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 best of the best - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Happy PF Owner - July 9 - 10:00 am

  Traded my lousy ML320 for a new Pathfinder and love it. This is the best SUV out there and for the price. Ive looked at them all, and the only comparison would be a BMW X5. Save the money on an Infiniti and consider the Pathfinder. Same thing.

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  POCKET ROCKET - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By NissanSER - July 9 - 10:00 am

  This car is the best bang for the buck out there. I have raced and beaten the following in my $16K SpecV: Audi A4 1.8T/2.6, V6 Mustang, most Mercedes Benz, Acura RSX, Acura Integra GSR, VW GTI 1.8T/2.6, VW Beetles, Neon R/T, Chevy Z24, BMW 323/325/328, Ford f150, etc. etc. etc. the list goes on and on. This car looks like an econobox but flies like an M3. You dont see too many on the road. HONDA BEWARE!

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  own - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By vik - July 9 - 10:00 am

  great all features good drive good handle around curves good acceleration speed tight curves big breates

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  Great Car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By msears - July 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 2002 Nissan Altima, 5 spd, leather, moon roof, spoiler, wood trim, 3.5L. This is a great car. It is very well built and is the bset car I have ever owned (and I have owned a lot). I had a problem with my fuel pump however Nissan fixed it right away. Dont think though you can skimp on less than 92 octane gas. The car runs much poorer with anything less.

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  Best Z Yet - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Cains10 - July 9 - 4:03 am

  The 2004 350Z Roadster is the best, sportiest, most entertaining car ever. The fun factor makes the car a bargain. It turns heads wherever you go. People stop to talk and I’m happy to give my opinion, which is terrific. It gets good gas mileage. Driving for 3-4 hours with the top down at speed is a pleasure. The re-tuned suspension is much better than the ’03 coupe I traded in on the roadster. So is the Bose stereo. Buy this car.

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  nissan 3,5 altima all purpose - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By eight ball champ - July 8 - 8:36 pm

  ive had my car for seven years now and no problems at all ,people that dont like the interior must be really spoiled mine has leather and bose sterio and it is just great I had acura TL and it wasnt as nice as my altima , the power is great especially when your already going thirty to Sixty MHP it gets up and goes .

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  Nissan Sentra 96 - 1996 Nissan Sentra
  By Monica Garcia - July 8 - 2:50 pm

  I depend on this car for local traveling and far traveling. It has been a great car and I will get another Nissan Sentra. My mom has a Nissan Sentra Limited edition and it has been great too. My brother just got another Nissan Sentra 2001 and he is very happy as well.

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  Altimas Look "fine" - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Dennis - July 8 - 12:40 pm

  I bought this used at 61,000 miles and I love the look of my loaded Altima. Its an SE so its great on corners and holding the road. The car looks great! However, It has draw backs with ride and mechanicals. I had a clunking under the hood and I tried to find anything that would make the same noise when I went down the road. I found so much plastic that rattled. Thought for sure Id cure it. But no. It ended up being the strut. Now, 10,000 miles later the left strut is clunking. I also had the brake pedal stick during the winter and the brake lights stayed on and I was stranded with a dead battery. The car is all show. Not a car for a non-mechanical person.

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  great suv - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By richone - July 7 - 11:33 pm

  Its got great power for me. Great comfort and gas mileage 25.5 on highway. And fun to drive, no problems so far. Just under 3000 miles

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  MAXAMILLION - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By MSJOE143 - July 7 - 9:36 pm

  I love my 2008 Maxima. I went to the dealership to see the Maxima and check out the 2009 Murano - I was not impressed with the Murano, very tight in the cabin. Max is spacious, beautiful, reliable and I love to drive him. Hit the gas and this baby really goes, brakes are amazing. I have no complaints about this car. Not going to complain about the gas because you have to remember its a V6 with plenty of horsepower. From what I see, I like the 2009 Max, so I just might have to trade my baby in for an infant. None-the-less the car is great! Highly recommended.