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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  Excellent Choice - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By tmlhump - March 19 - 10:23 pm

  Always had some type of pick up truck and needed more passenger room. Was able to easily find a Frontier with just the right options for me at a good price. The ride is smooth, small bumps do not exist, but you do feel the large ones. 4-wheel disc brakes stop you quickly. Very powerful & quick, especially for its class. Roomy for four people. The bed extender gives you close to 6 working space. Overall very pleased with my Frontier LE CC.

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  Nisson IS #1 - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Linda Pardue - March 19 - 10:06 am

  This vehicle is WONDERFUL. The new transmission with no shifting makes it "fly" down the road. I traded my Nisson Quest (which I loved dearly) for better fuel economy. The interrior is not much smaller. The drivers seat sits high giving you plenty of view to see a couple cars ahead of you.

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  2017 Altima SR - 2017 Nissan Altima
  By Greg Mims - March 19 - 8:39 am

  Added a remote start at purchase. Changed stock radio to a Kenwood navigation. The SR looks the best of the trims. The 18 inch wheels make the car look larger. The interior can be upgraded to leather, heated, air conditioned etc. if thats what you want. But the stock interior is very comfortable. We purchased from Dick Smith Nissan in SC. Got a great deal.

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  2017 Altima SR - 2017 Nissan Altima
  By Greg Mims - March 19 - 8:39 am

  Added a remote start at purchase. Changed stock radio to a Kenwood navigation. The SR looks the best of the trims. The 18 inch wheels make the car look larger. The interior can be upgraded to leather, heated, air conditioned etc. if thats what you want. But the stock interior is very comfortable. We purchased from Dick Smith Nissan in SC. Got a great deal.

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  Great SUV! - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By mcarey - March 18 - 10:00 am

  This is a great SUV and I am so happy with the Pathfinder. The only detracting feature is the gas mileage. Other than that, I would say that the Pathfinder is top notch! We got a heck of deal on the Pathfinder, considering that it was going for about 27,000 at invoice we paid about 3,000 below that. The ride runs well and sitting up high is really nice as well. If you are in the market for a midsize SUV, then this is the one to get.

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  TOTAL TRUCK - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Doyle - March 18 - 10:00 am

  After reading everything in print on this truck I bought it. This is the best truck on the market today. Power for everything you want. While passing I hit 103mph very quick and wasnt pushing it at all. Smooth ride and very low road noise. Perfect V8 sound. Rockford Fosgate is a must if you buy one. The gas mileage 13.5-14.5 city depending on how you drive. Highway 14.5-15.7 (65-80mph) Right there with the others in a 4wd. If you are looking for a truck look no futher because this on is it. After market accessories are hard to get, bug shield ect.. Watch the blind spot use the wide angle mirrors before you change lanes!

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  Fast Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Chanel - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I love it. This car is very powerful. It is more fun to drive on the highway than in city traffic. If you want near luxury and speed this is the car.

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  More than expected for this price - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Marija - March 18 - 10:00 am

  This car packs the standard features in compared to its competitors that need plenty of extra options just to match. Car handles unbelievably well and engine has just the right amount of power. Excellent road manners with right amount of feedback in steering wheel.

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  Wow! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By jrm1963 - March 17 - 11:36 pm

  Decided to trade in a 60s muscle car for something newer that we werent afraid to drive in weather & parking lots. Found this car by accident and never looked back. The acceleration takes your breath away and it sticks to the road like glue. And with the top down its still a wonderful car just to get out and cruise under a star filled sky. I may have to look to Nissan for my family sedan now if it has any of the breeding of the Z.

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  Sporty 4Door - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By X370Z - March 17 - 8:13 am

  Traded my 09 370Z for the 10 Max SV. Z was a great sports car. The Max is a great 4 dr "sporty" car. Gobs of power instantly ready on command, holds tight in continuous radius corners (once one gets used to front wheel drive), and very comfortable and quiet on long commutes. 3.5 L engine NVH is superior to the 3.7 L, smooth all the way to red line. I enjoy the CVT, and the sport-shift function when I want to set my hair on fire. Discounts Nissan is offering (see Edmunds TMV) make the decision to purchase this car a no-brainer. You can pay more for a TL, TSX, A4, 329, or C- class. But, make sure you can handle the grins of the Max drivers as they dust your overly-expensive anemic ride at will.