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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  Loaded Sedan for the Price of a Hyundai - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Joshua M - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Why buy a brand new piece of junk when 10k will get you a low mileage, fully loaded Maxima packed with V6 power? I recently auctioned my 2003 Toyota Tundra off to the highest bidder on eBay to get back to something more my speed, and the Maxima fills those shoes. I opted for a bright red SE Limited Edition, which adds the leather interior, Bose Stereo System, and a few other extras. This engine is smooth! I make up errands to run just to drive the car. This is truly affordable luxury and sporty sophistication. Original sticker price on my car was over $29,000.00 and I picked it up for just a hair over $10k.

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  I love my new sport vehicle! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Quest happy - June 30 - 2:00 am

  I was very hesitant about purchasing a minivan. I went the whole "SUV run", but came to realize that was not what my family needed. I tried the other minivans first, and then my Quest. It is very functional and family friendly. My oldest son plays soccer, my daughter plays softball, and my youngest son plays just about everything..lol. Through it all my wife carries them all with greater ease than our old Altima, which we decided to keep as well. Not having to take the seats out was the best "sell" of all. Our Quest has made our familys life easy.

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  Loving every minute of it! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Sabre66 - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Titan CC SE 4WD for 2 weeks now and havent stopped smiling since. Its big, but drives small. So much power at foot...and a smoother ride than my Pathfinder LE. The Crew Cab is huge! With the captains chairs theres still enough room for 5, plus all your gear. Much better interior and exterior than the domestic competition.

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  Grows on you. - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Xterra2003 - June 30 - 2:00 am

  At first I had some issues with the Xterra. I thought that fuel economy was bad and that it had a tough ride. I found these 2 issues to be the only problems with the vehicle and they turned out to be personal issues. I bought a truck based SUV and I have owned cars in the past. I had to go through a learning curve and after I have accepted this, I really love the truck-key is truck. It is a great buy and I am glad I bought it. The R.F. stereo is excellent too.

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  Truck - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Wayne98632 - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Its a SUV based on a truck frame, how else to you think it would ride on road, like a truck. You want smooth on road driving buy a mini van.

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  My Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By sandra - June 30 - 2:00 am

  The maxima is a fun car to drive, and it looks great! Interior is very comfortable and roomy.

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  Well-thought design - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Delirious Dan - June 29 - 8:23 pm

  We were seriously considering the Scion xB for over a year, but when the Cube came out, decided to give it a try, as well as the Kia Soul. We disliked the new body style of the Scion, as it made it look like a pint-sized Dodge Caravan, and we were unimpressed by the cheap feel and horrendous road noise of the Kia. The Cube was perfect for us. It seats ample-sized adults easily, with loads of head and legroom. The reclining/sliding rear seats are a great feature as well. We love the quirky styling, and we are stopped by strangers frequently who want to know more about the car. It handles well and is incredibly maneuverable! This car is more fun to drive than the 71 Beetle I had in college!

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  Power and Style all in one - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Troy - June 29 - 2:16 am

  I am coming from an 03 Expedition and I am very impressed. After discounts it was $12,000 cheaper than a comparable equiped Q56. I test drove all the competition and NOTHING comes close to the performance of the Armada. The exterior styling is bold and aggressive. Interior in the LE is well laid out. I have not had any problems that plagued the 04 models. Sound system is good for a factory system but the navigation system could use a touch screen. Kids love the rear DVD and theater seating. The ride is very smooth and controlled even with 22" wheels, no shake in the steering wheel as others have indicated. The interior is quiet at any speed. Again, love the power this thing has.

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  Fun to drive! - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Sherrice - June 29 - 2:03 am

  I have had this car nearly a month and all I can say is wow! I replaced my much loved Pathfinder with this and I could not be happier. Yes, I lose space and some off-road capability (which I did not use much anyway), but the handling is terrific. I feel like I am in a sports car! Now I look for excuses to drive and I can because it uses a lot less gas than my Pathy. I totally recommend this little crossover to anyone who needs utility with a great sporty ride. Buy it for the fun of it!

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  Blown away and love it. - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Nissan convert - June 28 - 11:50 pm

  First time buying a car of this size. Compared, Camry, Accord and was almost set for buying the accord. Walked into the NISSAN Dealership and was completely blown away by the MAXIMA. The trunk space beats both the others cars hands down. I actually took two big suitcases (airline-internationl travel), and they both fit with lots of room for small bags. Tall people actually have thigh support in the back seat. The cars fun to drive (read blast). Controls are good. Like the windows down feature from the key.. handy on hot days. I am just very glad that i bought this car. Wish i can keep the new car smell forever now.