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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  Quirky and Cute. Love it! - 2010 Nissan Cube
  By Ra - February 5 - 1:00 am

  Ive loved my cube since I picked it up from the dealership. I was originally interested in the similar Versa, but I couldnt get the cube out of my head and when I compared them side by side and discovered they were much the same, my decision was made. Driving it is a blast. Its easy to drive, control is good. The interior is surprisingly roomy for a car of its size. It does get some funny looks driving down the road, but I cant say I mind. The audio quality is really good for a car in this price range. I love the standard iPod and Bluetooth integration. Ive had my cube for about two months now, and Im completely in love with it! (mileage is just an estimate)

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  The Greatest of the Great 350z - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Bells ARE RINGING - February 4 - 10:00 am

  The turning power! I LOVE IT! sHE HUGS THE CORNERS

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  Great car at a great price - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By whudiz - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2002 Nissan Sentra XE in April 03 used with 11,000 miles on it from a dealer. I really love the car. It drives great and is very comfortable. I drove it to New York and it was a very comfortable ride. It also handle the tough New York streets beautifuly. I heard this car was good but I didnt think I would get such a wonderful car for a good price. Its basic, no power windows or locks but it does have AC, CD, and AM/FM. Basically, it has everything that I need and nothing that I dont. :-)

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  Great Car - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Maganga - February 4 - 10:00 am

  At 58000 miles the car is great. Never been to a delear for repair.

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  Nissan Xterra - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By vbxterr - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I Find the Xterra is fun to drive. It outclimbs most other cars on the hills and find the it is a very smooth ride on the freeways... I find one piece of equipment missing in the vehicle though and that would be an oil pressure gauge.. I would much prefer this to the standard idiot light that usually tells you when it is too late. The service through the dealer has been outstanding too. I would buy another one if I ever need too. But I feel that my xterra and I will be together for a long time...

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  GOOD CAR - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By RAYDAL - February 4 - 10:00 am

  EVERYTHING IS WHAT I EXPECTED I ADDED A SLOILER AND BRA TO DRESS THE CAR UP A BIT

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  quest se - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By jb2 - February 4 - 10:00 am

  just took a 700 mile trip,loved the navigation system. the van was quiet smooth and comfortable. our gas mileage was in the low 20s driving near 80 mph. we have had no squeaks, rattles or problems. (1800 miles). The controls require a few days to become second nature, and everything is simple and easy to reach.

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  Not just a new standard, a new approach! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By FenderDen - February 4 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I bought an 01 Olds Silouhette becasue of the free extra warranty coverage and the extra level of appointments at a mid-range price. After spending some time looking around for a replacement (we were going to wait for aug 04), we looked at the Odyessy (boring), Windstar (soon the be freestar) - sorry its a Ford product and we dont do Fords anymore, and we even looked at the VW van thingy eh yeah if thats what it is... Enter the Nissan. Now I am not one to get excited over a Minivan (we but it because of necessity of having 3 children) but wow! This thing has a new approach to family moving.

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  mid-life crisis - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By buck81 - February 4 - 10:00 am

  when my oldest child turned 16 and could drive the other two, it was time to turn in the 5 series bmw and go back to a two seater. its fast, fun and always gets a comment, even at gas stations. im enjoying it but my 46 year old back is telling me im not a kid anymore! it is rough on the back but all in all, not a bad trade off for all the positives of ownership.

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  Love My Sentra SL - 2013 Nissan Sentra
  By pgh1559 - February 4 - 6:31 am

  I purchased my Sentra 2 months ago and have 5200 miles on it. I traded a 2012 Rogue for it, because I got extremely poor gas mileage one the Rogue. I am averaging approximately 33 miles per gallon around town (that is me figuring out the mileage when I fill up). I dont know how the person who is only getting around 300 miles per a tank is driving, but I have never gotten less than 350 per a tank and that was in the beginning. I got the Leather Pkg, The Premium Pkg, and the Technology Pkg. I actually had a 2009 Altima also, and I like this car better, to me the front seat is very comfortable, I was worried since it was not power. I would highly recommend this car.