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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  Best hauler - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By ray - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Armada new and have been hauling 3000-8000 pound loads bi-weekly for the first 4.5 years. Only have done scheduled maintenance and replaced the front brake pads at 90,000 miles and have replaced 2 sets of tires. This is the best truck/suv I have ever owned. I live in minnesota and this truck starts in below zero temp every time. I now have a 125,000 miles and it runs like a top. It also looks brand new. In the past I have killed ford f150s and chevy 1/2 and 3/4 tons with all the hauling I do. This truck has out preformed all others I have owned. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable suv. I still have the original back brake pads and will probably get 10- 15k miles

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  Very Dependable - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Dave - July 9 - 11:00 pm

  Hands down the best car I have ever owned. I bought the Nissan new and now have over 160,000 miles on it, no major repairs at all, just change the oil and tuned it up twice. Brakes once at 90K, I get the dealer breaks which are much better quality. I gave this car to my son to drive, and I am sure he will get another 100k out of it.

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  Perfect so far.......... - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By rp65 - July 9 - 10:40 pm

  I bought my Maxima with only 2k miles on it and currently have over 90k without any problems. The only thing I have replaced are the brakes and still have the original tires on it but I wouldnt recommend going that long on them. It has never let me down and I cant say anything bad about it.

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  Nissan Keeps Getting Better - Maxima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By shinks - July 9 - 2:13 pm

  In considering many different vehicles for this purchase I couldnt neglect the reliability of my past Nissans. The 2005 axima did not take long to be moved to the top of the list with its unique, noncomformist styling and the performance it offered. Togehter with the reliability that I have found with Nissan products, this car was not a dissappointment. It has been everything one would expect in a sedan of this quality that is targeted for those looking for more than a family sedan. Its performance and handling are excellent.

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  HOT HOT HOT!! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Nor-easter - July 9 - 11:13 am

  I waited a year to write my review and I still love this car. It is fast, it corners, and it just wants to go!! Its like an anxious race horse at the starting gate. If you want to change lanes on the freeway - this car will throw you back in the seat from any speed. Most professional reviews fail to note that Nissan designs and builds race cars. I suspect most of the professional reviewers have not even driven this car. If you are any kind of a race enthusiast then you will not find a better ride for the money. It is just plain fun to drive.

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  Stepping up to an ALTIMA - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Linda - July 9 - 5:36 am

  After driving a Dodge Neon, Im enjoying the roominess of the Nissan Altima. It gives a smooth ride and has the looks of a luxury car. Best car purchase Ive made to date!

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  3 year update - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Tiny - July 9 - 1:26 am

  Its coming up to 3 yrs since I bought my Titan. The cabin is very comfy, seats are soft, leg room all around is fantastic. Loads of power from the big V8, the truck is quiet with a decent sound system and has lots of fun toys like the bluetooth and an ipod connect. It rides very well for big a truck, easy over the bumps but feels very rugged at the same time. Definitely underrated in the truck segment. I just turned 50,000 miles with ZERO problems. Im just now looking at purchasing new tires... GREAT TRUCK

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  2004 SL - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By amy crawford - July 8 - 8:36 pm

  The only problem I have had with my Maxima is the sunroof. They cant seem to get it fixed. It wont close properly or even open sometimes. Everything within it from the motor to a new switch panel. Also both of the front struts had to be replaced within a few months of each other. I just think that was the actual manufacturer of the struts themselves not Nissan. I have some serious concerns over the sunroof since I have over 33,000 miles on the car an very little warranty left.

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  Great! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Lee - July 8 - 5:30 pm

  We absolutely love our new Pathfinder. We traded in an 02 Montero Sport that had 74K miles and needed a new transmission. The difference in the two is like night and day. It drives great and is very comfortable.

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  Great little car - 2014 Nissan Cube
  By Stanley - July 8 - 2:41 pm

  This is my second Nissan Cube. Its a quirky car that get compliments and jokes from strangers for its appearance. It looks a bit like a childs drawing of a car. Best thing is that its the most comfortable car Ive driven. The seats are high up and solid. There is plenty of leg room for the rear seat. I have a bad back but have driven this from New Mexico to Washington State and back with no medical issues. It is easy to get into and out of...especially with my back problems. There is an amazing amount of headroom which friends over 66" have commented on. The windshield and windows are large and high giving ideal views. There is plenty of room to store things inside. The Bluetooth is excellent. The XM Radio is a great. A good selection of audio options Upgraded sound system with subwoofer. The Navigation system could only be improved if it were voice activated. Keyless ignition is a plus. The rearview camera is superb. The rear door opens to the side like a refrigerator door rather than lift up which I prefer as Im tall and dont hit my head on the door. Oh, and the car is a lot of fun to drive. Steering is accurate. Breaking is sure. Acceleration is poor from a stop. It accelerates fine on the open road. Fuel economy averages about 33 MPG between city and highway driving. It strains a bit on steep hills. Ive driven it up mountains, along deserts, on open roads, in congested city driving in Seattle, Portland, and Denver. In other words, I really enjoy driving this car. Storage is fine with the back seats down. Its a bit cramped with the seats up but I have added a rack and carrier for when I need more storage. Wind noise can be a problem at high speeds. Although I got it up over 110 driving through Wyoming and didnt notice any issues. Crosswinds can be a problem as the car is a boxy and a bit top heavy. It drives fine in the snow. The heater is excellent. The air conditioning has kept the car very comfortable in Phoenix heat. The car looks like a toy but its tricked out with serious car details and accessories. If anything, its my adult toy car. Ive had this car for two years now. In the past year, Ive driven from Albuquerque to Las Vegas driving a very large loop through Zion National Park on the way there and Phoenix on the way back. Also, just drove to Salt Lake City on a route through Moab, UT and back via Colorado Springs, CO. This car handles well. It can keep up with traffic. It is not a muscle car or a truck or a cruiser. It is just a practical car that reminds me how much fun it can be to drive. This car does just fine around town with plenty of room for groceries and other shopping. It holds its own on the open road. It wont win any prizes for speed but its gotten me everywhere I want to go. I am so sorry Nissan isnt importing this to the States any longer. I understand there is an AWD and an electric version in Japan. The AWD would be ideal here in Northern New Mexico.