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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  Sell before 160K - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By achy braky car - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Overall, I have been very happy with my Maxima. In recent times, however, it has been a disapointment. Once it reached 160000 miles, everything seemed programmed to break. In a two month period of time, I have had to replace the calipers, rotors, struts, strut mounts, coil springs, battery, tires, front and rear axles and catalytic converter. The only thing that remains unfixed is the engine and the transmission. Before this time, I was generally fine with replacing worn out struts every 15K miles, but now at 165K the brakes and struts are going again.

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  Bought a used Altima that had 150k on it. - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Matt - June 11 - 9:01 pm

  The vehicle its great to drive every day the stock stereo is clear and has good sound. Upgraded air cleaner helps with mileage and performance. I really like this car for my daily commute. Has room in back for 2 car seats with the center console down.

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  Buyer Beware! - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Unhappy Z Owner - June 11 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 Z has a known and admitted front tire wear and nosie problem that Nissan declines to address for its buyers. If you dont mind buying new tires evry 5,000 miles, this car is for you. My Z began the problem at 8,000 miles; got the Nissan temp fix; and returned at 12,000 miles. Its days are numbered. See the problem at www.nissantireproblems.com

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  Fun family car. - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By 14a10 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This car is a fun to drive family car. I really enjoy the handleing and acceleration. I bought this car used, and after a couple months the engine would blow blue smoke on accelerating. A new engine later (warrany replacement) and I am one happy camper. I am 66", I feel a little cramped, but they really dont make a car for my size.

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  best import full size truck ever. - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By sneaky - June 11 - 10:00 am

  well it has turned a lot of heads.some people mistake it for a dodge.people love the design.even had my truck damage by some ford,dodge lovers.they love to race me.

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  Looks Great, Rides Terrible - 2002 Nissan Quest
  By sunshinemom - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I loved the look and style of my Nissan Quest GLE. The wood grain dash and stylish leather seats made me feel like I driving a Lexus. That is until I ran over dirt in the road. The ride is horrible. You feel every bump! I found myself scouring the road for divets and ruts just to avoid them. Otherwise, it was a great vehicle. My kids loved the extras like the overhead video system. And, my husband and I loved the dual function of the sound system. It allowed us to listen to the radio (or not!) while our kids watched a movie with head phones.

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  Fun To Drive - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By BrianN - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Great looks, good towing capacity and cargo room. This truck rides better than most, but its acceleration is not the best. Still the truck is very fun to drive. Gas Milage is a little dissapointing, but not the worst in its class. So far Im very happy and I would buy a Nissan again.

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  The Truth - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Sirrobe - June 7 - 10:50 pm

  I am Nissan Maxima man, but the 2005 Maxima has let me down. The design is great, but the front wheel shakes like crazy once you reach about 50-60 mph. I dont believe that Nissan has done a good job with this one.

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  Great SUV - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By F DC - June 4 - 12:37 am

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  What a way to learn to drive a stick! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By FreeThinkerNJ - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I recently learned to drive a manual transmission due to my new job at Flemington Nissan. I learned on the Spec V and loved it so much, I bought one! The car handles incredibly well. Acceleration is very good and the ride is sporty. Having 6 speeds is nice for all the highway driving I do on my commute.