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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  The 2005 Nissan Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Kendra - February 18 - 2:33 pm

  I love driving my new 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5S. I often get many complements on my vehicle. I enjoy the smooth ride, the steering capabilities, and the roomy interior. I like the overall design of the interior and exterior of the vehicle. It has been a perfect match for me, my personality, and my lifestyle. You too should experience the quality, reliability, comfort, and performance of the 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5S.

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  Best Truck On The Road - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Lisa V Bklyn NY - February 18 - 2:13 pm

  We were going to get the Ford Explorer but it doesnt come close to the great looks & performance of the Pathfinder. The new design is so classy looking & the extra seating is great. We are lovin this truck!!

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  Best car ever - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Nissan - February 18 - 10:46 am

  i love my 2002 Nissan Sentra. I am the first owner and in 8 years i have not even had one problem. The car has 120,000 km on it.It burns so little gas. It is fast and powerful and very reliable. This year i am planing to buy a new 2010 nissian sentra. I also love the way the car looks with a spoiler. I have never had a better car. Ive had a Ford Fairlane and a Ford Thunderbird. This car is the best, I even pull a small trailer.

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  wowsers - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Dobergirl - February 18 - 10:00 am

  My husband used to say I drove him crazy when I did drive, comparing me to a grandmother on Prozac. Now he tells me to take it easy! Never have I had a ride like I have in my Armada. I have found my SUV and (barring any future personality conflicts) will have one for a very long time.

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  ALTIMA - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Xphille630 - February 18 - 10:00 am

  My overalll review of the Nissan Altima has been a great experience. I was always a firm believer in American made autos only and my nneyes were opened to foreign made autos. I would certainly pruchase nother Nissan again. The Altima has delievered style, room, spaciousness, affordability, comfort, looks, and reliability. This is certaninly a vechile I wold purchase again.

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  Love my Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By laymakeup - February 18 - 10:00 am

  I love my quest. Im not a mom nor do I have a pack to travel with, but I thought this was the most comfortable and cool looking van Id ever seen. The only thing I dislike is the low gas milage. It averages 18 miles to the gallon. Other than that its great.

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  Excellent Car - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By mathme_2000 - February 18 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the murano for 5 months now, and have almost 7000 miles on it. On average, I get about 20 MPH around town and on 3 trips to Lake Tahoe, it has averaged 23MPG. The styling is GREAT, the build quality is amazing, and I cant recommend this car highly enough. I am 62, and on a recent trip I rode in the back seat and was very comfortable.

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  Fun Truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Titan lover - February 18 - 10:00 am

  nice and quiet very smooth running truck well thought out as being a new model

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  Nissan 350z Rocks Period. - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Nick Harrington - February 18 - 10:00 am

  Nissan 350z is highly recommened by me, if you find one, go for it or youll be sorry that you didnt get it.

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  My best car ever- - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By marie pappas - February 17 - 2:00 am

  This car is the most fun to drive than any sport car that i have owned in the past. Starting with one of the first MGTCs in 1946 through Jag 120s, Mercedes Sls, Porsches. This manualgear box is the smoothest, pickup the quickest and cornering the most road hugging. I drive it in preference to my Mercedes SL.