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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  I love it! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By waynoka - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car in April, and Ive loved every minute of it. Had already tested Mazdaspeed, Eclipse GT, Celica GT-S, Subaru WRX. Found this one more fun to drive than Mits or Toyota. WRX was really nice, but pricey. Mazda was closest, but the dealership sucked (Dobbs in Memphis). This car has great power in all gears, looks flashy in yellow, wont be confused with other Sentras, and is a joy to drive. Great craftsmanship, materials are very sturdy, everything feels very tight. I skipped the fosgate stereo. Also avoid the stripes down the sides, definitely dont pay for them. Floor mats look great but arent necessary.

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  Great bang for the buck - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By flatspin - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Nissan Frontier in August, 2002. I was initially looking to buy a Toyota Pre-runner, but as I researched several key areas (price, reliability, maintainance, performance, owner satisfaction) the Frontier Desert- Runner soon became the better value. I own 2 Toyotas, an FJ-40 Landcruiser and a SR-5 Pickup. Both are solid, reliable vehicles. But the Nissan is just as trustworthy at a lot less money. Also the Toyotas developed rattles from the get-go, the Nissan remains quiet and composed.

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  nissan se pathfinder - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By j. christy - March 7 - 10:00 am

  reliability, performance, a new powerful engine and a mid sized suv that cant be beat.

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  WOW!! What a Car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By tedg99 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This is the BEST car Ive ever owned (and less expensive than others) VERY ergonomically designed (wish fog lamps were standard) Drives like a DREAM with outstanding syle. Lots of compliments and inquirys. Alway told people to NEVER buy from Gwinnett Nissan (they tried SO hard to screw me -- but failed) Awesome car -- GREAT VALUE!! My check engine light has been on since 36K and the dealer cant figure out why??? (Im now at 80K) still runs like a dream.

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  What a Great MiniVan! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Appst8 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Anyone looking for a mini-van or a "crossover" SUV should consider the new Quest. The styling makes it "cool" to drive a Mini-Van. I liked the fuel economy of the crossovers but could not justify price for flexability/storage. The Quest delivers 25-26 MPG, forward looking styling, the same engine found in the Nissan Murano, and loads of flexability and storage space and "legitimate" 7 passenger seating. You wont believe the cargo area with the bench seats and captains chairs folded to the floor. Nissan did thier homework and came up with a vehicle that should lead the market! Safe, comfortable, fuel efficient but still plenty of horses, and stylish.

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  350Z, The best performer on the lot - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By SkimboardDude03 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  over all exellent car. A fast,sleek look gives the 350z a dominating look to any one who stares at it. Good handleing, nice smooth ride, and, pettal to the metal performance. this car is a lot better looking than the G35. this car is the best one on my lot!

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  A review from an actual owner - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By George Christopher - March 7 - 10:00 am

  When I read some of the other reviews, I think the other posters must have a different car then I do. Mine is a pre- owned 2002 model and its been wonderful. Its a huge step up from my little old Sentra, and the car is far superior in every way (short of gas mileage, but still not shabby for a vehicle of its size). Styling and Performance are exemplary, and the car is certainly worth the monthly payments.

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  Great Car! - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By zekem - March 7 - 5:03 am

  Bought the 2010 3.5 SR V6 black on black fully loaded (tech pkg, sport pkg, etc) about a month ago. Totally love it. It drives great. Nissan did a great job on the exterior design touches; it looks a lot nicer than the Accord and Camry.

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  Excellent Choice - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By j Thomas - March 6 - 9:28 pm

  Exceeds all our expectations!

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  Great Car so far, phenominal fuel economy - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By dkeenan - March 6 - 12:37 pm

  So far, car is as Edmunds has described. The most remarkable thing about this car to me is the phenominal fuel economy I am getting. Most of my mileage is highway, but theres some stop and go rush hour on the highway and some weekend around-town driving also. Now that the car is broken in and temps are high for the summer, I am averaging an honest 40-42 MPG per tankful! Over and over again. No kidding. Incredible for a car of this size and power. Of course, theres some focused driving skill that goes into getting these numbers and Ive got the tires aired up to the max, but if you work with the car and its shift program, 40+ MPG is easy for me during the warm weather.