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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  Best Car - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Frosty - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I love this car one of the best i have ever driven it is the perfect car for anybody looking for a racing car.

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  Maximas rule - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Maciek - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car used, with 120K miles. Possitives: It is beautiful champagne outside and tan leather/black and wood dash. Bose is great, engine terrific, lots of room front and back, dash layout fantastic. Negatives: Electronics are extremely touchy, had to replace burnt fans for the radiator, HVAC is acting up (sometimes wont blow air) Overall great car. I would buy another one in a heartbeat.

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  Altima SE - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By lito - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Performance is outstanding. I have never driven a used car like this before.

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  Great Car - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By joker - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Altima new in July 01 and have had no problems at all with the car. Rides good, plenty of room, fun to drive and has plenty of pick up for a 4 cylinder. I owned a Honda Civic prior to this and the civic could not even compare to this beauty.

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  If you are thinking of a SUV/Van - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Miles - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I needed a bigger car that is more versitile than a sedan. I have a child with plans for at least another and need more trunk/room. The Nissan Murano drove like a Maxima SUV, very car like with the versatility of a SUV / Van for space and storage. The gas mileage is equivalant to that of a van. It is Japanese, with one of the best V6 engines. I looked at a few vans and the only ones worth considering were japanese and were roughly the same price as the Murano. I think for the price and all the features you get standard if you are looking for a sedan / SUV / Van the Murano has something to offer everyone!

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  350z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By ~mK~ - February 10 - 10:00 am

  OH my goodness this car is soooo awesome. Nissan makes really wonderful car. This car is so smooth and sporty. I was driving 120 it just felt like I was flying. No air noise no bumps... this car is soooo great.

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  I likey :) - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By asHLeiGh - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I love it and I would buy it all over again if i had to. Great price for such an awesome car.

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  One of the Best - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Delores Del Mastro - February 10 - 10:00 am

  This is the 1st vehicle that I ever purchased to my liking. I purchased new cars in the past; but never insisted on certain features as I did with this one.I am 100% happy with this vehicle! Enjoy driving it all the time. Would recommend it to all family & friends!

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  Awsome in every way - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Ls - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Love everything so far!

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  Yearling - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By KP - February 10 - 4:20 am

  Commute about 55miles/day. Had a Toyota Highlander which I loved. Gas creeping up so I looked at the Hybrids. The rebate influenced my decision to buy the Altima. Was worried about how I would enjoy driving it as I loved the Highlander, but the Altima has not disappointed. My commute is a combination of highway and town driving I am averaging 37mpg (the computer) actual is about 2mpg less. This took a year to achieve. Winter dropped to 30 mpg. Zippy, comfortable, the Bose system is disappointing, and its nice to drive a car not an SUV - Winter posed a bit of a problem, will buy snow tires for next year. I live in a very hilly area in CT. Slip control GREAT! The dog loves it too!