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:

• 

  Car For These Times - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By MIS - March 19 - 7:00 am

  If you are looking for a great riding, affordable car that gets about 25 mpg, but has plenty of pep,then the 2006 Altima 2.5S Special Edition with ABS/Air Bags option is the car for you. It certainly is the car for me. I love the way it looks, handles and drives. I do not miss my 2001 Maxima. In fact I prefer the sound system on the Altima to the Bose system on the Maxima. If you like to drive, consider this car.

• 

  New to Nissan - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Flyer 1 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Traded a 96 Olds 88. Of course the Olds was slower and uglier, but more comfortable. The power is surprising and the car is fun to drive. It rides a little hard but handles well, especially braking. The seats could be more comfortable, but are much much better than the Mazda I tried. Nice profile, especially with optional rims. Original tires done at 37,000.

• 

  My review - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By MandMsn - March 19 - 2:00 am

  My Nissan Sentra Spec-v has to be the funest car that i have ever driven and is also really relaible. The 6 speed transmission is really easy to shift and the clutch isnt to stiff or to soft it is just right.

• 

  Need room, Armada is the best! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By BuyersHome - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Between the new Durango and the Armada, and for only a couple of thousand more I got much more room, safety features etc over the Durango. But what really clinched it was the spacious interior room, including the second and third row seating areas. I got the SE w/4WD, standard radio which is excellent, and the cloth interior with 2nd row bench which is much more versatile. I opted not to get the dvd or navigation, so I couldnt get the sunroof, but Ill add that for an extra grand in the Spring. Definitely a head turner, and a logical choice when given the options available!

• 

  best van - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By mlocane - March 19 - 2:00 am

  the quest se is the most exciting mini- van ive driven, it drives like a sedan the flat folding seats are a wonderful concept. i have fallen in love with the mini again.

• 

  I love it - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Ginger Presley - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I am a 63" woman and I have found that there is room for me to sit in any of the seats in whatever position they are in. I have 2 children is carseats and the accessability to the backrow was important. I love the color line as well as the style. Several people thought it was an SUV at first glance. It is great for those transitioning to a van but are still denying it.

• 

  My 2004 Nissan Quest Review - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Martin Harrington - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Its fun to drive, and a pleasure to travel long distances in. I have three teenage boys and I need room inside a vehicle and the Quest fulfills my needs.

• 

  quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By kathymc - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I love this van, I researched a lot before investing and havent looked back. There isnt a day that goes by that someone doesnt comment on the "shape" of it.

• 

  My Thoughts on the Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By John Rumplestien - March 19 - 2:00 am

  It was nice and i like the sunroofs

• 

  Pure Nissan - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By amun913 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Have been waiting for a Pure Nissan van, not a Ford/Murcury van with Nissan parts. This was worth the wait.