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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  Fabulous car, minor problems - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Guacster - May 13 - 8:16 pm

  Drove for 2 years, have 45,000 miles. Still an excellent, luxury SUV. Very comfortable, excellent performance in snow. Gas mileage 19-20 mpg. Minor paint chips, recommend a clear bra. Unfortunately, when warranty expired, CD player quit working. "Custom" BOSE system will cost $400 to "re-build" since no "replacement" is available.

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  Fun and Dependable - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By miriam sexton - May 12 - 10:53 pm

  I love this car! I bought a brickyard color, 2003 touring model back in december 2004 and would gladly do it again. The car was purchased sight unseen from a dealer in Skokie, IL. I live in Alabama. I shopped around the internet for months until I found the best deal I thought I could get. I specifically wanted the burgundy color and an automatic with all the goodies. The car was shipped down here and I have been delighted with it since its arrival. I would definitely recommend this type of car for someone who wants to have fun while driving but also wants to know they are buying a reliable product.

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  I LOVE my Z - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By A350ZLady - May 12 - 2:20 am

  I love my Z. Ive never had so much fun driving a car before!! It hugs the road and handles great!! And when I need the power it never hesitates!! Just press on the gas pedal and Im gone!!! I really LOVE my Z!!

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  Maxima is Great - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By John - May 11 - 10:50 am

  Purchased our Maxima new and it has been the most reliable vehicle we have ever owned. It is now 10 years old and the only repairs besides routine maintenance has been an alternator (recall), a starter and new front axles/cv boots, and oil sensor (leaking). The engine is still like new with only 73k miles on it. Its got some dings and scratches but we are going to keep it for a least 2 more years. It has been a great car.

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  Xterra - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By JJC - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Excellent off road capability, no luxury, great brakes, great handling

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  nissan - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By master_trunt - May 11 - 10:00 am

  its the best ever

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  A great truck - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By George - May 10 - 3:56 am

  Great looks. Strong engine. Very good comfort. Fine 5 speed transmission. Many little extras not found on other trucks. Not great gas mileage, about par for 4X4 trucks. Impressed with the standard limited slip rear and front wheels. Super audio system. Get the XM radio, it is the best system. It must be ordered and factory installed to be incorporated with the fine radio system. Better price compared to GMC or Chevy. Did not price Ford or Dodge.

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  Very dependable, stylish and fun car to own - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By kscommuter - May 10 - 12:13 am

  Bought this car new in Dec 2006 and have enjoyed it every single day Ive had it, and Ive driven it a lot -- 115,000 miles so far and I plan on keeping it easily until it has 300,000+ miles on it. Have always had it serviced at my Nissan dealership religiously; the car has been extremely dependable and very light on the pocket book; only needing brake work and tires replaced as youd expect. Continental ExtremeContact tires are great on this car; they make it ride like new. Besides being a work car, we use this car for all our long trips to visit family (500+ miles each way) and always feel decent at the end of the drive. Last but not least, this car has excellent "get up and go"!

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  My Love Affair With the Maxima - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Frances Glavan - May 9 - 10:53 pm

  In 2004, I bought my first Maxima. When I began looking I was sure I was going to buy a Honda, but since I had been driving company cars for years, I thought "Im going to test drive everything and be sure I get the most for my money". I drove the Honda Accord, the Toyota Camry and Avalon, the Lexus, Accura. Mercedes and the Infinite. When I got behind the wheel of the Maxima, I said to the salesman, this car looks so familiar. It didnt take long to figure out the interior was almost identical to the Infinite. The Maxima and the Accord were almost even in price, but I got so much more with the Maxima. A Bose sound system, heated steering wheel, CD and cassette player (it was 2004), etc. Honda just couldnt compare. In 2013, I bought my second Maxima. I drove the Acura and the Genesis and hands down the Maxima won for value in the same price range. In 2016, I didnt bother to drive anything else, and decided I would buy the top of the line Platinum. The car is beautiful inside and out. It has a plush leather seats, Bose sound system, heated and cooled seats, a sunroof and a moon roof. etc. Ive had people stop me in parking lots as I was getting out of the car, to tell me how beautiful the car is. She rides silently and smoothly. The 2004 has 160,000 miles on it and is still running like a dream. Weve done regular maintenance, but she has her original engine and transmission. Love my Maximas.

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  Fun fun fun - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Adam - May 9 - 8:20 pm

  It is a sleek looking car and caught my eye. The 4L is plenty powerful and the standard package is enough for anyone. I am 66" and I LOVE that there is no sun roof standard... if there was I would be able to fit inside. (Made me choose the Altima over the Civic Si) Thank you Nissan for that one. It is an overall fun and sporty ride with an exceptional interface between the engine and transmission.