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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  spare your self the agony - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By mark - February 27 - 2:03 am

  This vehicle has been nothing but a pain since day one. I have finally given up on having the interior rattles fixed, we just live with them now. Two weeks ago the brake system failed and had to be towed to the dealer. this week air conditioning not working (but its only 90 degrees outside) Engine still making a strange knocking noise that dealer cant find. Front end squeaks over dips. Save your self the headaches, buy something else. as far as towing, towing 8000 lbs is impressive however, on the boat ramp it is weak. on any incline, armada will roll backwards while in drive with or without trailer. on ramp, parking brake will not hold armada and boat in place - has to be put in park

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  Good car for the money - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Bernard H. Gould - February 26 - 11:26 pm

  My 64-year old wife, the principal driver, at times got up to 27 miles per gallon on an interstate going to work. Thats great for a 6-cylinder, 250 hp motor while doing 70 mph over 18 miles. Pickup was also great, doing zero to 60 in around 6 seconds. She always uses premium fuel, insisting she gets better mileage from it, and that the engine not only requires it, but extends engine life. The dealer also takes good care of her, and gives her a discount oil change if she brings the car in for service after 4 p.m. Ive driven the car myself on occasion. What power! And it looks very stylish.

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  Excellent - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Quincy - February 26 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Maxima the first was a 01 maxima SE, it is by far the best overall car I have had, especially at the price, you get a lot of bang for your bucks. Other high end cars you will spend thousands to add all the options, with this car it was already in place. It is a sweet car, gets looks

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  Poor Quality - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Nancy A - February 26 - 10:00 am

  Buying this car has been a huge disappointment. In the first month the car has been back to dealer multiple times for tire rotation, tire replacement, and lowering air pressure in tires. Car continues to have front end vibration on freeway. I am told that is how Nissan cars are. Glove box not flush when closed. Part on order to repair. This is the first and last Nissan I will ever own. Drive the car over 60 mph before you buy.

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  MY SECOND MAXIMA - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By MYTH1977 - February 26 - 10:00 am

  My first Maxima was a 2000 model. The car quality, ride and reliability prompted me to by a new 2004 model. The new model is yet 100 times better by means of styling, power, refinement, quality, and over-all increased fun factor of driving. People have broken necks when they see me drive!

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  05 altima 3.5se - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By bmeman - February 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is fantastic. I was actually going to buy a TSX but was greatly dissapointed by its horrible engine. The idea of having to press the gas in all the way in to merge onto the highway is absolutely absurd. The interior is great, steering wheel design is awesome. Instruments are very nice, amber coloring is a nice touch and it is also very easy on the eyes. The seats are plush, but hold you in place while you are taking tight turns.

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  I think Im in love with my Rogue - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Senor Rogue - February 26 - 7:56 am

  This is just such a great car, I couldnt be happier unless it dispensed cookie dough from the glove compartment. I love the style, comfort, handling, dashboard controls, paddle shifters. I opted not to get bluetooth+keyless, and it would have been worth the couple extra bucks a month, but thats my failing, not the Rogues. So many people compliment me on it. Its made my hour-long commute in heavy LA traffic a real pleasure - I actually feel kind of sad every time I leave it in the garage overnight, but its too big to sleep at the foot of the bed (and I think my dog would get jealous). I researched the heck out of my new purchase and made the right choice.

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  Sadly wont recommend. - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Michael - February 26 - 5:06 am

  First the good - test drove plenty of cars even in class above the Altima and kept coming back to this car. I went back and forth between the performance of the V6 and sensibility of the hybrid. Finally chose the hybrid and, while it is certainly no V6, this car has plenty of spunk and still fun to drive. Live in San Diego and drive 50/50 city/highway. The on board message center says I am getting 38 mpg but based on mileage and gallons I am putting in it is more like 32. The bad - I have had the car 2 months, 2900 miles. It has been in the shop over 20 days as of now and still is there.

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  Beware: Tire feathering! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Lothario - February 25 - 10:40 pm

  I would hold off on buying this car for now. My tires only had 13k miles and it was seriously wearing on the inner walls. An alignment didnt fix it. Also, the tires roared loudly. Nissan service wouldnt replace the entire cost of tire. This shouldve been a re-call. Until they fix this issue, i repeat HOLD OFF ON BUYING IT! The car is fun to drive with handling and exceleration. Again, just wait until they fix this issue of tire feathering before you buy it. It was a pain dealing with Nissan.

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  Outstanding midsize sedan - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Indydriver - February 24 - 8:26 am

  All around great car. Never considered Altima when I started shopping, but this was best deal (2.5S-SL pkg,Bose audio). Smooth, quiet, and sporty to drive. 0-60 acceleration close to V-6s. Great cargo space with back seat down. With smooth driving (NOT hypermiling) get GREAT mileage (90+% city my 1st 2k was 26.5 mph ACTUAL mpg-not computer but by total gas I put in tank).