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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  Another Very Satisfied - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By FALEPIK - September 17 - 8:23 pm

  Knock on wood, I have had minimal problems compared to some of the other posts. The only problem has been with the sliding door mechanism Nissan recalled. So far, this has been an excellent car for our family of 5(3 children below 7. It rides great and has been very reliable. Also, Nissan (and Troncali Nissan in particular) has stepped up and provided excellent customer service and extended the warranty to 5 yrs/60,000 miles.

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  Amazing - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By my baby - September 17 - 8:13 pm

  Ive had this car for about a year and havent had any problems besides for an alternator because I got subs. I got it at 105,613 and now Im about 125,698 but I havent seen any loss of power or handling. This car is very fast for it size and weight. Its very comfortable and has a smooth ride. I dont think Ill ever sell my car. I have people coming up to me now thinking its a newer car than it is. This car is so much fun to drive even with an automatic

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  2005 frontier king - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Frontowner - September 17 - 1:40 pm

  Nice truck so far, took a 700 mile trip in it this past weekend, ran great for a truck getting really good gas mileage. Small on passing power, but will run good in upper 80-90mph. Shes not shy, but dont think youre gonna be passing real easy.

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  Maxima long term review - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By madmax1 - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Driven car for past 5 years. Very reliabile, has been in shop for only periodic maintenance and to replace odometer, which quit working around 75k. Currently have over 150000 miles on the car and it is in great shape. I have been looking for new vehicle with the same value to performance ratio and still cannot find anything comparable.

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  Dependable, sturdy SUV - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By sanjoy - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Fun SUV on and off the road.

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  Big hit with me and the dogs - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By maafimushkila - September 17 - 12:33 am

  I settled on the XTerra after driving way too many mid-sized SUVs. I drove the XTerra first, and I kept coming back to it. It beats competitors hands down. The powertrain is excellent (smooth, powerful, responsive). Comfortable. Good looking in a geekish kind of way. A great dog vehicle--fold down the rear, and theres no fabric touching the dogs, so its easy to clean. The dogs get a great view, too. Great handling in snow, mud, and sand (havent had it on rock yet). I wouldnt recommend this for commuters--this is a true 4WD so expect to feel bumps (and pain and the pump, but thats expected, so no downgrade there). If you like to play outside, and have a lot of toys, you want this

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  Great suv - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By MANNY - September 16 - 5:00 pm

  Almost 10k miles this vehicle continues to impress me. Ive owned several gme yukes & tahoe the power handling are superior in every way. The ride is stiffer but i liken it to the comparison i made between my american cars and my 5 series beemers..You feel the road..For something this large it handles superbly. Creature comforts seating , hvac, bose are all above average and certainly up to the standards you would expect from a $40k+ suv. The engine and trans are flawless in 2 snow it was as good or better then my yukes. In full auto the engine has a short shift range but what power! As mentioned handling was superior as proven on a recent trip to nyc on the merit pky twisties++++fun+fun

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  Its not a luxury car but nothing less - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Maxmized - September 16 - 1:30 pm

  I think I know what I am talking about, because I have driven Lexus ES, Infiniti GS, Acura TL and Maxima 06. Mind you I drove them because I or my family member owns these cars. My review is not based on test drives. I think the editor is incorrect in saying - if you can live without ohs and ahs of neighbors then Maxima is for you. Not that it matters, but for the last two weeks that I have had this car that is all am getting from friends, colleagues and neighbors. This feeling is same across both genders. I would buy this any day over Acura, Lexus or Audi A6. Cons: wish it was quieter inside like Lexus and that Nissan can make this beast a rear-wheel drive. Great size for family too.

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  Mixed feelings...love it but worried... - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By CarmenGhe - September 15 - 7:46 pm

  I love this car inside and out! Except that Ive only had it for less than 24 hours, (w/25 miles on it when I drove off the dealership) and the same thing happens to me as one of the reviewers...a weird knocking sound coming from the right front tire. It happens when I accelerate right after driving and/or backing out of a spot. The steering wheel also makes a squeaking sound when backing up into a spot. Im not sure if I should be concerned because its a brand new car or maybe it just needs to be driven more and the noises will go away through time. Other than that, I am super happy with the build quality and fine interior.

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  AWESOME - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Keri Knapp - September 15 - 5:00 pm

  I absolutely love this vehicle!!! It is sooooo smooth!