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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  Good lord - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By harber - December 31 - 10:33 pm

  I just traded in my 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee on this gem. Test drove the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Infiniti G35. This car was the best bar far. The features alone differentiate it from the others. I couldnt be happier. Perfect combination of form and function.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By scedarst - December 31 - 11:33 am

  Love this new SUV. The fold down rear seat is great. DVD/Audio system is wonderful, lots of bass with the built in sub and you can play dvds through the headphones or car speakers easily.

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  I Just love Altima 2.5 S - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Alex - December 31 - 5:26 am

  My wife had a car accident and our Acura Integra was a total loss. So when we chose a new car safety was of primary concern. We found the Nissan Altima had the highest safety rating so we bought it. Now I can tell that not only you feel safe driving it, but also fun driving it. It feels so smooth and, the fuel economy is just excellent. We are so glad that we bought it rather than Toyota Camry which we looked at first. Camry is a good car too. But Altima 2.5 S is just great.

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  Awesome Car - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Tony C. - December 30 - 9:30 pm

  I just purchase this car last night and this car is such a joy to drive. The ride is awesome the quality of the car is tremendous.I traded a 97 crown vic for this car and there is absolutely no comparison. I like the fact that the more efficient I drive the further I can go on a tank of fuel.

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  Best things come in small packages - 2011 Nissan Versa
  By asplaksiy - December 29 - 7:28 am

  When my 03 Toyota Camry gave out on me, i was devestated- but it lead to the best buy ever. I am completely in love with my espresso black 2011 versa hatchback. Its sleak and trendy and very fun to drive. I love fiting in smaller parking spaces and and the great added features that I chose really puts my "luxery" camry to shame. Between the cd, am/fm, ipod dock and auxiliry plug im never bored in my car. I love the inteligent key and bluetooth. Couldnt ask for more! love love love it.

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  nice - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By johnny - December 29 - 4:20 am

  This car is fast and fun to ride...but not for every day driving....great look to it. Interior is flawless with the two tone colors and it does not hurt the pocket...

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  Flawless, fun, fast! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By alias777 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  By far the best car Ive ever owned (I had a Lexus before this). This car is comfortable, sporty, fast, fun to drive, powerful, luxurious. I love everything about it. Ive only owned it about 6 months, but I absolutely love it. Its the sharpest looking car on the road, plus its comfortable and fun to drive too.

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  muranos fun - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By J Torres - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Have had this vehicle for about 9 months. So far it has been great. Drove cross country and got great fuel economy. It gets lots of looks on the road.

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  UM GOOD - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By spaniard3 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  plesure to drive, goes when I say go and stops when I say stop. If I want to cruse at a 100 mph no problem. Sound system um good. tested other and well.IF your buying and dont try this one your crazy! Judged on more than a name. Thank You

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  greattruck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By 10356 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  this is a great truck