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:

• 

  Try one Yourself - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By BOB - January 24 - 10:56 am

  This Nissan Altima is the #rd one that i have had and have driven them all over 100K before upgrading to the newer models. This one has been better than the rest but overall they are great vehicles with an awesome engine, Never have had an engine issue.

• 

  DZ - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Dan Zeiders - January 24 - 10:13 am

  This car is incredible. I grew up with the Z car and this is a great addition to the improving line from Nissan. Without even pushing the car, I have come to respect what it can really do. This is not made for going through the drive thru or strapping on a bike rack, it simply performs. Young kids today buy cheap cars and sink money into them that only makes them sound horrible. This car sounds great and blows all the little tin cans away.

• 

  Ultimate Tow Maching Machine - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By bytes4u - January 23 - 11:26 pm

  Hands Down Nissan. Test drove dodge, chevy (had a ford 4x4 Expedition not AGAIN) I went from a 525i 2003 BMW to this truck and so far since the biggest factor was to tow a boat and that she does!!! Nissans truck will be a BIG HIT in the fishing world !!! All the magazines have ruled it the boat warrier haulers! What a ride and great sound system?

• 

  Awesome Nissan - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By denvern - January 22 - 4:16 pm

  This is an awesome car. It looks amazing, has LOTS of power and gets great mileage. Ive always been a Nissan fan and imo an excellent alternative to the Camry and Accord.

• 

  We love this truck - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Steve S - January 22 - 3:33 pm

  My wife and I loved our Town & Country but wanted to go SUV. I compared just about everything on the market and nothing came close to the Armada for the money. We now have 8K miles and not a flaw. I cant get my wife out of the truck now. I wonder why everyone in the market for a large SUV isnt buying it. Rode in the backseat of a friends Durango. Uggghhh.

• 

  xxxterra - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By momofteen - January 22 - 12:36 pm

  Has been great! Got 100,000+ on brakes. At @ 120,000 had one caliper replaced. Has been very reliable. Still looks good. No complaints.

• 

  15,000 miles - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Slicer - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I have put 15K on this car so far. I enjoy it more the more I drive it. My last tank got 19.6 in city. Usually get 23 on Hwy. The ride is harsh in the SE version but the trade off is a great sports-car like driving experience. Highway driving is the best due to the sports suspension. The power is a little weak off the mark but builds up good momentum and has pleanty of Highway power. Great overall vehicle.

• 

  Great MPG - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Big Ben - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I Have owned and driven many different vehicles, and the Murano is definitly the best bang for the buck! All these people complaining about MPG are looking at the onboard computer and not considering thier idling time or their driving habits. If you set the cruise at 60 you will see 24-25 mpg as I do every day!I get19-20 around town too! But If "I step on it" it goes down quick. I love the handling on the SE much better than the SL as I tend to "cruise along quickly". Wife loves it so much she say she is getting the 2005 when it comes out!

• 

  I finally got a - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By SKS - January 22 - 2:00 am

  After wanting a 240Z back in the 70s, I finally got one, a gift for my 25th wedding anniversary from my husband. The 2004 version of my 70s dream car was definitely worth waiting form. I love it.

• 

  tw - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By tony W - January 22 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT CAR, SOME OF THE INTERIOR PARTS ARE POORLY DESIGNED AND CHEAP PLASTIC AND VERY FLIMSY