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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  New Truck - Same problems - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Dochundley - August 20 - 9:16 pm

  08 Titan, AC drain leaks onto passenger side carpet, rear vibration, guages reflect in side mirror at night, 15MPG, gas spills down the side of truck if you fill up too quickly when low on gas - Udated info available in forums under nissan titan repair and maintenance

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  Great car, would buy it again - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Stylez - August 20 - 1:53 am

  This car is really surprising to me because I used to have a Maxima and it was nothing but a headache, not sure why but I must have picked the wrong one. Anyway this car has been great, it rides great and sound insulation is terrific. The CVT rocks I love it. I mean its weird when youre driving a car with this power that you dont feel it shift. Still getting used to it though. I love the keyless part of this car. I never ever have to take my key out of my pocket. You can even lock and unlock the doors by pressing the button on the door. Truly keyless. Another thing is I think the seats are just fine. I dont know what some people are complaining about, they are comfortable to me. BUY IT.

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  Disappointed - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By underh2o - August 19 - 9:53 am

  This is my second Maxima, my last one a 2000 which I loved 10 out of 10. The 2004 Maxima although an extremely cool looking car has been a major let down. So far the exhaust heat shield has come loose three times, front strut snapped, electronic chip needed to be reset, navigation sometimes wont boot, cannot replace a simple light bulb without surgery, major torque steer, interior paneling keeps seperating, seat heat buttons cave into the console with almost no pressure, and the list goes on. The 2000 Maxima was a quality build. Nissan went cheap on quality in 2004. I cannot wait to get rid of this car. Maybe Ill buy an Acura TL with more features for the same amount of money.

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  A Competitive Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By LW - August 19 - 8:33 am

  I selected Frontier over all other pickups after extensive research. With 2,000 miles on it I have experienced no problems. It handles well and tows a small bass boat without effort. Engine power and torque is more than adequate and fuel economy has met EPA predictions for this model. It is also nice that all its performance is with regular gas. Well worth the price paid. With the large tires I have occasionaly felt feedback in the steering wheel on rough roads.

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  the best ride - 2011 Nissan Armada
  By mcummings1 - August 19 - 7:27 am

  have have had volvos and other expensive cars but this SUV beats them all. Best ride, gas mileage 17.8 right now - hopefully will get to 18 and if not, I am okay with that. We take it to the beach and load it down and it still gets 17.8. Love Nissans!!!!!!

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  Your Average Car - 1996 Nissan Altima
  By dude - August 19 - 5:46 am

  I have a 96 gxe, and its fine to drive to close distances, but i don trust it to go further distances after the fuel pump, distributor and A/C went out. Gas is ok not the best. I would go with the Toyota Camry though and pay a few hundred bucks more.

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  2006 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By 2.5 SL - August 18 - 4:43 pm

  This car is far superior to the Toyota Camery and Honda Accord, and its built right here in the USA, Symrna, Tenn It has the look amd quality of a Lexus and the gas mileage like a compact car. I have the 2.5L four, but you cant tell it from a V-6. I dont know why Nissan gets such a bad rap from the car reportsmbut I think its all political, like everything else. Try out one of these and you will be suprised.I have always been a Ford guy, But this car has more American made in it than any Ford,Chevy or Chrysler made today.

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  THE CAR THE DOES NOT LEAVE YOU STRANDED - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By CALVIN - August 18 - 10:00 am

  OWNED A 1994 MAXIMA FOR 10 YEARS. GIVING IT TO MY SON. WELL KEPT, A MAXIMA SHOULD LAST FOREVER. WILL PROBOBLY OWN A 2013!

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  Not Bad for First Year - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Joe Armada - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Excellent power and plenty of room. Love the power liftgate and all the airbags. The rear sonar helps in parking in NYC. driving this TRUCK is so much fun. Have not had the resonance problem so many have had but there are alot of rattles. Interior quality could be better. Sunvisor fell off already and rear center console broke too. A pin in the rear passenger door also came from the dealer broken.

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  great make - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By chasy - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought my car used when it had 35 thousand miles on it. That was 2 years ago i have since put 45 thousand more miles on it and i have had no trouble with it. I will be honest and say i drive the heck out of it too and its still standing. Did i mention its only a 1999. They are great imports Dont let the name fool you. If you take care of it it will last even longer. ENJOY!