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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  Nismo - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By wardfan0 - December 4 - 4:00 pm

  3rd new 4WD Nissan truck. Best yet. Performance is impressive, Offroad capability with electronic rear locker is best in class. Interior comfort is car like. Compared to Tacoma better ride, better interior especially seats. No comparison in options.

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  If you have to drive a minivan... - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Cincinnati - December 4 - 5:26 am

  The hipster parents minivan. Its fast, solid, safe and doesnt look like a refrigerator like all the other minivans. The Quest has been drop-dead reliable - never an issue, though I welcomed it when Nissan extended the factory warranty to 6 full years. Do replace the stock Goodyears though - those were terrible in the rain and wore quickly. The funky dash works better than the new version since the speedometer is closer to the windshield. With the new dash you have to drop your vision to below the top of the steering wheel like on every other van. The Bose stereo is outstanding and the huge side door makes loading toddlers a breeze.

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  Bad Tranny - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Biggy - December 3 - 9:20 am

  We just bought this titan crew cab and it has less then 5000 miles on it and it slams into reverse. whats with that. but driving the tranny doesnt struggle at all. all its power is easily put to the tires. never had a bad shift when driving. just putting it into reverse. other than that its a great vehicle.

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  The Best Ive ever owned - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By LovedaMax - December 3 - 2:00 am

  This car is unbelievable Ive owned it for 5 months now 15k miles no problems at all. Its unbelievably fun to drive. I owned a TL before it no comparison the maxima handles better and the Engine is unbeatable. its very quite and very responsive best car Ive ever owned

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  Cant go wrong... - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By h.c. - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I cant stress enough what a beautiful car this has been. Ive put over 20,000 miles on it so far and its been a fantastic car in every respect. Great mileage, complete comfort, handles wonderfully. Not a single problem yet, I doubt any will arise soon. I get about 30mpg on highway and mid twenties (depending on driving habit) in the city. Its put to the test on Los Angeles streets and highways everyday and takes it like a champ. Great for long trips with four adults- PLENTY of room. Adult passengers in the back seat have ample leg room, without the front seats having to scooch up at all!

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  A Winner! - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By 2nd time Owner - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought an Altima in 1993, the first year in production, and drove the car for 130K miles. The engine never wore out, but I decided to trade the car because the interior had seen too many hot summers. I could afford more car, but I didnt even have to decide which new car I was going to buy. The Altima was one of the best and most reliable cars I ever owned. My new Altima is awesome in appearance, handling, comfort, and price. I hope to enjoy many years of dependability with my 2004 SL with leather seats and convenience package, as I had with my 1993 GXE.

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  titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By sleightofhand - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Its only been a week but so far so good. Very good power, handling, and braking make this the most rewarding driving truck i have owned. Love the quality feel and the rumble of the exhaust. Rockford stereo is extremely punchy and has pretty accurate sound. Love the 5 speed auto, its very smooth and overdrive is amazing turning 1500rpm at 65mph. Satisfied customer so far.

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  Titan LE Crew - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Bob Hanson - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Less than 1000 miles, but like it better than F-150 that I test drove.

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  Great SUV, Bad Gas Mileage - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Elway - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Have only had the vehicle for a little over a month. It has surpassed all of our expectations so far. Have joined the Nissan Xterra Club of Southern California and put our Xterra to the test. Awesome 4X4.

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  wow! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By jessz - December 3 - 2:00 am

  What an amazing car. I have the track model, 6 speed, silverstone. Its an amazing car, the brembo brakes are magnificent, and being a girl really kicks ass to all those unsuspecting boys and their sorry little toys they think will beat me on the road.