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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  Titan the King of trucks - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Mike Rodgers - March 17 - 1:10 pm

  The truck is everything I could of asked for and more. The ride is excellent and the only sound I hear is the 8 speaker stereo 6 disc CD and the smooth pwerful rumble of the V8 engine. If you want a great truck look no further this one is the real deal!

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  Great Car - 1999 Nissan Sentra
  By schmotty - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Ill keep it short. The only thing I dont like is the location of the cupholder. And this is because, if using the cupholder, the CD/Tape/AM/FM stereo constantly gets turned off and on while shifting (5-speed). This wouldnt be a problem with an automatic, but in that case, the car would not be near as fun to drive. -=0D

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  Enjoyable - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By Clare - March 17 - 2:00 am

  So far, Ive been extremely satisfied with this car. It has been reliable, comfortable and fun to drive. The springs are very stiff in the SE model and do not bode well for putting on makeup, but the performance and cornering that is gained is well worth the harshness of the ride. I would definitely recommend this car. It is quite spacious, easy to insure and fun to drive

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  Great Car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By LMAC - March 17 - 2:00 am

  This is a true sleeper. Step on the gas and it just goes. For a family sedan, its a fun car to drive. Just the right mix of performance and luxury. Some complain of the rough ride, check the PSI on the tires. Mine were at 44 when delivered. I lowered to the recommended 32 and its a world of difference.

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  Reliving My Childhood - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Nemo - March 17 - 2:00 am

  I am re-living my childhood driving this car! It combines the raw power of my 1965 GTO with the reliability of my 1994 Camry. It goes like a bat of hell when you want it and still gets great gas mileage. It impressed my daughter when she drove it the first time and that says alot for the car. It gets a steady diet of compliments from the tuners around my neighborhood. Definitely worth the money

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  very good design - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By kler - March 17 - 2:00 am

  I have this vehical for more than a year. I naver had any kind of problem. Very good looking and lots of power under hood. I alwys feel like I am driving an extra ordinary can not like regular car. No noise inside even at high speed on concrete pavements. Very good excelration, braking and smooth ride.

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  PF LE 2003 - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Robert29 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  I checked out just about every SUV on the market before deciding on the Pathfinder. There is no comparison. The PFs ride, handling, styling, utility, and comfort exceed all oter SUVs out there. And it is priced well. I have two kids and I am planning on taking a cross country drive with it.

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  2002 Nissan Maxima SE - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By dvp560d - March 17 - 2:00 am

  A great everyday driver with power for anything. Seemingly no creature comfort is spared in this agile sport sedan. An automatic transmission, power sunroof, Bose CD stereo, power drivers seat, ABS, and remote keyless entry for under $25000? This is a bargain, my friends.

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  Very pleased with purchase - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Rich - March 16 - 5:33 pm

  I wanted to wait a bit before writing a review to see how well the Rogue held up. I bought it in February 2008 and it now has about 18,000 miles on it. Im very pleased to report that I have not had to return it to the dealer for any reason. I was a little nervous purchasing a 4 cylinder, but the Rogues CVT has performed very well and Im quite comfortable pulling into traffic, even with the A/C on. The Rogue is remarkably quiet cruising on a high speed interstate. Ive been pleased with the gas mileage and it has improved about 2 mpg overall since it was new. My driving is a mix of highway, city and county roads (45mph). I seem to get about 26 mpg doing that and 29 all highway.

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  After 4 years, still turns my own head - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Christine - March 16 - 2:30 am

  After having driven my Toyota Celica 293,000 miles without a single problem short of a flat tire one time, I decided to get another awesome looking car in a convertible. This car rocks! i have had it for 4 years now with no downtime, incredible handling, solid feel and performance on all kinds of surfaces, turns, and weather. My only complaint is the interior paint on the door peels off easily. Dashboard and controls are friendly, well-placed for real driving. Cockpit is made for comfort and incredibly body-friendly even on long drives. I drove this car along Rt 66 starting from Phila, through Chicago and to Southern california and it was a comfort rocket all the way & great fuel economy