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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  Sweet little car - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By kimba821 - January 26 - 4:10 am

  This is the first non SUV Ive owned in over 15 years, and Im lovin it! I got the Special Edition, with the awesome Rockford Fosgate stereo, and the sport package. Great gas mileage, kicken stereo, plenty of power, all in a sporty looking car, for under 15 grand.

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  watch out now... - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By josh - January 24 - 3:00 pm

  Driving on a trip yesterday, I saw an F-150 with a decal of the "Bad Calvin" doing what he does best on the word "Imports" Lets just say I drove up next to it, smiled, and blew by and far away from the Ford. Nissan has got it right- watch out Ford and Chevy. This truck is comfy (SE with all options) as well as rugged. We travel all the time, and love it. Plenty of room, even in the King cab, and even with our 2 100 lb dogs riding in the back. (Folding up seats back there kick arse) Best bang for your buck without a question- gas mileage... well, its a truck, but it does do better than all of the others. Side by side comparisions- most room, best performace, and best price.

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  Poor mans G35 indeed! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By DJ - January 24 - 9:46 am

  Was looking at the G35/37 to begin with. Took at look at the 3.5 SE with CVT and decided that for a lot less money, it was almost as much fun to drive. Mid range power is great. If you can afford all the bells and whistles, do it. Add the sport package like I did and you almost forget its not the coupe! Its also way more stable in the snow and ice than the 2005 Volvo S40 I traded in for it!

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  Most Fun Mobile Device Weve Ever Had - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Ira - January 22 - 6:36 pm

  I never submit reviews. Never. But, this car (mobile device) is such a revelation that I felt it warranted my two cents. One week in and were getting stopped daily by people who just want to stare at it or sit in it or want to find out more about it. And, weve been happy to answer their questions. Actually, I think we sold 2 or 3 based on how people respond to the roominess, styling and just coolness of it. The ride is wonderful. Soooo smoooth. The CVT transmission is great. And, with the Ginormous package on our S, it is a real head turner.

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  love my minivan! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Ann - January 22 - 2:46 am

  I love my minivan! Even though my kids are older now and have their own cars, I still cannot think of getting a different/new car! Everyone who rides in my van, thinks we are in spaceship :) The interior room is incredible. The back seating has unbelievable space. My 62" son has no problem with his leg space in the back. The heated seats are great in the winter! I have only replaced standard things (brakes, struts,tires, etc) and have over 80,000 miles. Cannot even think of trading this van yet! Great for taking my kids to college too! The power of this car is great on acceleration.

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  I own a truck? - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Zeek - January 21 - 9:06 pm

  Bought the truck recently, and have, from the 1st drive been very impressed. Kept in low rpms the truck is sedate and quiet, but above 3000 it moves - and growls. The interior is the best made of any recent Nissan, even on my cloth SE every surface is nice to the touch. Lots of cubbies and drink holders, too. The exterior looks great, again, even on the SE you get a good amount of nice Chrome. The standard spray on bedliner and 4 wheel disk brakes are great features. Finally, I got this V6 4wd for best same as a best offer on a 4cyl 4wd Tacoma. It wasnt even a competition.

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  Great Buy! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By gerschman1 - January 21 - 12:36 pm

  Originally I wanted an SE, but one ride in the SE-R changed that! This car is one of those "sleepers" as I like to call them. Roll up next to a pre-05 Mustang at a stop light and you will REALLY suprise them!! All that boy- racer stuff aside, this car is quite comfortable and practical (being a sedan). Great looks, great performance, at a price that beats the competition easily!

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  Getting What you Paid For - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Bob the Builder - January 21 - 2:00 am

  It is what is is ... a small truck, as opposed to full sized trucks. A great truck all around. Sound design and feel.

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  THE BEST CAR - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By f29princess - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is awesome to drive, and doesnt waste gas...performs well under the Miami crazy drivers!!!! and as far as repairs go, I have never had to repair anything. Just keep up the maintenance on the car, and you will be cruisin! I love my car!

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  A great truck for the buck! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By TMartin - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Well built. Solid construction and ride. Not a wussy SUV that started out as a car platform.