 2:00 am

  The ride, all roads,great and contrary to other notes read here steering is better than great. Gas mileage: 18 to 20 I understand very good I feel it should get more.

• 

  LOVE IT! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Olivia - March 15 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE MY NEW QWEST! It is so fun to drive. Ive also had lots of compliments from people about the stylish looks. The kids love the skyview windows & the raised seating for the 3rd row. This is my 4th minivan & it has a much more roomy & comfortable feel than anything else Ive owned. The center console (although a little odd when you first see it) is great! It is so easy to find the controls for everything once you get used to it. My only complaints are the reflection on the windshield from the driver storage on the dash & the passenger side sliding door on ours has developed a loud rattle.

• 

  flexible - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By onarum - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Very flexible fun to drive, great handling, quiet. Not sure why editors think the ride is harsh. Its just tight, but not uncomfortable at all. Gas mileage on first tank hovering around 21mpg. Interior lighting is poorly designed; both dashlight britness too high and coutesy lights lack britness and footwell illumination.