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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  Needs better paint - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By mmart157 - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I love this car, overall quality is a 10 easy. Has lots of power and just about every gadget you could need. NissanUsa needs to address the problem with paint chips though. 2 days and I have 20 paint chips down to the primer. My acura has 7 after 4 years in the same driving area. That is pretty ridiculous. Now I have to pay out of pocket to have the hood and bumper re- painted and then add a clear bra. If they could fix that then this would be the perfect car.

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  I Love This SUV - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Z - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I got a fully loaded Murano about a month ago and have no real complaints. The fuel economy is not great, but what can anyone expect from an SUV. The styling is fabulous. The acceleration is fantastic--I just love the CVT. The interior is very comfortable and the ride very smooth. I dont really use the navigation system that often, but when I need it, it really comes in handy. If all you have seen is the pictures and like the look but wonder if the rest of the vehicle matches up--dont worry. It does--and then some.

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  The "4DSC" Has Returned - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By raven - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Virtually outstanding in every way. Smooth acceleration, Confident handling and braking characteristics. Very steady and sure footed at highway speeds. Quiet spacious interior. Tremendous head and leg room (Im 64).Visibility is excellent throughout. Chose this vehicle over the G-35, because of overall value and styling. The old Z line applies to this car. "AWESOME".

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  Can be improved - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By shrek - February 13 - 9:03 am

  Ive driven this car about 20K miles in 16 months. OEM tires not so good, even though better ones are available for less. The drivers seat clicks when the car turns. The steering wheel vibrates when accelerating and / or stopping hard - takes some fun out of the driving. Fuel economy is very bad in city, though much better on the highway. Car interior uses cheap plastic in some places. That aside, the car has terrific passing power (shoots to 100mph easily) and corners extremely well. Intelligent ignition, heated steering wheel and bose music system are great. Cars exterior design is quite different. Folding rear seats are a plus. Leather quality is also good.

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  Transmission - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By foreigncars433 - February 13 - 2:13 am

  These cars run great for their first 100k. I bought one brand new and had no problems with it until about 105, when the transmission went. Costed me 2900, and the problems did not stop there. The car was great while it lasted, but did not last very long.

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  a complete package - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By wanda carr - February 13 - 12:16 am

  although the maxima is a sports car it gives you the luxury and comfort of a sedan.

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  Pretty good for the $$ - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By William Dodd - February 12 - 2:00 pm

  This has been a good and reliable car since purchased about a year and a half ago. Gas mileage and passenger space is good. Handling, especially in strong winds, is not the best. Tiring to drive on long trips.

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  2007 Maxima SL - Denver - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By pecsofstl - February 11 - 10:40 pm

  Was hoping for a year end deal on 2006 SL model, but not much inventory was left. Decided to test the 2007 SL and I am very glad I did. A much better ride and nicer car than previous models in my opinion. The CVT transmission is better than advertised. Extremely smooth and responsive, like there is only one gear. The interior has been upgraded over previous models and is comparable to other luxury vehicles I have ridden in. The ride is quiet, very smooth and fast. Consumer reports said this car has "tourqe steer" due to the front wheel drive, etc..etc...I have driven the vehicle for 1000 miles now and I promise you, there is no tourqe steer.

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  06 XTerra- A Great Buy for the money - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Scott - February 11 - 9:20 pm

  I bought this vehicle less than a month ago, and its been wonderful. Gas mileage has been mediocre, bit overall it suits an active lifestyle. Ive been very pleased with it pretty much everywhere. Handling and maneuverability has been quite nice. And Im very much looking forward to really taking it off road. Everything on the interior is very convenient and being 6 3", Ive been pleasantly surprised how much room I have in headroom and legroom. Long trips are comfy as well. Im looking forward to many years of ownership on this SUV. The Rockford-Fosgate sound system rocks as well!

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  LOVE MY ALTIMA - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Pam - February 11 - 7:50 pm

  I purchased this vehicle a couple of weeks ago and absolutely love it. I have the 2.5SL with every option except Navi. It is extremely comfortable and fun to drive. My first tank of gas I averaged 26 mpg and that is local driving. This is my 5th new car in 4 years and I finally found one I will keep!!!! I test drove the Optima, Accord, Sonata, Camry, several Crossovers, this won hands down. I would recommend this car very highly. The sales people and finance people at Mitchell Nissan on Enterprise AL are the best.