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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  BETTER THAN FORD AND CHEVY - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By posh4 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  IN THE LAST YEAR I HAVE HAD A FORD F350 SUPERCREW 6.0 4X4 AND A CHEVY 2500HD DURAMAX 4X4 AND THE TITAN RIDES BETTER AND HANDLES BETTER.THE BEST IS THE FUEL ECONOMY. GO DRIVE ONE AT VICTORY NISSAN 757 436 4900 TELL THEM TIM POSH SENT YOU FOR A INVOICE DEAL

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  Great at first, became a cash-hog - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Erik713 - March 26 - 12:26 am

  I really enjoyed the amenities that I had never had in a car before. The stereo was awesome, seats were comfy and heated, adjustable everything. 2.5 years later routine maintenance is super-expensive and gas mileage is 19 with mostly highway driving. Dont get me wrong, I LOVE driving this car. It is still the most comfortable car Ive owned. The styling is great, and the interior is sleek and modern. If it wasnt for the continuing extreme kicks in the wallet Id run it into the ground!

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  Solid 4X4 - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Mr. Dog - March 25 - 1:13 pm

  I bought my Xterra after carefully researching the vehicle, and scrutinizing the condition of the car itself. For the most part, I agree with most of the reviews. The ride is a bit stiff, which is good for a true SUV. The steering can be a bit squirrely, especially at lower speeds, but it is fine once you adjust to it. One point I wholly agree with is the underpowered engine. A truck like this should have a 4.0 as base, not an upgrade. The interior is comfortable, if a little sparse, save for the power windows and locks. Id also like more up front storage. So despite its few shortcomings, its a great truck. I really, really like it. After all, Dogs love trucks!

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  reliable car - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By BigPoppa - March 25 - 10:00 am

  so far so good with this model. Bought it used and performs great. I put about 100 miles a day on it and its been fun to drive. Good highway accelaration also.

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  A Pathy named Maxi - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Rosandro - March 25 - 10:00 am

  -Excellent ride and comfort -Lots of power -Rear seats are roomy -Interior and exterior design gets two thumbs up

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  Great SUV - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By Willith - March 25 - 10:00 am

  This SUV has been nothing but reliable for me over the past 2 years I have owned it. I havent had to take it in but one time for warrenty work, my CD player stopped working, but they replaced it after they got one in stock. It rides nice (truck like) and has very good visibility (especially from the back seats). The engine is a little underpowered though and some of the switches are placed in hard to reach places (cruise control on/off and rear wiper switch). All in all a great SUV for the price and with the superchargers on the newer 2002 models the power problem will be fixed.

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  Nissan Altima 01 - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By r - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Great Car for the price

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  I Like It! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By SteveY - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Great performance, power you can feel in the small of your back. Compliments from everybody on the looks of this sporty sedan.

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  05 titan - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By phansen - March 24 - 2:00 pm

  Great truck, plenty of room in the front & in the rear seats as well. Great radio system. Plenty of tow capacity no problem towing my boat. Love the rear sliding glass from the driver seat.Love the driver side two adjustment seat postions. Would tell every looking to buy a new truck to go and test drive one and look at all the FEATURES TOO MANY TO LIST .

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  Excellent car - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Ken - March 24 - 12:16 pm

  My wife and I were looking for a new vehicle that got good gas mileage and had ample performance. We test drove Hondas, Toyotas and Nissans. The Altima was far and away the most fun to drive, had good gas mileage and surprising performance for a four cylinder. After over 4,500 miles including 1,000 mile trip the mpg on the road was averaging 34 and around town 27. We couldnt be happier with the car.