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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  Showing a little age - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By James - January 13 - 1:53 am

  Just hit 57,000 miles. Replaced the original tires with Nittos. Great tire and highly recommended. Had the fuel sensor go out about 5,000 ago. $800 repair. The drivers side window went out 500 miles ago. Other than that I am pleased. 28-30 mpg on highway road trips and no other problems (fingers crossed).

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  Great SUV - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By yan Cociani - January 12 - 5:18 pm

  I bought this SUV almost a month ago. I love it. Better than some of the luxury cars.

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  Nothing less than excellent - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Sesan - January 12 - 2:13 pm

  No doubt the 2005 Nissan Maxima is a car to be proud of. It gives you almost all you can ask for in a luxury sedan.The ride is so smooth that I want to drive it everywhere.I tried the Acura TL but it didnt give the kind of performance the Maxima gave.

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  Ausome Vehicle!!! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Balywick - January 12 - 10:00 am

  After much research and test driving of several large and mid-size SUVs, our family decided to purchase the Armada. Absolutely no regrets!! After our initial trip through the mountains, we couldnt be happier! The Armada handles very well and is fun to drive. The kids have plenty of room and the vehicle looks great both on the inside and outside. Also, the BOSE stereo system Rocks!! While I bought this vehicle mainly for my wife to cart around the kids, Ill try to sneak in a few drives myself!! If youre looking for a big brut that the whole family will enjoy, this is the one!!

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  A Total Dream - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By xanpeter - January 12 - 10:00 am

  As a retired couple, we hesitated on whether we needed such a large vehicle. However, the ease of getting in and out almost sold it to us on the spot. The road handling is fantastic, the comfort superb, and the power impressive. Not for one second have we had any regret about this purchase- our fourth straight Nissan.

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  Awsome Power - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Casey Campfield - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Power, performance, comfort, and rugged good looks make this vehicle a real pleasure to drive. I look forward to it every day. The reliability of Nissan vehicles is second to none. This is my third Nissan over the last 23 years. You could count the number of mechanical failures I have had on them on one hands fingers.

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  Loads better than the Avalon - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By ron oliver - January 12 - 10:00 am

  My wife has had a 2000 maxima SEL...had it for 4 and half years..milage was just a tad over 38000..She has been wanting a gold color Avalon. To me the Avalon is a nice car with good history..but dull..dull..dull...and I talked her into getting another maxima, with the color she wanted and at a better price than the dull avalon...i like it..she will learn to like it...Its a lot more car for the money, and lots more fun to drive..now..lets just hope my wife is as convinced as I am...thank you...ron oliver

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  Awesome car! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By STLCARDS - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Although the name on the back says Altima, this car ranks up there with the Acura TL, BMW 325, Infiniti G35 and the Maxima and for thousands less! I should know becuase I drove each of those cars before driving the Altima. I couldnt justify spending thousands more for less car. Unbelievable power from the 3.5 V6 and exterior styling is outstanding. You will definitly pay the price at the gas pump when deploying all that power. When driven aggressivley this car sucks the gas. I bought the 3.5 with navigation for $1,500 under invoice. I couldnt pass it up. Had some concerns initially about this being a "chick" car, but those concerns went away the min

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  Nissan 2004/05 - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Side69 - January 12 - 10:00 am

  The 2005 Altima is a great car. I would recomend it to the people. I and my husband have gotten a lot of compliments on it on how it looks like a Sharp car not only reliable! I enjoy driving it, its a quiet ride!

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  Old Reliable - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By gotaku - January 12 - 8:50 am

  Traded it in on a new 08 Altima last week. My 01 played a large role in my deciding to stay with Nissan. If youre looking for a rock-solid, reliable, and fun to drive used sedan, the Altima SE is one of the best. No major problems, just some small niggles (described below), every car has them. Very comfortable, fuel efficient (30 mpg on the highway, at least), great around town and for long-distance cruising. If you enjoy the act of driving, dont bother with the GXE or GLE... the SE is the way to go. It may not be the quickest in a straight line, but itll surprise you in the twisties. Overall, I was very happy with the car, kinda hated to see it go. Highly recommended.