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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  FUN, FAST AND CHEAP - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Bob KOW - October 1 - 2:00 am

  BADASS RIDE THAT FLOATS AROUND TOWN

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  very luxurious - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By skhan - October 1 - 2:00 am

  This is a very smooth riding car and the gle model has a very luxorious interior and absorbs road bumps very well. This is the best car i have owned since a 95 v6 camry. I actually got rid of a 99 grandprix gt for the camry due to problems with the grandprix.

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  A little advice - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By A little advice - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Do not have a DVD installed after market! Even though there is a flip down slot for the screen built in to the vehicle, the installers cant seem to install it properly so that the screen doesnt rattle around and can be opened at any position. I love the power of this vehicle and the roominess of the back seat. Little squeaks and noices began occuring soon after I bought the vehicle - very annoying for an expensive purchase.

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  moms cool car - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By soccer mamma - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I love this suv! It holds all the kids I need to haul and their drinks!(and their attention with the dvd player!) The safety features are great, and they came standard, you didnt have to pay exrta for third row airbag safety- unlike some suvs in this class. The shape of this car is so neat looking, we get stopped everywhere we go with people asking how we like it. The gas mileage is low, but what did you expect when you buy a truck this big?

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  So far, so good. - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By lbk2228 - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Seems like a great car. Fun to drive and good features. The only draw back is the dealership, we got screwed on the deal - even after doing all of our homework. I guess that is our fault, but it leaves a bad taste in your mouth!

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  Commute Brute - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By d2 - October 1 - 2:00 am

  This truck is a typical Nissan truck. Runs forever, not much power, but will run and run and run. 52,000 miles an no problems. Just gas and oil changes. I kind of neglect the truck, but heck I only paid 13,000 for it. If I can get 6 years out of it with no major repairs and then sell it for 2,500 it is a win win. I like the style and 24 mpg highway.This kind of truck is a must for a homeowner that needs some weekend hauling. They say you can never give up a truck once you have one. Ok off to Home Depot adios,

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  02 X - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By HokieX - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Picked up my Xterra in Aug 03 as a certified used. I have put about 16,000 miles on it since then and have had absolutly no problem with it. Very affordable, low maitenence vehicle. Lots of fun to drive. Rugged truck with the feeling it could go just about anywhere.

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  1 year, 38,000 miles - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By ayroque - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I have had my MO for 1 year and 38,000 and I love it more every day. Have had no real problems.

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  You get what you pay for - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By zehlig - October 1 - 2:00 am

  check engine light goes on. Nissan can not figure out the reason. Car bucks and has bad exhaust smell.

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  Why drive anything else? - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Kit Kat - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I was a little nervous about a driving a vehicle bigger than a car but it is very easy to handle. It didnt take much time to get use to.