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 times and good fun! - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By grizzlyrizzly - December 24 - 2:00 am

  It was between the frontier and the tacoma and when it came down to money, power, and interior room there was no comparison. The extended bed liner and the 4wd drive makes it unstopable. It has gotten me out of many sticky situations. Test drive and you will see too....

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  Best in Price - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By sb4106 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Nissan pickup in the last 18 years. So far it is starting out like the other two, no problems. I still own my 93 and plan to give it to my son when he turns 16. What can I say? I wouldnt have bought three in a row if they werent a great little truck. I have nothing against Toyota, except that they cost about $2k more when compared to Nissan.

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  DON"T BUY!!!! - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By rustyvell - December 24 - 2:00 am

  A/C breaks down every 5-6 months. No power in the 4 cycl. eng. Service at dealerships No Help!

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  V is for me - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By flanders,ned15 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Great car...best value if looking for performance and overall quality. 10 times better than Civic and its not a Neon. 28-30 mpg. 6 speeds could be spread out better at the bottom end, but just a thrill to drive. Quick, comfortable, standard audio is great. Cant say enough how much I fall in love everytime i see it and climb behind the wheel.

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  Great SUV that drives like a car - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Forti - December 24 - 2:00 am

  This SUV has it all a great interior and enough power to statisfy all.

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  Built to be driven - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By All66an - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Well built car. Worth the money

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  Not a soccer team hauler - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Brodirt - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Wow, is this an SUV? 2 weeks in and I am incredibly impressed. Handles like a sport sedan, accellerates like a premium sports sedan and stops like a sports car. I cant wait unitl the snow and ice hit. All around sophisticated high end high style performer that is not a suburban soccer team hauler, unless your late for the game.

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  Style and Performance - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Alice F - December 24 - 2:00 am

  The Murano is a trouble free vehicle. The ride and comfort level are exceptional. This car has a style that catches peoples eye. People stop us in parking lots and at stop lights to comment on the style and ask about the car. We have taken it on 3 trips over 1,000 miles one way and had no problems. We are very pleased with our Murano SL.

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  The best maxima yet! - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Adam Holland - December 23 - 3:41 pm

  So I decided to lease this car after having

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  Just took delivery - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By KB - December 23 - 12:13 pm

  While waiting for the Maximas release, drove most all 6 cylinders, including G35, Acura TL, Toyota Avalon, Accord, etc. True sports car enthusiasts may not care for the front wheel drive, but the Maxima handles very well for an entry level luxury sedan with a sporty feel. Performs better and the convenience items are great. Got the SV w/Premium Package -- white w/tan interior. Looks great. Will be back to comment on fuel economy.