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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  2010 first impressions - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By new buyer - July 23 - 10:20 pm

  I really like the ride and handling of the Sentra S. I test drove several others and preferred the Sentra as it had a smooth ride and plenty of power. The Convenience Package is great, especially the keyless system. The VDC Package is also excellent . These 2 options on the 2.0 S make it great to drive and easy to use. It just felt more of a solid ride to me than the others. Excellent runabout or road ride with safety ratings.

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  Maxima 95 - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By ev15 - July 23 - 8:51 pm

  I just recently bought a Nissan Maxima SE, Its got a 187,000 kms on it and it looks brand new. its only had one owner before me, who purchased it brand new in 1995. I still cant understand how someone could keep a car for 18 years, drive it everyday and still have it in impeccable condition. it literally doesnt have a scratch on the paint. I dont think anybody ever sat in the back or in the front passenger seat, even the driver side is 90% of its original brand new condition. I dont think anything was ever placed in the trunk and the 18 year old alloy wheels look brand new. I have truly scored a Gem and I hope to keep it till it dies. Hats off to Nissan, they made a great car

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  Excellent value + safety - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By mr*show - July 23 - 7:53 pm

  There were zero manufacturing defects, and we had no problems in nearly two years. 27 mpg around town. The car is gone now the result of a major collision but no injuries - I cant believe how safe it was. If you need a car for a teenager to drive and for them to be safe --- this is it!

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  The great Nissan - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Russ - July 23 - 2:50 am

  Well, this is my first new car, and I chose this one. I love it. It drives great, looks sexy and it is so safe. I think that Ill be very happy in this car for a long, long time!

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  Impressive Maxima - 2012 Nissan Maxima
  By alan_s - July 23 - 12:32 am

  My 2010 Maxima lease was almost up so I turned it in and leased a 2012 Maxima SV with Premium package. I immediately noticed a huge advance in refinement over the 2010, and a dramatic improvement in the performance of the CVT. The drivetrain as a whole is far more responsive and much smoother. The CVT no longer bogs down the tremendously powerful engine. Kudos to Nissan for continuous improvement. The two-tone interior is sumptuous and the materials appear to be of improved quality. Everything has a very substantial quality about it. This feels like a much more expensive car. On the road, the dynamics have been improved, and a feeling of solid build and substance is imparted. I love it!

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  Great car, great value - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By amram80 - July 22 - 11:06 am

  The V-6 is very strong, and the styling really turns heads. The stereo could have a little more output, but the sound quality is good. The intelligent key is very cool, but it does take some getting used too. Many in the Altima forums have complained about the gas mileage, but my first trip yielded 33 mpg with 90% highway driving. I picked the V-6 because much of my driving is in the mountains and it was actually a better deal than the I-4. Ive gotten mixed comments concerning the premium fuel issue, but most who have the V-6 have run regular fuel without problems. In conclusion, I believe this is the best value on the market in a midsize sedan. Period.

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  Takes a licking... - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By carkiller - July 21 - 6:16 pm

  I beat on this car like I hated it since leaving the lot, and it keeps on going-zero problems even after I drive it on dirt roads, lag on my maintenance requirements, and really act like it is a rental car. Takes all my hard abuse and not a peep. Very solid and great MPG (you can guess I dont tiddle toe around with it-foot to the floor 90% of the time)

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  ZCar - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By wjanus - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Well-built, well performing car. Original brake pads dust like crazy, needed replacement to Hawk Street Pro. Front wheel toe-in needed adjustment , causing uneven tire wear. Bridgestone Potenza tires still very noisy. Bose stereo amp needed replacement. Only other complaint is no glove compartment. Otherwise, great car and a blast to drive.

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  Save some time and read - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Montana bound - July 21 - 10:00 am

  I tested the F-150 & Tundra. I was going with the Tundra until I read about the Titan. Most room and best ride of all. Ample power, and handles very well. Before you buy the Ford, be sure to drive it up a hill.

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  2nd Maxima and still lovin it - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By danalin26 - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Just acquired a new 2004 SE 3.5 and absolutely love it. Traded in 2000 Maxima. I thought I had it good in the 2000. The 2004 is so powerful and the options you can get for the price is amazing.