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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  Happy Repeat Buyer - 2017 Nissan Armada
  By Josh Hooper - April 5 - 10:02 am

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  Foreign is the only way to go. - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By jennerz20 - April 5 - 10:00 am

  After owning a Honda, then a Ford and now a Nissan, I have to say I will never own another domestic car. The options I got on my car are incredible for less than 15k and the reliability and depriciation was a major factor in my purchase.

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  Awsome Car !!!! 2004 the BEST!! - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By FSERRANO - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I just got this car yesterday and so far I love it. I got the 4 Cyl. w/leather equipped. Its really nice and slick. The seating is much more comfortable than the 2003 model and it seems a little wider for some reason. I got it for $23,000 flat price with all the good options, well for the most part, I think its a great buy for the money!

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  What a CAR!!! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Fast pilot. - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Really, this was a dificult desition for my to buy this car here in Mexico City, since the streets aren´t very "smooth going".. This car handles, delivers power, and accelerate in a very impressive way. Although we have VERY bumpy roads, the shocks and every part of the suspension behaves INCREDIBLE. CONGRATULATIONS NISSAN..

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  In love w/ my ride!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By DFran - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I saw it on the internet and knew I had to have it. I love the luxury feel, the cars appearance and ride. I had to have the leather and sun-roof. I am glad that I didnt get the BMW 325.

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  Love It, Love It, Love It! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By MLH - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I have always loved Nissan automobiles, but the Maxima is by far the best I have ever owned.

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  Max Max Baby - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By NiteStormm - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I couldnt ask for a sweeter car in the price range for style, class comfort and reliablty.

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  awesome - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By kmrfgs - April 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Nissan, when I first saw the Maxima I knew it was for me. Driving is an experience,smooth & confortable and yes she MOVES!!!

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  06 NISSAN MAXIMA SL EXCLLENT - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Michael Schroll - April 5 - 8:36 am

  Weve put nearly 10000 miles on this car after buy it used. Fast sporty handling solid structor and good looking are the that best describe it. Combined with room for are family and Nissan reliablity. Id buy another.

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  A great compact - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By patriot1987 - April 4 - 5:26 pm

  So last week I traded in my Chrysler Sebring convertible, and I am absolutely satisfied with the Versa. I wanted to trade the convertible for a more family oriented car. I wanted a car with good gas mileage, and at 35 highway without being a hybrid this car gets great MPG. I wanted a safer car, and the Versa has great saftey features. It is VERY room on the inside, trunk space is generous. Car has a smooth, quiet ride. For a 4 cylinder sedan it has some pick and go, it also handles the turns well. The A/C and heater are great. The sound System is great. My wife and I are completely satisfied.