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 Altima: Top of the Class" - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By johnnycash - December 9 - 2:03 pm

  Before I purchased the Altima I test drove 5 different vehicles, Hyundai Sonata, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Saturn Aura, and the Ford Fusion. The Altima was the best ride, quite with sufficent power. I purchased the Altima Sedan 2.5S automatic with CVT. The exterior is sporty but not overdone. The interior is spacious even for myself at 6ft. 3in. The car is great on gas, city and highway, 25-34. I did not get any extra packages, since the car is already pretty equipped. Well worth the price. I liked it better all around than the other vehicles I mentioned previously.

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  One Great SUV - Sweeet!!! - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By RCA - December 8 - 5:56 pm

  I love my new Xterra SE! The overall package is a great value (with the rebates), and the design, and quality fit & finish are exceptional. The sporty sound betrays the power and performance, and the ride & handling are outstanding - refined, responsive ride & handling, without any vibrations or rattles. The interior is spacious, and comfortable, and the Rockford-Fosgate Audio system rocks! Fuel economy could be better, but itÂ’s still good at an overall average of 20 mpg. Consumer Reports reports great reliability. Sure, IÂ’d like leather, an automatic climate control system, automatic head lights, 6-way power seats, fully carpeted rear cargo area, etc., but those arent "deal-breakers."

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  Great Truck! - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By libby - December 8 - 7:53 am

  I use it to tow a horse trailer and 2 horses around. I love it! It tows easily and I can bring a bunch of people with me to the horse shows because the interior is so spacious.

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  Great SUV, More bang for the $$$ - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By A Alejandro - December 8 - 2:46 am

  After switching from our 03 Pathfinder LE we found the 05 to be boxier in shape which takes some time to get used to. But the third row and the added sq footage is sure a blessing for thing like a stroller w/ groceries and other small items. It actually sit higher than the older Pathy but the feel and quality of the new one is better than previous. The power delivery is smooth and strong. Though some have noted the engine noise, this is a refined work- horse vehicle. As for the mileage the 05 LE is actually has better milage than out 03 LE. Since our Pathy was finished being built on the end of March I have not noticed the rattle and imperfections some have noted. Possibly they have fix it. :)

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  I definately recommend the Spec V - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By ewraven - December 7 - 2:06 am

  Ive got 5500 miles on it so far. Its been a really good car. Very fun to drive. The rear end likes to slide; but, its nothing a better set of tires wouldnt fix. Seats are perfect. I took a 2000 mile trip and didnt have any sore spots. Shifter gets bad reviews; but, I got used to it very quickly. Only option I didnt get was the ABS/Side Airbags. I wish I had gotten the ABS, those wide tires like to slide on wet blacktop streets.

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  Big Bois Review - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Big Boi - December 6 - 10:00 am

  this car has everything you want in a sport sedan. speed, acceleration, great suspension and amzing looks

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  The Armada has landed - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Squidhead - December 6 - 10:00 am

  Some of the seat controls seem to stick at times, but I appreciate the versatility of the seat transformations. The cooler console on the LE does not seem especially well thought through, the one I looked at was smallish on the inside, and the attaching clip had already been broken.

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  Too bad its not American - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By mottis54 - December 6 - 10:00 am

  While looking for a new car I knew that I wanted something that would move when I wanted it to. After looking for countless hours of searching through all of the auto makers in the +/-$15K range it came down to the final three. The Honda Civic was a front runner. I was impressed with the handling Honda boasts, however I see so many Civics on the road I want to barf. The Nissan Sentra took the prize at the end. From the moment I drove the car I knew it was a 4 cylonder engine, but with the soul of a V6. I am not one for racing at every stop light, but I do enjoy driving a car with good preformance and handling and the Sentra does that well.

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  EXCELLLENT - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By JRBBC918 - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I thikn this is a greta car

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  Maximum entertainment - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Fish78 - December 6 - 10:00 am

  A fun car to drive. Great powertrain, acceleration and handling are terrific. Bought for my wife who is not into cars and she loves it.