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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  What a pleasure to drive - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By xraymike11 - November 23 - 9:06 pm

  Pros: It feels solid and has quality materials. Quality has been exceptional. The Xenon lights are wicked bright. The 3.5L engine is powerful and smooth (my favorite part of the car). The radio controls on the steering wheel are easy and conveneint to use. The 17" wheels are beautiful, and corner well. Suspension is stiff, which is how I like it (other models are softer if you like). Cons: The turning radius seems exceptionally wide, making parking harder than it should. Power drivers seat took some experimenting to find a good position for me.

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  Long haul experience - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Long haul - November 23 - 5:06 pm

  Its been 2 1/2 years since I brought the Titan home with only 5 miles on the odometer. Since then more than 65,000 miles were put on the truck and the engine power just getting sweeter. The original Bridgestone Dueler tires seem to have about 20,000 more miles on their treads. I got about 18 to 19- plus MPG (2/3 of the driving was highway) with a few times of 21 MPG. Everything on the Titan remains stock with no modification, except a recently added toneau cover. The driver seat is losing its support on long trip now.

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  2001 Nissan Maxima SE - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By J. Mattern - November 23 - 4:53 pm

  Bought SE model, loaded, new in 01. Check engine light and o2 sensors a continuous problem for last 8 years. Dealers stick it to you each time attempted to fix these issues. Finally gave up years ago and just live with. Car now has 200K miles and continue to drive as winter vehicle, but must say the engine has been very solid. Bought a 15" Blizzak tire/wheel package (all four wheels) to replace the 17" Potenzas for winter driving and this car rolls through the bad winters of Upstate New York like 4 wheel drive! Would likely not buy another Nissan vehicle as the frequent warning lights on the dash are just a pain.

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  A dream car - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Tony K - November 23 - 8:03 am

  This is my second maxima and I love it. My first one had 104,000 trouble free miles when I traded for the 07. This is truly a remarkable car and a dream to drive. I drive about 70 miles a day and with the maxima it is in maximum confort and safety. Love everything about it and it gives the maximum quality for the dollar. Keep it up Nissan, for you know what a consumer wants.

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  One bad SUV - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By ty goulding - November 22 - 1:53 pm

  It came down to the PF or 4runner. The V8 swayed me. The overall power is staggering. I love the handling and quiet interior at top speeds. I am impressed by all of the features that come with the model. I did not opt for nav, and am a bit disappointed that bluetooth was not available w/o this feature. Also dissapointed that the iPod (MP3) is a line level (dull hum introduced from speakers), and does not allow for character display on the huge screen. Vehicle performance is outstanding. Gas mileage a bit scary, but I knew what I was getting into. Hoping Bushs replacement will help us out. Like the stereo, but would be more pleased with flexibility to manipulate tones (make sub work harder.)

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  Supremely Happy With My New Rogue - Its In A Whole Nother League! - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By nissmazlover - November 22 - 11:25 am

  I am SO happy with my new 14 Rogue SL AWD and am totally in love with it! Nissan did a REALLY good job in this new redesign. I was a happy owner of a 11 Rogue SL AWD, but once I saw how nice this new baby was, I traded up! What an upgrade! This new Rogue not only looks better inside AND out, but its better in EVERY way compared to the old one. Its good looking, comfortable, fuel efficient and SO nice to drive. My favorite feature is the supremely high build quality and luxurious feel of the car, in general. It feels like Im driving a $40K car. And, Im getting compliments on it EVERY where I drive. Do yourself a favor and sit in and test drive this car. You WILL be impressed!

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  great fun - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By R Parker - November 22 - 10:53 am

  fun to drive, fast and comfortable, great handling. five speed automatic is super. utility is great.

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  Very reliable - 1999 Nissan Sentra
  By ljar - November 22 - 6:36 am

  This little car has been extemely reliable. It has had required very few repairs and has excellent gas mileage. This Sentra isnt the most stylish car, but I am very pleased with the car, overall.

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  Beware! Engine Power Loss! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Disgruntled! - November 22 - 1:13 am

  After testing driving 37 vehicles in search of the new family vehicle, we selected the Pathfinder. I regret that decision. Yesterday, my wife was traveling on a highway when the power to the engine went out!!!! She had to coast off the highway. I took it to the dealership this morning who did the diagnostics and said the accelerator pedal had failed and would need to be replaced. What if this had happened with an 18 wheeler barreling down behind her???? I will be filing a complaint with Nissan Motor Corps so they check into this, conduct a recall to ensure this does not happen to anyone else.

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  Sentra is the best deal in its class - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Jim - November 21 - 8:46 pm

  We have had the Sentra 2 weeks now with 1100 miles on it, and we LOVE IT! We test drove the Ford fusion, Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla and none of them compared to the Sentra for its ride, quietness and the features offered. We have been averaging 32.5 MPG on the city/highway trip I make each day. We highly recommend the Sentra and the dealership that we purchased the car from.