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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  It is still surreal that I own this car - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Simply O M G !!!!!!! - January 28 - 7:56 pm

  I upgraded from my 96 Honda Accord 4 Dr LX to a 09 Nissan Maxima SV SP. Although I liked the new design of the Maxima, I was hesitant with the design of the rear but when I went to the dealership and saw this car in person it looks so much better, especially with the rear spoiler on it. I got the Sport Package that has the 19in alloy rims and spoiler upgrade and its is so beautiful. I am one of the few, if not the only, person to have this car in my area so far, I see a lot of eyes and heads turning when Im driving.

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  Close to Perfect Truck - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By LMH - January 28 - 6:26 pm

  Simply stated, the Titan towers above the others. I have never owned a Japanese car. I have driven Chevy and Ford trucks for decades. I qualify for the Ford A-plan, which would have made an F-150 thousands less. The Titan has more power, better fuel economy, more room, nicer styling, better comfort, and more functionality than all of the competition. My prior truck, an F-150 V-6, would average about 14 MPG regardless of where I drove. I just returned from a 500 mile weekend trip with plenty of foothills, stop-and-go, and freeway driving; 3/4 tank for the whole trip with 18.55 MPG... WOW! I did a lot of research before buying. I believe the Titan is the most well- tought-out truck ever built!

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  Love the 6 speed stick - 2011 Nissan Sentra
  By peachydad - January 28 - 6:28 am

  Just bought base 6 speed Sentra. Got great deal, paid about $16,000. comfortable, quiet, solid, good ride quality. Drove both CVT and stick, didnt like the disconnected feel of CVT, have always preferred manuals. Just wish the manual came with more of the upscale goodies on the higher end Sentras. Have to separately buy a key fob online. Surprising amount of interior room for size of the car. Trust Nissan to build quality cars, owned Titan bought in first year of production and never let me down until it was totaled by distracted driver texting, truck saved my familys life.

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  Best - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Grimmax - January 27 - 10:33 pm

  I bought my 05 Maxima when it first came out with the EGR valve. I love this car very much. There are also tons of performance mods available for this car. Everything from headers, body kits and even Chip tuning. I am over 320BHP. I have had zero issues with this car since I bought it. I would recommend everyone look into upgrading the suspension for better handle if you are not into modifying the engine.

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  I love my Pioneer but improve/armrest - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By Jack S. - January 27 - 7:16 pm

  I love the ride and the overall build. Really a great truck for the money. Fun to drive.

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  Its a cool car - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By otis - January 27 - 12:54 pm

  Great looking car. Cheap parts . I brought 1 of the 1st release cars back in June 2015. Door jams was a rush paint job faded! Driver seat springs broke in the 1st month console arm rest rip. Dealership didnt want to warrant the parts. Had to Harass them to paint the door jams! Car was in the shop for almost 1.5 months! Right bumper clap replace twice. And it still pops out never resolve that problem yet. Love the lights . But I have the car to my wife. I rather drive her Avalon.

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  Happy Camper - 2009 Nissan Xterra
  By Jack Kansas - January 26 - 12:20 am

  A solid unit that tows like there is nothing behind. Two road trips of 2500 miles and was very pleased with the comfort for a truck that also is a tank off road. Handles much better in snow than my old G Cherokee. I looked at the fj, H3 and others but the visibility on the X was a huge selling point. If you want an "out door" vehicle its nice to see it. I would recommend and buy again. A good value.

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  Love to drive it - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By calchill - January 25 - 9:36 pm

  We have had this car for 3 months and we love it soo much. We dont drive very much but it seems we always find an excuse to take it for a spin. Car has everything we wanted. Sunroof very easy to use and with the deflector added makes it even better. Like the trip computer as u can keep track of mpg or how many miles u have left before refueling.

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  Love my Z - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By saildocva - January 25 - 8:23 pm

  Excellent in all aspects. Its a joy to own and drive. Very good handling and performance. Rear visibility is limited but good outside mirrors that adjust easily helps a lot.

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  A stylish and tough tow vehicle - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Patrick McDaniel - January 25 - 4:33 am

  I needed a comfortable vehicle that could also pull my 30 ft, 7000 lb travel trailer. The Armada fulfills my every requirement. I added an aftermarket induction system and exhaust so have even more horsepower. I can tow easily at 70 mph and still achieve 13-15 mpg. The LE comes standard with transmission temp gauge and self-leveling suspension which works well for towing. I would have purchased the optional exterior trailer mirrors but I like the LEs power folding mirrors so well that I left them as is. The front rotors have been revised so front brake pad wear appears to be much improved over early models.