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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  So far, so good - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By ELannan - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive only owned the vehicle for a few months, but Ive been very satisfied. The downside is the gas milage being poor, but I expected that. The design of the Xterra is the best of its class. It is a true SUV lovers SUV, with its cargo rack, running boards, rugged look, etc. The price of the Xterra is very reasonable too. Also, I havent yet regreted not buying the FWD. Where I live, I dont usually need it.

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  ben - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By ben z - December 1 - 2:00 am

  its a really good car to have especailly if u tune it up.

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  Great looks. Fun to drive. - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By buster99 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  After years of buying Toyota Camrys, I switched to the Nissan Maxima this year because of its much sharper styling and quality features -- such as the DVD Navigation System -- not available in the Camry. The car is solid, quiet, quick, fun to drive, and looks great.

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  One Great Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By JDH111 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive bought cars from the "Big 3" for the past 30 years. This is our first Nissan. Have had no initial problems with the car with 10k on it now. Time will tell for the future. The car is a blast to drive and have had no negative comments.The only recommendation is to get the traction control. I bought mine without and regretted it. The car is perfect otherwise.

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  Love My Car! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Nancy G. - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Driving my new Maxima SL is a joy! I love the smooth feel of the car. It handles like a MUCH more expensive car. Everywhere I go people stop and comment about how beautiful it is. Also, I cant believe the gas mileage I am getting! I have been waiting to buy a new car that I loved to look at and loved to drive. I have finally found it!

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  Interior - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Oreo99 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  The interior is perfect - it is large and very comfortable inside - I like the convenience of the radio controls on the steering wheel - the car ride is comparable to a much larger car - has very good pick up.

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  Finally! A Real Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Keith Borders - November 30 - 7:13 pm

  Ive had my altima now for 2 weeks, and Its better than I hoped. The interior is plush and comfy. The handling is great. It has a lot of kick for a 4 cyl. I just love my new Altima. Had a Nissan before, and glad Im back!

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  Imapathfinder2 - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Lawanda - November 30 - 11:10 am

  This has been my best purchase yet! I really enjoy driving this vehicle, and the fuel consumtion is not so bad. I plan to keep it for a long time!

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  fast - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By yankswin1999 - November 30 - 10:00 am

  This car is quick, the bose system is great and the traction control is a great option

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  First Truck other than a Ford - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By hohorodshop - November 30 - 3:43 am

  Just have had the truck for about a week. Love it so far. Still nervous about owning something other than a Ford. Fuel mileage not that great but engine runs great.