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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  Maximum compromise - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Dan - February 9 - 10:43 am

  The Altima Hybrid was more my wifeÂ’s insistence than my desire. Was I surprised, the style is really nice, the room is surprising, I can now easily put in the two car seats in the back seat for my grand children. The pickup was very impressive; the hybrid 2.5 has approximately 50 more horse power than the standard 2.5.I spend considerable time driving in Boston and Worcester, so city driving for me is considerable, I average about 34 mpg city, and Of course IÂ’m always playing to keep in the EV modeÂ… I own a rather large pickup truck for hauling my boat. I truly feel this vehicle sort of balances out my gas situation. I have owned this vehicle for 8 months and it keeps impressing me.

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  The Best in Its Class - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Happy Owner - February 9 - 5:23 am

  A joy to drive on CA expressways and country roads. Quick acceleration and handling tops.

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  Awesome car - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Chris - February 8 - 9:03 pm

  I intended to buy a Altima coupe, after driving a coupe for 4 years. After sitting in the coupe and seeing that I probably couldnt get my golf bag to fit in that trunk, I made the decision to go with the sedan instead. Best decision! The Altima 3.5 SL sedan is absolutely amazing. Its loaded with every possible option under the sun. The ride is quiet, and the transmission is an engineering marvel. Extremely powerful and fuel efficient, and best of all it has a very sporty look. I like the blonde leather, and it spells class with just enough touch of the wood trim. This car lives up to the hype, and then some.

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  Best you can buy for the money - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Chicago - February 8 - 3:16 pm

  Forget for a moment that this SUV just looks cool, forget that you can get a completely loaded LE for about 5k less than a 4Runner w/o DVD and NAV. And just focus on the fact that this machine is fun to drive. I traded in my G35 for something that would handle better and the snow. I thought I would be giving up comfort and performance but that was not the case. This SUV has incredible pick up for a standard engine, very comfortable seats and loads of features (STANDARD!!!) With so much to chose from I was becoming overloaded with info, but when it came down to it - Price, Quality, Performance and Design all came in one package - the Pathfinder. Im thrilled with this purchase.

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  2006 Titan - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By c wood - February 8 - 2:16 pm

  Very pleased with the purchase of my 2006 titan. This vehicle is a pleasure to drive. It is apparent a lot of thought and research went into the design of the this functional as well as pratical vehicle. I am not equally as pleased with my servicing nissan dealership. I hope R Nissan located in Edgewood Maryland is an exception to all other dealership.

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  Best Looking Murano Platinum I have ever seen! - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By Anna H. - February 6 - 8:25 pm

  I traded in a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder with only 20,000 miles on it for this vehicle. I just love it. It is beautiful, has all the bells and whistles, and I am very pleased with it. This is my third Murano, and the one I love the best. It will brake for me, let me know what is in my blind spot, and let me know if I cross the line and am partly in another lane. It has all-around cameras, and everything I would want in a vehicle. I think I will hold on this one for a while

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  Love this Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Chuck A. - February 5 - 2:13 pm

  Ive had my 2.5S for 5+ months now, and am extremely pleased with it. Ive taken it to Syracuse NY and Cape Cod, MA (I live in northern NJ), and once got 34 mpg! For a car this size, the 2.5L four cylinder engine is very peppy. The ride is smooth, and, so far, the interior is free of squeaks on bumps. The trunk is huge. Those who have sat in the back seat compliment me on the ample legroom they have. All in all, I am very, very happy with this Nissan.

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  Retired - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Geza S. Kovacs - February 5 - 1:26 pm

  Funn and safe vehicle to drive. True value is in winter, driving in the snow.

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  Great little car - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Kelly - February 5 - 11:50 am

  I looked at the Versa, the Fit and the Yaris, and for me this was the best of the three for several reasons including available features, safety rating, performance and roominess. CVT was a plus, as well as the larger gas tank size. Its fun to drive and cute to look at. It looks and feels a lot more expensive than the sticker price. It gets loud when accelerating to higher speeds, but once speed is achieved, the ride is smooth and quite. Wish ABS was available without adding additional equipment. For mixed highway/city driving I get about 32 mpg, and thats improving each time I fill up. Its a great commuter car thats easy on the budget, well designed and one of the best in its class.

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  I like it! - 2002 Nissan Quest
  By ScottChase - February 5 - 7:43 am

  Enjoy driving this much more than I enjoyed my Ford van.