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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  Red Rocket - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Buck - February 25 - 10:26 am

  Im a long time BMW owner and this is the 1st front drive Ive had in 10 years, and Im not disapointed in the least. Reminds me of the fun I used to have with my 71 240Z but now I can carry 4 people. In my estimation Nissan is back. My in town mileage is as good as my 97 BMW 328IS but the highway is not as good. It does 0 to 60 a second quicker so I guess I shouldnt complain.

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  Love My Sentra SE - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Bryan - February 24 - 12:56 am

  Bought my 01 Sentra with 53815 miles on it and I have had no problems whatsoever to date. The motor pulls strong and the acceleration is great from a 4 cylinder. The SR20DE motor has tons of available aftermarket performance products and the body is beautiful in black.

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  Great car!!!!!!!!!!! - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Swifty1 - February 23 - 2:00 am

  reliable, responsive, powerful, and still good looking after 7 years, Much better than the 2004 which I just test drove. I am looking for an SUV now, and I will miss many things about this car!

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Maximalover - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned American, German, Japanese and Swedish cars, and without question my 1997 Maxima SE is the most reliable of all. In 45,000 miles we literally had one part that malfunctioned under warranty, and other than standard service it has never been in the shop. Its a great car that family and friends have asked to buy, but were not letting go.

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  Pathfinder: A Great Find - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Mitchell Collins - February 23 - 2:00 am

  The best car we have owned (and the most expensive) very comfortable, and fun to drive. Really love it but wish we had 4wd (just in case. Also the engine is awesome, great acceleration.

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  Two weeks old and I love it! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By kimmer - February 23 - 2:00 am

  I went from a Durango to the Armada with a little hesitation because of the Armadas size, but it was a very easy transition. The amount of storage the Armada has and the overall ability to see out of the mirrors, etc., is amazing. The stereo is fabulous and the ease of use of all the controls is great. The fold down seats (including the passengers) is also a big bonus. The Armadas ride is smooth and it is fun to drive. I would highly recommend the Armada.

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  Awsome Economy Car - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By BlueRules777 - February 23 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE this car! I have recieved many compliments on the price, quality, style, and color (Vibrant Blue). It is very fun to drive, feels very solid, and even though it is a compact it is very roomy and feels fairly large on the road (dont feel vulnerable). There is, also, a ton of storage. I couldnt ask for much more in a vehicle!

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  Best truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By jnets - February 23 - 2:00 am

  I have only had this truck a week and it impresses me more each day. I have the captains chairs and find them to be very supportive and comfortable. Test drove both the F-150 and the Titan and the ride in the Titan is superior. The transmission is smooth and acceleration is formidable. A great vehicle.

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  Satisfied Nissan Customer - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Brian Pancoast - February 22 - 3:00 pm

  Have owned two other Nissans and this is by far the best!!! Wife and kids love. And I love it when I get to drive it...

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  Loving it! It handles like a sports car. - 2013 Nissan Leaf
  By luand - February 22 - 3:11 am

  I absolute love driving the 2013 Nissan Leaf S model that we have leased. It reminds me of the driving dynamics of the Mini Cooper that we used to own. The biggest problem is that I tend to drive about 15 miles above the speed limit with the Leaf because its so quiet and smooth. One thing that Id wish for is better/smoother braking when regenerative braking is being applied. Another is better location of some of the control buttons on the left side of the steering wheel. The majority of these buttons are not illuminated and are hidden by the steering wheel.