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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  WOW What a truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Teddybear - March 26 - 10:00 am

  This truck is fun. Its like driving a sports car with a bed. Performance is unreal and the factory standard features on the LE pkge are perfect. Rockford-fosgate 350 Watt audio is unreal. I get looks everwhere I go.

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  The Best Truck Out There - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Manfer - March 26 - 10:00 am

  I honestly believe the Titan is the best choice for truck buyers on the current market. I did a huge amount of research before electing to buy the Titan. I test drove Ford, Chevy, Toyota and Nissan. In comparison, to those models I drove, the Titan has the largest back seat, the most front end power, the most comfortable seats, and in general the most bang for the buck. It is simply a blast to drive. The engine is powerful and emits a throaty tone. I feel it would be very comfortable for long distance runs. My second choice would have been the Tundra. It came the closest to the all the Titan offers.

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  350Z touring - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By dr eyes - March 26 - 10:00 am

  Fun by the barrelful. Site lines are poor especially with the top up. Interior is without storage spaces but overall a great experience. This is our third Z.

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  A little too SPORTY... - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Hulesy - March 26 - 10:00 am

  Definite BANG for the buck;however it has always been. I feel with the new cost should have had a little more luxury but I chose the SE so I guess cant complain.

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  Great Vehicle - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Jen R - March 26 - 5:36 am

  All I have owned before were Hondas. My husband and I were ready for a change, and I am glad I made it. The day I picked it up it was 98 degrees outside, my 4 cyl Accord was a dog with the A/C on, took the Altima home with the A/C blasting and it never skipped a beat. Love the "no shift" CVT. Gas mileage is right where I left off with my Accord, hoping it gets even better with more miles, and a long trip under its belt. This is my first car that is actually "purchased" and am glad this is one I get to hang onto for a while.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Keith - March 26 - 1:53 am

  Ive had my Xterra for about a month now and I have to say, I am impressed. I take my X to the beach, in the woods and around town. The ride, handling and performance is better than I expected from a nearly 4000 pound truck. The engine is great! This thing gets up and goes when you need it to. The utilitrack in the back is a great feature if you have the cargo organizer. I use the roof rack for my surfboards and Im looking into a clamp- on safari cage for my camping gear. The Fosgate stereo is pretty sweet for a factory system. Gas mileage is the only downfall, but what do you expect from a 4.0-liter engine? Overall a great SUV that is fun to drive! I highly recommend it.

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  Would buy again in a heartbeat - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Gary - March 26 - 1:30 am

  Own a 2005 Sentra with 57000 miles with no issues. Bought this one to replace a 2001 Maxima. The S or SL trim levels are the way to go. The sunroof and the upgraded stereo are nice touches, also. Been averaging 33 MPG since the second tank fillup, balance of performance and fuel economy has been impressive. Love the keyless entry. Just need to get a Bluetooth phone now to take advantage of that feature.

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  Comfort, luxury and performance - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By jim4649 - March 25 - 5:26 pm

  My 4th Nissan and I absolutely love this car. Smooth, comfortable, quiet ride, good acceleration, great transmission, great brakes, adequate handling, lots of luxury features (try the heated leather seats on a cold winter morning), great stereo and stylish looks. This is fast car. Ive owned a V8 Mustang GT (4.6L, 260hp, 301 torque) and a few Honda sportbikes, so I know what fast is. This is not a sports car but its certainly no slouch.

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  Luxurious! - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By A Parker - March 25 - 1:36 pm

  I think it really depends on what you were driving before. If you were driving a cadillac, you might not like it as much. I went from an 88 Honda CRX to this and I LOVE IT!! The ride is smooth, the stereo is great, and it didnt break the bank. Gas mileage in an SUV always isnt going to be the best but Im averaging right about 20/gallon so I cant complain. I love my new car. And theres so much room inside. LOVE IT! LOVE IT! LOVE IT!

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  All around great car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By cardriver - March 24 - 2:06 pm

  This is a great car all around fun to drive, plus a great motor and really good brakes. I like this car and will keep it for years to come.