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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  3.5 SE nav, leather etc.... - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Edgardo Garcia - March 8 - 5:06 am

  This is my second Altima, I had a 03 before, I used to be a honda man, but when the new 02 model come out it sold me, you get a lot more for your money, with the same reliability of honda and toyota. Test drove the new 07 and I was sold again this time we went for the 3.5 engine with the SE package and cvt tranny, theres a lot of options on this altima that you find on the higher end brans like infinity, Acura, Bmw etc. It just a great car to drive and to look. This is going to be the first car that I could love to write a check for each month.

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  2003 Nissan 350Z - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By an1ny - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I love my Red 350Z. An affordable car that looks,feels,and drives like a sports car.

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  primus - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By primus - March 8 - 2:00 am

  excellent vehicle with great handling and love that four by four when needed.

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  primus - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By primus - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vehicle, good looks and handling very reliable

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  best full size suv i have drove - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By bre - March 8 - 2:00 am

  the pathfinder armada is wonderful you have a lot of space because the seats fold completly in the floor and my kids love the dvd and the power lift gate is great. also with its 305 horsepower gives it a lot of power and it has a smooth drive i just love it.

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  Excellent Car!! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Julio S - March 8 - 2:00 am

  After doing my homework and testing driving the SUV I know there was no other SUV worth considering. Starting price $28,000 and when you compare it to other cars in its league they start at $34,000. Once you drive this SUV it is a no brainer that you should buy it!

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  As good as it gets - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By vegasgal - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I only wish that there was a keyless entry and that the rear windows went down all the way (for the dogs!) We are loving the MURANO!

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  GREAT - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By david fielding - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving for forty years and the murano is best by far.Lots of "PEP" great looking.very comfortable.handles very well.fuel economy satisfactory.In short a joy to drive.

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  My Quest Nightmare! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Sassi - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Very dissappointed! I think its been in the shop as much as its been driven! Entire harness had to be replaced, took 3 months for them to even get one! and that was after I filed a complaint with the BBB. Wouldnt go in park 2 days after I bought it, gear shift came off in service managers hand! Shoved and bruised by sliding door! Im thinking, I should not be hating a van I paid so much money for! Always trusted Nissan until now, they need to replace this van, so I can get the true feeling of it and my moneys worth!

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  It cant be stopped - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Big Jeffry - March 8 - 2:00 am

  The car drives like a magic carpet with 289 horses. And it so stable you would think it was a tank.