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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  Z HOT E - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By ELIZABETH SALAZAR - November 4 - 2:00 am

  IT IS A GREAT VEHICLE, PERFORMANCE AND SPEED IS EXCELLENT, OUT OF THE DEALER. FOR THOSE THAT LIKE OPTIONS, THEY ARE AVAILABLE. THE BEST PART IS THE PRICE, YOU GET AN AWESOME CAR FOR A REASONABLE PRICE.

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  my car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Amanda Ardese - November 4 - 2:00 am

  It is a fun good car with alot of good qualities.

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  2004 nissan maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By emt168 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  The nissan product is the best, Ive owned nissans for16 years and my new maxima is the best for the money. Dealing with Peruzzi was a great expierience

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  yes - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By rob nielsen - November 3 - 6:26 pm

  that was the most awesome machine I have ever set foot in. this blows the elise away in every way, then when you pop the top...wow!!!

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  Impressive and Satisfied - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Melinda - November 2 - 6:00 pm

  This car is incredible. More than I expected. Been eying it for two years, finally bought it. The ride is amazing, the pick-up is unbelievable, and the comfort/feel is impressive - it "feels" sturdy/dependable. I just love it.

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  Maxima - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By aliasabc - November 2 - 10:00 am

  Fun car to drive even for a family man

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  Carlike drive/Truck like look - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Booosh - November 2 - 10:00 am

  Just recently purchased the vehicle. Compared it against the Toyota 4Runner and Highlander. No comparison in my mind. You get more for your money with the Pathfinder, and especially in the month of April; Nissan is offering 3.9% financing plus $1000 cash back. Best deal Ive seen in years. Got both the POP and Sunroof pkgs and when it was all said in done I only paid $250 above invoice. Those two packages in other makes/models would run the price from $2000-$3000 more than a Pathfinder. I love it, you will too.

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  farro - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By farro - November 2 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. It is fast, comfortable and it turns heads. I have gotten so many complements for it.

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  Great Mechanical Engineering - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Ricky Kaizedo - November 1 - 12:00 am

  One of a kind. Reliable engine and great ride and confort.

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  Love my Maxima! - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By wes95 - October 31 - 11:10 pm

  I purchased my 1996 Maxima GXE used in 2000 with 80,000 miles. Just recently crashed due to snowy weather with 226,000 miles on it. She would have kept going, an awesome car! I have been strict with maintenance through my local Nissan dealer from the start. Oil changes through 30K mile check-ups. I just replaced the exhaust two days before the accident due to rust and a small hole starting. Biggest expense I would say was to replace the oxygen sensors. No problems with the engine or transmission, still going strong till the day she died. Only things I would have liked to see improve would be the interior quality, the drivers side carpet wore out quickly. Good and long-lasting car.