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 Truck - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By sailorted - December 14 - 3:40 pm

  Has been a great truck. 42,000 miles in 20 months. Very Comfortable. I tow a camp trailer all summer. Will replace this with another Titan.

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  2005 Nissan Titan 4dr Crew LE 4X4 - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By titannorcross - December 14 - 1:16 pm

  I purchased the vehicle in April 05. I compared to Toyota, Ford, Chevy/GMC, Dodge and the overall value was favorable for the Nissan Titan. I was instantly pleased with the new look available options. I purchased the 4dr crew cab LE 4x4 with almost every available option (no sunroof). Price was negotiated to a good deal. It is now Dec 05, no problems with the truck. I have had it to the dealership for two oil changes, rotate and balance and some other 7,500 mile service/inspections. I did take the truck in for the brake upgrade, original rotors warped at about 5,000 miles, since the update the truck will stop on a dime, everytime. For fun, I have driven off road, 4x4 works well.

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  Great looking car but with issues - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By P Scott - December 14 - 5:01 am

  I am only 6 tall but I had issues with the extra thick door at the knee level and the extremley high console at the knee level. This caused my knees to be way too close together making it an uncomfortable driving position for me. Also the gas pedal it too far to the right-not a natural position at all. The worst part of the Platinum model is the sound system. Very flat, very tinny, cheap sound! We have owned 2 Maximas and 2 Infinitis and all had Bose sound systems in them. Right away, we realized that the current sound system in the 2016 Platinum is very-very inferior to all of our previous Bose car systems. Our Toyota van sounds much better and it is just the basic sound system, not a Bose. We tried all sources of music and did all adjustments you can make and the sound system has very weak bass and just a very plain sound. This caused us to not buy the car actually. Love the look and performance but being uncomfortable for me to drive and weak sounding sound. Very sad but true

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  The Car I have waited for, for 35 years - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Walter Foster - December 14 - 2:00 am

  This automobile is of high quality, it is of low cost and it is of higher performance. The closer other car that I could get would have cost 3 to 4 times as much and still would not have the quality. Walter Foster

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  Pathfinder - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Boricua2004 - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Excellent design. Smoother ride than other SUVs. Strong suspension for a lightweight vehicle. Good 4X4 capabilities for flat and sand terrain. The 170HP engine not enough for hills and original tires not adequate for mud. Some cool details like power windows work just between turning engine off and opening a door. Brakes apply for a brief moment if transmission put in neutral with engine running.

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  Great at 88K - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By dkwngduck - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven lots of cars (field salesperson) and have to say at 3+ years, I still REALLY LIKE this car. Very dependable, solid gas mileage for an SUV, and fun. Towing - I pull two jetskis with no prob. Its a no frills, solid, cost efficient vehicle in a cool looking package. I strongly recommend buying one.

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  Power to spare - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Gjmpilot - December 14 - 2:00 am

  My wife bought a 3.5SE in May 2003. She let me drive it occasionally and I fell in love with it. Bought my own 2 months later. Satin white is beautiful on this car. The power is phenomenal, especially such quiet, smooth, neck snapping acceleration. Its not always the power you use but what whats in reserve. This has RESERVE !!! Cant wait to start it up in the morning. absolutely the most fun car Ive ever driven. And all this for $21,200. Awesome Plus !!!

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  Altima 2004 - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Millo - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Good ride for the price.

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  ALTIMA - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Dave Bogues - December 14 - 2:00 am

  REFRESHING TO OWN A VEHICLE THAT I DONT HAVE TO KEEP TAKING BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR WARRANTY WORK. PREVIOUS CARS, LINCOLN LS(2 OF THEM) ONE RETURNED UNDER LEMON LAW, THE OTHER OVER 20 WARRANTY CONCERNS. NEVER AGAIN.

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  Rons Altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By ronc483 - December 14 - 2:00 am

  A great blend of performance, comfort, and reliability on a beautiful exterior package. The most fun new car I have ever owned.