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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  Great Value - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Kristi - May 16 - 12:50 pm

  I admit that I JUST got this car, but I just love it. I wanted a pretty inexpensive, reliable car so I went looking for the best price on either a base model Camry, Accord, or Altima. I was surprised by how much "cheaper" the base model Honda and Toyota felt vs. the Altima. I really felt like I was getting the value I wanted, but that the car still seemed to be of a higher level than the other two. Definitely the best bang for the buck.

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  Love my Altima Coupe! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By STL.Owner - May 16 - 12:13 pm

  I originally drove an 03 Mazda Protege DX, which was my starter car. Got great gas mileage, however the safety became an issue with me after several close calls. I wanted to upgrade to something a little larger, with great safety ratings, good on gas mileage, and also, great style. This is everything Ive been looking for! I love this car! With the power seat, its pretty easy to get comfortable. The acceleration is beautiful for easy highway entrance, if you need to pass a vehicle its a breeze. Everything on this car, from the look, to the driving experience, is smooth!

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  Should have bought the Honda... - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By Ross - May 16 - 11:00 am

  I used to have a 98 Sentra SE that was a great car. Replaced it with an 06 1.8S that is the worst car Ive ever driven. The interior is the worst color ever imagined, and I think they used slinkies for the springs. The suspension is absolutely terrible! It doesnt corner well, its unstable on the highway, and its rough over even mild bumps. The cupholders were definitely not tested on a manual transmission model, downshifting into 1st usually results in hitting whatever is in them and spilling your drink. After 2000 miles, the car had already developed more squeaks and rattles than my 8 year car had in its lifetime. Do yourself a favor an spend the extra $2000 to buy a Civic.

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  sporty suv - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By colette smith - May 14 - 9:36 pm

  handles like a sports car especially around curves. gets great gas mileage for an suv

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  Great Truck - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Dennis - May 14 - 12:40 am

  Great Power, very comfortable, smooth ride, gas mileage 14-15 town 17-18 highway. This truck is very under rated.

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  Best Value Sports Sedan - 2013 Nissan Maxima
  By jermax1 - May 13 - 3:48 pm

  This is my fourth Maxima. I had an 03, 08 & 10. I now own the 2013. For the price to content and performance ratio this is the best sedan out on the market! Take it from someone who knows and has searched for better. The VQ series engine is one of the best dont take my word for believe wards engine review. The mileage is terrific for the level of performance and luxury that you get. The exterior styling reminds people of a Porsche or a jag! The interior is as close to a sports car as you can get. Considering its a Nissan and a Japanese model you know youre getting top quality and high reliability. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone considering a sports performance sedan.

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  Best Midsize Compact - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By kdr - May 13 - 3:00 pm

  Love the Car. Went from Pathfinder to this. Had always been a nissan fan. My instinct about "nissan is more value for the money when compared with similarly priced cars in its class" still holds true. Who would give bluetooth, leather in this class/price. Hondas may have the best resale value. But I bought the car for my needs, not thinking about how much I would get 5 years down the road. MPG: So far, with 200 miles(city) on it the trip computer says 26.5. Considering where I came from (17 mpg), I will be happy if it gives 30+. Ride : Excellent. Drove 4 people at 85mph comfortably. Interior: Luxurious. Features : Rich.

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  3 Months Later - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By RJATC - May 13 - 10:00 am

  After three months with the new 350Z the new car feeling has started to fade but the sheer fun of driving the 350Z is still way up there. A periscope would be nice for backing up and lane changing but it is, after all, a sports car and you have to accept a few minor inconveniences unless youre Bill Gates. Im not Bill Gates. The engine is just incredible with its strong pulling power from any gear at any speed but second and third will put you right back in your seat when you press the fun pedal. The performance edition does not have the Brembo brakes but when you decide youve had enough, the standard brakes still bring the car to a stop quickly and smoothly.

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  4 She Z !!! - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By DesignDiva - May 13 - 10:00 am

  The new 350Z is amazing and phenomenal. I take drives for no good reason just to feel it velcro itself to the road. Acceleration is smooth as a babys butt and fast as hades... I love it! I wandered in the land of many Mustang GTs over the years, and I will never go back!

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  this truck rocks - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By nissanman - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I looked at Toyota,Dodge,and Nissan Crew Cabs and the Nissan impressed the most based on overall feature and performance value.I was a little disappointed in the mileage at first,but with a cat back exhaust system,open air filter,and throttle body spacer plate the performance and mileage were greatly improved.And best of all,all mods.cost less than $500.00.Ive owned several Nissans over the years and will continue to buy them as long as they keep up the great quality and value tradition.