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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  Pretty Cool! - 2011 Nissan Cube
  By gonzalez101306 - February 13 - 11:23 am

  I have only had this a week and I really like it I dont see to many on the street so I feel like I have a unique advantage. My favorite is bluetooth and I like the color

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  Lovin it - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By daarell - February 11 - 5:20 pm

  I own one a 2005. I love it very good car and reliable. I think nissan even made it look more sporty.

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  Great Choice - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By dalo - February 11 - 1:43 pm

  NISMO 4WD CC Sunroof plg, Off Road pkg, Radio pkg. Pros Rides taunt. Steering is very true. Handles Northeast weather and roads very well. Fit and finish are pretty nice. Room for 4. Rockford radio sound is very good. Controls are easy to use. Very happy with choice. Cons Needs driver armrest. Rubber floor mats instead of carpet. Havent calculated mpg yet.

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  Best van choice - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By BOB - February 11 - 11:30 am

  Evrything is wonderful. More helpful items than expected when purchasing. Love the lights inside at night. The remotes are awsome. Auto doors,auto lighting,displays are incredible. This is my 3rd van. Last two 350000 miles and 246000 miles. But this one is the most appreciated on interior design and overall appearance.Im proud to drive it.

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  Perfect blend of MPG, ride, room, looks - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By PalosVerdes - February 11 - 11:06 am

  Perfect. More room, power, fun to drive, and literally bang for the buck than the other Hybrids (Camry, Civic, Prius). With its five star crash ratings, my wife and I feel just as safe as in our Mercedes which we now leave parked in the garage. I have let Civic and Prius owners drive my Altima and they were surprised by the power and handling.

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  Great car - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Chris Chiarenza - February 10 - 2:36 pm

  Good value vs. other cars in this genre

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  Great car - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Chris Chiarenza - February 10 - 2:33 pm

  Good value vs. other cars in this genre

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  Simply awesome - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By Black Night Z - February 10 - 10:23 am

  Had this beautiful pearl black since October of last year, and every minute is a thrill and half. I am almost saddened when I have to turn off the engine, because the power, handling, and performance is simply breath taking. when you get a hold of the 306 ponies, you are gone. It is worth every penny compared to those high end sports car. I love the compliments and everything this beast has to offer, almost traded my wife for it, I love it so much. (Kidding).

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  Damn Good truck - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By jonathan - February 10 - 10:00 am

  This is an awsome truck, everything is great the front seats are very comfortable, the only problem is the back seat is not exactly meant for huge adults but hey for me its just there so i can throw things on it, the truck bed has a lot of room and wow this thing tows a preety big load and hauls a preety big load without even breaking a sweat on my way to 90 mph on the freeway, lol this is a great truck

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  Functional and Affordable - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By MGutierrez - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2002 Frontier Desert Runner because it fits my needs for my lifestyle. Having the 2 seats in the KingCab has been perfect for traveling with my 3 girls, as they have plenty of room. I use my truck quite often for work, loading it with heavy items, and its great for a trip up to the mountains as it has plenty of power. I suggest a frontier to everyone!