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:

• 

  The best - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By ColoTio - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Simply the best car on the market. Nice in red. Wish I had another one.

• 

  New Experience - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By JPSAWAT - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This is a stylish looking sedan that gets compliments from strangers. It is a very fun car to drive with lots of leg and head room. The handling is superb and the ride is exhilarating. I have owned all makes of automobiles and this is the perfect match for me. It is not just transportation, but always an anticipated experience.

• 

  Probably the worst car Ive owned - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By yankee3423 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Just got rid of the 2004 Maxima I got in June. First it was a brutal wind noise that after 4 visits to the dealership was finally fixed. Then, the sun roof stopped closing. It would open fine but would tricky to get closed. I could not handle another trip to Nissan Service to fix. Hence, I am the happy drive of a previously owned BMW 525I with 9,000 miles on it. Take my advice, go to BMW and go with a proven winner. This is a 30K car but if you need service you are relegated to the no frills Nissan Dealership. If you must buy from Nissan at least step up to the Infiniti, that way when your car has its problems you will at least be treated well.

• 

  LOVE IT! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Jeniffer - August 8 - 2:00 am

  it reliable and comfortable, this car is great i havent had a problem with one of my nissans... its a great car and it only gets better, ill never own another car other then one of the nissans.

• 

  Love the Truck - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By fortdixie - August 7 - 10:12 pm

  Had my 2010 Frontier for over a year. Purchased the 4x4 LE with all options including the 4.0 liter V6. I must say that its one of the best trucks I have ever owned. Its tough and tight and has all the comforts necessary for long trips either on pavement or back roads. Am getting just over 19mpg on hwy and about 14mpg in the city. The power adjustable seats are great after owning a Tocoma that felt like you were setting in a bucket. The torgue is more than enough to pull a 5000 lb+ camper. The down side of towing is that no one makes a decent extension mirror like those offered on a Tundra. Have a strap-on mirror but it just wont work well. Everything else is 100%.

• 

  Dont buy this one AT ALL COST!! - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By Dan Philbeck - August 7 - 8:03 pm

  After getting this car, it started falling apart. The interior trim is terrible. I have broken 22 pieces off in it. Not by pulling or jerking on them. Knobs, switches, etc. you name it. I have been at the dealer 10 times on this piece of junk. AVOID IT LIKE THE PLAGUE!!!

• 

  Performance Sedan - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Kent - August 7 - 6:56 pm

  A performance sedan that delivers as advertised! The 3.5L 250HP V6 responds instantly. Combined with the 5-spd auto in the manual mode, the Altima is just flat out fun-to-drive. Interior materials are not on par with Toyota or Honda and some visual obstruction due to the door pillars. The optional navigation package with Bose, and XM radio makes this proven reliable sporty sedan a standout among its competitors. Avg 24 mpg in combined city/hwy driving.

• 

  Geat bargain - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By gs42 - August 7 - 6:53 pm

  Cruises like a luxury car and feels like a turbocharged sports car when pushed harder. The S model is better equipped than competitors. This car has its own niche. If you want it all, reasonably speaking, no other car in this price range is close. The G8 is faster but try to buy one with these features at this price.

• 

  Love my X - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Ike - August 7 - 11:40 am

  Ive owned a number of SUVs over the years (4-runner, explorer, cherokee) and Im quite pleased with the new Xterra - the 265hp V6 provides more than enough power. Its quite roomy inside for a 6 7" guy like myself. The styling is simple and functional, but still looks quite good.

• 

  xterra rating - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By williav - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I like the vehicle very much, Easy to handle and drive, just as good as other mid-size suvs