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 have the same wind noise - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By calvin - February 25 - 8:26 pm

  I agree with the guy who has the wind noise coming through the door seal or window seal. I have taken my Armada to the dealership more than a dozen times and they say the same thing, they have no idea what it is. It is frustrating. I hear the wind more when it is cold outside or hitting a pretty good bump in the road. And he is right about the moon roof. Mine rattles and the dealership cant fix that either. Other than those issues I enjoy the truck.

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  Love my New Car - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By Randi - February 25 - 4:43 pm

  I just bought my 2005 Sentra the day after Memorial Day. So far I love it. I have the 1.8s Special Edition. The stereo is great and the ride is very nice. However, I do have two children and would not recommend it for long trips. The space in the back is very cramped. My only other complaint would be the placement of the cup holders in the front of the car. Other than that I am impressed by everything else.

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  Excellent Gas Mileage - 2013 Nissan Sentra
  By jdk1973 - February 24 - 11:46 am

  I bought my 2013 base Sentra S with 6sp manual in mid March. Gas mileage rocks! I get in the high 30s to low 40s in regular mode. I consistantly get 360 miles per tank of fuel using about 9 gallons. This is mixed driving with sometimes frequent stops. Seats are insanely uncomfortable but not a deal breaker given the price. Mine listed for $17,000 and I purchased for $14,000. I feel this was a great negotiated price considering that it is an all new look without lots of incentives. I selected the silver with Charcoal interior...looks great with added body side molding and really dark-tinted windows.

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  Disappointed - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Huck - February 24 - 10:00 am

  After 3 recalls and repairs, the A/C going out twice, the gas pedal continually sticking even a few thousand miles after it is repaired, passenger window sticking, the CD player being intermitant and the buttons coming off the radio....AAGGHH I think this car was made on a Monday.

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  The Best none-turbo car with power - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By KrazyELR - February 24 - 10:00 am

  This is the best 4 banger car ever made and theres no turbo. WOW!! The SPEC-V suspenion is great! Turns like a dream. Love this car.

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  Murano Gotta Love It - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Poppajosh23 - February 24 - 10:00 am

  The Murano was the car I wanted. I am careful to call it a "car", because the SUV Car Crossover is a bit to difficult to refer to in casual conversation. The car is all I dreamed it would be, my family and I enjoy it immensely.

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  I love my Altima! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By a. padilla - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I really love my Nissan Altima, it is very comfortable and has a lot of nice features and looks great and sporty. I also love the rear lights they really make the vehicle look euro.

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  great! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By suzy lombadi - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I was in a car reck.I was hit from the side(driver side) and I hade nothin wrong whit me but my car was gone so I will be on the market for a new Altima for sure.I`m a mother of to kids and I`m home whit them after one day of my car exident, so thak you a lot form me and my kids.

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  Quest gives style to a minivan - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By RevRacer - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Our first minivan, and after months of debate and test driving Odyssey, Sienna, Pacifica, Pilot, XC90, T&C, Grand Caravan, Rendezvous, MDX, and V70, we realized that that you can call a crossover what you like but there ends up being a compromise in the real functionality of a minivan. Quest does not compromise style or performance for functionality. We can take turns similar to our 98 Maxima, strap the kids in the seats without over extending like some of the 3rd rows in the SUV, Bose sounds great, 17" wheels look sporty and the features for price seem to be one of the best.

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  AWESOM - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By AJLNCM - February 24 - 10:00 am

  AWESOME CAR THAT IS EVERYTHING THAT I WOULD EXPECT FOR AN AFFORDABLE FOREGIN AUTOMOBILE.