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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  Eye-Candy Appeal - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By R Nick - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, responsive auto with lots of "eye-candy" appeal. Feels like a true sports car and though I would not want it to be my only vehicle, it is an awesome ride for fun in the sun.

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  Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By WMW - November 29 - 10:00 am

  This car is very comfortable to drive or ride in, smooth acceleration, lots of power. The exterior is sure to turn some heads with a front grill that is eyecatching and great shape. The standard sunroof that covers both the front and back seats is interesting. The interior combination of wood, metal and leather makes it look like cars costing much more. Ive had the car for about 4 weeks now and still find myself taking the long way so that I can drive it some more.

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  Why buy anything else? - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By crazzzycanuck - November 29 - 10:00 am

  I was leasing a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix GT and was more or less pleased with its performance....until I took out a 2005 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE for a test ride. I was astonished at the horsepower, feel,look and quality of this Altima given the asking price! I had to buy it...and I have had a hard time parking it at the end of the day! What a fantastic car!

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  Buy the SE version, you wont regret it - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By John - November 29 - 5:30 am

  Outstanding deal for the money. Buy the SE - dont even consider the S model (which is about $2K more expensive) averaging 37-42 MPG highway, and 36 in town, excellent for a 4 door fully loaded (all power options except transmission). The package on the SE has all the options for $500.00 - ordered separately is over $4,000.00 on S version

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  Love my Altima - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By M Schaefer - November 28 - 2:21 pm

  Excellent gas mileage, very comfortable, quiet ride and great reliability.

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  Best SUV for my needs and Budget - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By autobuy - November 28 - 9:23 am

  I drove trucks and truck based SUVs for 16 yrs. because my business required towing trailers. I missed sporty car handling and mileage. I found a good handling, comfortable, efficent(for its size)utility wagon in the Murano. My 65" frame does not fit well in most cars but I am comfotable in the Murano with out a sunroof. The AWD works well in the sand when I launch my kayak from the beach. Handling on mountain roads is excellent. My wife and I love the room and comfort when traveling. We regulary take a 6 hr. trip with our 70 lb. dog and gear and the Murano is perfect for trips. On the road and seat comfort are tops. We actually fight about who gets to drive, That has never happened before.

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  A Real Good Truck - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Brad - November 28 - 6:30 am

  After doing a lot of research on full size trucks, this is by far the best half ton out there. I am using this truck to pull a 7000 pound travel trailer and it does it with out a problem. The only problem i have had is the paint on the hood and roof have spot where the clear coat is cracked an nissan is going to repair them. I am getting about 17 mpg, and 12 mpg pulling.

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  great car to own - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Angel - November 28 - 12:26 am

  its the only car ive ever had that i get excited to drive to and from work every day.

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  16000 Miles So Far So Good - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Ed Foss - November 27 - 6:30 pm

  I commute 104 miles everyday, with lots of stop and go traffic. The Altima Hybrid has been a terrific commuter car, averaging 33 mpg for 16000 miles. The car is near luxury and near high performance. Not bad for a green hybrid! Some minor upgrades would make the car closer to a true luxury sedan, but the car wont ever be a high performance sedan. However, its still fun to drive, with very good steering and handling, with acceptable power.

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  Its a Little Bumpier than I had Hoped - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By BellmorePole - November 27 - 10:00 am

  The exterior of my 2003 Nissan Maxima GLE is an extremely sharp looking vehicle. All interior controls and dials are handy . The climate control fans are noisy until the internal cockpit reaches the set temperature. The front seating is roomy and the leather seats are very comfortable. The rear seats provide enough legroom for any passenger. Acceleration is excellent. It reaches 60 mph faster than promised. I did expect a ride that was smoother than I am experiencing to date from the GLE. The dealer felt that the tire pressure might be of fault but when checked for my 3 month checkup by Nissan it was determined to be the correct psi in all the tires.