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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  the truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Kamooza - September 12 - 10:00 am

  This is a awesome ride and is great on road and off road. this is a all around great truck for the price.

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  Blast to own and drive! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Chad G - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned 6 Nissans now, and this is the most fun yet! Ive had the car for 8 months now, and its been trouble- free. The only issue that Ive had is with the AWFUL Bridgestone tires that Nissan puts on this car-they flat spot, one was out of round and they just plain stink in the snow. Tires aside, I can honestly say I have a blast driving this car EVERY day - Amazing power from this 3.5!

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  Love my Altima!! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Moobaby - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I am in love with my car!! I look forward to getting off of work so that I can take a drive. It has such a nice look to it - both inside and out. My passengers enjoy it too. The back seats are very roomy. The trunk is HUGE! I never had a moment of buyers remorse. I am very happy with my decision.

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  No Inside trunk release - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By SPross - September 12 - 9:52 am

  I bought the basic 2016 model. Im not a bells and whistles kinnda girl and what was standard on the Murano was fine with me. It took a few days before I realized that there is no inside trunk release button. In order to open your trunk, you have to be outside to do it. it isnt a huge issue, but it can be a little inconvenient. There is a button in the other feature package Muranos. I also wish the back seats were able to adjust the angle of the recline. I find them a bit to straight and not a comfortable position for a long ride.

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  SE Value Package is appropriately named - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By KentT - September 12 - 8:20 am

  When my teenager totaled my 2009 Frontier with less than 9000 miles on it, I didnt think twice about replacing it with the exact same spec 2010 -- even the same Radiant Silver. (He walked away with only a bruised shin after sliding into a telephone pole that totaled the vehicle. The safety features, especially the intrusion bars in the doors worked as designed. The Value Truck package is even better value on the 2010, adding the Tow Package to the deal. With the rebate, this is an incredible value for a powerful, tough 4WD truck thats well- equipped and fun to drive. The V6 is simply best-in-class, an incredibly smooth and powerful engine.

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  NISSAN ALTIMA 1997 - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By RUBEN - September 10 - 10:00 am

  PERFORMANCE, PRICE, RELIABILITY, MANUAL

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  awesome car - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By BaBabooey - September 10 - 10:00 am

  the car is great.. this is my 1st car & i am thrilled w/ it. im glad i picked this over the civic - its nicer lookin, more horse & more fun to drive

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  BANG FOR THE BUCK - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By DIBIASE - September 10 - 10:00 am

  i LOVE THIS VEHICLE. ONLY GRIPE IS THE INTERIOR, BUT EVERY CAR HAS SOMETHING TO GRIPE ABOUT, TRUST ME. THE ACCELERATION EVEN ON THE 4 CYLINDER IS VERY LIVELY, I LOVE THE RIDE AND THAT GATED SHIFTER THING LOOKS SO MUCH SWEETER AND SPORTIER THAN THAT OLD REGULAR SHIFTER IN THE CAMRY AND ACCORD. THE ALTIMA REALLY SHINES WITH ANY ALLOY WHEELS, SPOILER AND FOG LIGHTS TO GO WITH IT. PUT SOME TINT AND YOUR ALTIMA WILL BE OFFICIAL.

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  Better have a rocket to pass this car! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Tony Smith - September 10 - 10:00 am

  After owning Toyotas Avalon for seven years and also owned the Toyota Corolla, I hate to admit it but the Nissan Altima out did the Toyota easily. This car puts anything out there to shame! It is the smoothest riding car I have ever owned! Driving this car is like driving a rocket! Love the Bose 6 cd changer sound system along with everything else! Drive this car one time and you will be sold! If you get this car you better have a fat wallet so you can pay for all the personal invitation to the policeman ball!

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  New truck - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By rich - September 10 - 2:50 am

  Truck well thought out, good use of storage spaces -under seats, wheel well, side pockets etc. Very comfortable to drive, well built! Decent gas mileage - best truck I have ever driven and I have owned a lot.