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:

• 

  Spec- tacular SER - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By mpolo66 - August 23 - 10:00 am

  4 Dr Econo M3... Great build quality. Livable sports sedan. Lives up to the old Sentra SER with a much fresher look and, feel. Handles like my Integra GSR with less lean.

• 

  Beats the competitors hands down! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By 2w05thletes - August 23 - 1:53 am

  I researched the mid-size sedan market for months. The Accord, Camry, Fusion, Mazda 6, and Sonata. The Altima is a cut above the rest. The exterior design is beautiful, and the interior is sharp and crisp. I have 2 little boys both in car seats and they fit perfectly in the back seat without feeling cramped. Fuel economy is as advertised if not a tad better. Im averaging 31MPG, mostly HWY but some city. I LOVE the CVT. Nissan did an incredible job with it. Its smooth and the manual option is a fun bonus when I feel like it. The ride is smooth and surprisingly quiet. Trunk is HUGE, only complaint there being the hinges. Plenty of cupholders including an adjustable one. 5 Stars!

• 

  Best crossover all things considered - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Peter Zeff - August 22 - 7:40 am

  We considered many SUVs and narrowed our choice down to Toyota Highlander and RAV4, Honda CV-R, Subaru Forester, and Nissan Rogue. The Murano has by far the best styling inside and out. The size was slightly bigger than it appears so it is not quite as nimble as some of the smaller offerings. We did not want either a sunroof or third row seating and this is one vehicle where you dont have to pay for those options and you can actually find in dealer inventory. We recently took it on a 400 mile trip and found it to be extremely quiet and comfortable. It seems to be getting good mileage about what the EPA estimate suggests. All things considered I think of it as a "poor mans" Lexus RX 350.

• 

  NISSAN MAXIMA 2005 - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By LUIS SERRAS - August 22 - 3:40 am

  Performace:Very powerfull driving:Smooth drive low engine noise interior:Nice design every thing is in your hands perfect driver front view exterior:Agressive sedan look

• 

  impressive car - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By WER - August 21 - 1:40 pm

  I had initial doubts about it. But, seeing is different than driving - it is quite roomy from inside, performs very well in city and high way. I love this rounded cube!

• 

  I LOVE my COUPE!!! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By JessInFL - August 21 - 7:53 am

  I bought my Azure Blue premium package coupe on Friday and I am in love with this car. I went from a V6 down to the 4 cylinder but this car has plenty of power. The ride is so smooth. I havent seen one in my area yet but I know a few have been sold. I was actually looking at my car at the same time as 2 other people. There are so few on the lots you can get into a war trying to get yours. At this point I love everything about this car. The features in the premium package are great. The dual air conditioners work well since I am always cold when my husband is burning up. The stereo (Bose) has great sound quality. The seats are very comfortable.

• 

  Love my car! - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By susan - August 21 - 3:30 am

  I live in the mountains of north georgia and it drives great!! It is fun to drive and I love it!

• 

  EX-Car Salesman - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By EX-CAR Salesman - August 20 - 5:23 am

  After selling KIAs for about a year, my wife and I decided to purchase a new car for our new beginning family, I researched all vehicles, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Ford, Hyundai, KIA, Chevy, etc. We fell in love with this one and purchased the Blue tooth, I have never been happier in my life, it has helped especially having a one year old son. Great handling and speed, we feel safe in the car, I would highly recommend this car, and I had a 1995 Nissan Altima with 224,000 Miles and traded it in, Nissan makes a great car, although it could use a better warranty like a KIA or Hyundai. Its safe reliable, and it has the most turn and interior room of its class!

• 

  First Nissan - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Doyle - August 19 - 10:21 am

  I traded a Chevy Tahoe in for my Maxima Platinum. This is the first car I have owned since high school (I am 68). I am very impressed with this car. Believe me I did a lot of research and drove several vehicles before buying this car. I actually went to the dealer to look at a smaller suv, when I saw the Maxima I was really impressed with the body style and all the features on the Maxima Platinum. One of my main concerns was road noise, I told the salesman that if the car had road noise I was not interested. After driving, I was completely sold on this car. For the price, you will not find a classier sedan.

• 

  yowzaa!!! - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By socal4now - August 19 - 10:00 am

  this is the best sports car for the money ive ever owned. FANTASTIC. I have a 2004 touring model and plan on keeping it for a good long time. Harsh ride? Not so much. And hey, Its a sports car!! Thank you Nissan for bringing the Z back--better than ever.