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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  great car for the buck - 2009 Nissan Sentra
  By fieldgeneral - March 29 - 5:33 pm

  Midyear model in midnight sky was the car I wanted after reviewing everything I could about the nissan vs.mazda3,honda civic and toyota corolla. Had it two weeks now and very happy about choice. Great price too(rebates from dealer and nissan to dealer in addition to 4500 cars voucher) made it a no brainer. Interior comfort and roominess was best of the group. I am 62" and interior size was important. Great acceleration and smooth,seamless transmission, Handling is pretty good and quiet for a small car. The only negative comments I can make is the oddly shaped rearview mirrors and security alarm going off when unlocking trunk without unlocking doors first. Otherwise s solid choice.

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  try it,youll like it - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By philip eid - March 28 - 4:46 am

  it is the most dependable car Ive ever ouned

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  09 Maxima... SWEET! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By T Hart - March 28 - 2:30 am

  My wife and I just picked-up our Winter Frost, Maxima SV, w/Sport pkg. Its the first Nissan weve owned, and we couldnt be more pleased. I would HIGHLY recommend the Sport pkg. as it adds eye-popping 19in. rims, a spoiler, and fog lights, among several other amenities. It seems trivial, but Id also recommend mud flaps as they add an extra piece of trim just behind the front & rear tires. (These arent you dads Pontiac Camero mud flaps.) Nissan engineers pulled-out the stops from the remarkably smooth CVT to the telescopic steering wheel and well-appointed leather interior. The driving experience feels like youre in an F-14 cockpit and the exterior has the lines of a GS 400.

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  What a nice surprise - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Jeff - March 26 - 11:03 pm

  This is most beautiful and amazing car I have ever owned in that it didnt cost a mint. Forget a Lexus or Infiniti. This is a luxury car in almost every since of the word. Its large enough for my 66" and 280lb frame. I could use a little more room, but what car wouldnt I need more room. I have the Satin White, and boy does it get noticed. The tan leather interior looks like your average $40,000 plus luxury car. It flies for a four banger. It only requires 87 octane gasoline. Its sister V6 model requires 89 or higher. That was a major selling point in and of itself. Just pure joy to drive. Go out and get one.

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  Was gonna buy a Honda..... - 2015 Nissan Quest
  By jim - March 26 - 12:37 pm

  Fold flat seats without removing second row seats was key in purchase decision of my 2015 SL Quest. Just have 2,000 miles on it now. I traded a 2011 Chrysler Town & Country--- fold flat seats without removing second row---but folding third and second row was kinda pain in the back. With Quest, after folding seats, I still have a cargo/grocery hold area--nice! Has overall less cargo room than Odessy or T&C but folds much easier and unless you haul loose peanuts and need every square inch, the space is plenty for my wife to use as a weekend garage sale cargo van. CVT transmission shifts smooth (I know--no gears) and has good power and passing capability. Gear shift lever blocks view of radio on/off knob and some other controls. Would like to see power outlet for cell phone chargers in second row, multiple info on display (outside temp, ave MPG and distance to empty would be one combo I would use) and remote start option. Havent seen 27 MPG; 20-22 average is what I get. Checked customer reviews on Honda, Toyota, KIA, Town & Country---that made me decide for the Nissan. I definitely needed a van for 7 people as I have 9 grandchildren and 6 children. All said; very happy.

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  New van for the grandkids - 2008 Nissan Quest
  By ronosa - March 26 - 10:26 am

  We have 6 grandkids so Mamaw decided she wanted a new minivan. We got the Quest. I love the features, the ease of operating the features particularly the electric sliding door and power liftgate. The front and rear air is a real blessing and I love the fact the antenna is in the rear glass. I wish satellite radio had been included instead of an add on. The only thing is the trip feature says we are only getting about 19.3 per gallon at the moment. I hope its lying. This is the only thing I would not like about this van. I would buy another in a heartbeat.

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  Maxima platinum - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By Rhonda Massa - March 25 - 12:23 pm

  I looked for a sporty car that wouldnt break the bank for about 6 months. I finally found the maxima platinum and I LOVE it!

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  Maxima platinum - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By Rhonda Massa - March 25 - 12:23 pm

  I looked for a sporty car that wouldnt break the bank for about 6 months. I finally found the maxima platinum and I LOVE it!

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  Maxima platinum - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By Rhonda Massa - March 25 - 12:23 pm

  I looked for a sporty car that wouldnt break the bank for about 6 months. I finally found the maxima platinum and I LOVE it!

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  Awsome Truck - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By JoNaThAn - March 25 - 10:00 am

  This is a awsome truck that is big and can haul around a lot of stuff. IT has big tires and has good ground clearance so a teen as myself can go over things and not mess anything up!!