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:

• 

  350Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Chris350Z - October 26 - 10:00 am

  The only thing I dont like about the car is the paint quality. Ive had the car for about a month and I have paint chips on my front bumper. Other than that, The car is awesome. Fast, fun and much potential. Killer motor and great chassis.

• 

  The Best Rice Burner - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By sentrarob - October 26 - 5:20 am

  Great gas mileage, smooth ride, very peppy 1.8L motoe

• 

  2005 Altima 3.5 SE - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Triever - October 26 - 2:26 am

  So far great car after 1 year. Sporty practical and fast. Gas prices were a lot less when I bought a year ago. This car gets great highway mileage. But i spend most of my time idling in rush hour city traffic. A bit costly at todays prices but worth it not to have the standard 4 wheeled grocery cart.

• 

  If it had better MPG, Id be in love - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Dungeoner - October 25 - 7:36 pm

  Wonderful SUV. Feels like a truck. Something "I" like & my wife has grown to like. We gave up our Mitsu. Endeavor XLS for this. That rode fantastic. This isnt as smooth, but like I said, I prefer a truck feel & my wife feels safer with that feeling now as well, after all, we got it for her. We test drove almost the entire gamut of SUVs out there. Durango, Tahoe, Explorer, Expedition (I Loved, that one, my wife didnt like the size), Pilot, Navigator, Highlander, 4- Runner & Sequoia. We also, drove the Armada & would have gotten that if it wasnt for the size (wife again) & the fact that the one we wanted was going to take too long to get. The Pathfinder looked (wifes term, not mine!) "Cute"

• 

  I love it!! - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Danny - October 25 - 6:36 pm

  I love this car. Its really nice to get about 35 mpg and have room to seat 5 adults. The interior fit and finish is nice (better then the Camry and Accord in my opinion). The car is really easy to drive and responsive. Getting used to the hybrid system does take a few sessions but once you do, you wonder to yourself why all cars arent electric?

• 

  Has been as advertised - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By readycash - October 25 - 10:03 am

  I purchased my 02 Pathfinder LE w/36k miles a year ago. Traded a BMW 3 series because we needed something a little bigger. Did not want another "new" car note so pursued 02 and 03 Pathfinder, QX4, or 4-Runner. Narrowed to these 3 after reading multiple reviews on this site. I now have 53K on it and knock on wood have had no issues. Pathfinder has great pickup for an SUV and is easy to drive in town and comfortable on the highway. At 1/2 the cost of a new one I have been very pleased with this vehicle and would recommend it.

• 

  2004 nissan titan real truck - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By P Proffitt - October 25 - 2:10 am

  So far it is a real good truck drives well and handles real well.Has plenty of power sounds good to.Nissan did there home work on this truck it is put together very well.You can see out of it very well.I believe it will be a winner.

• 

  Thinks its a sports sedan - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Protonz - October 24 - 10:36 pm

  Excellent Crossover with plenty of sporty character and high-tech goodies. Since its based on an Altima platform, handling and cornering is good, with very good steering feel. CVT is interesting, a nice combination with a sweet engine. The Murano is more upscale than its competitors, and more comfortable front and back. Comfortable seats with lots of room--Im 67" tall and there is still plenty of room in back seat.

• 

  Best 1 Yet - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By The "Z" Man - October 24 - 7:46 pm

  I have had 1978 280z, 1984 300z, 1991 300 tt, 2003 350z, and now 2009 370z and this one is the best yet. Best looking, driving, 19" rays forged rims, interior design is much better than 350 but can still use memory seats and mirrors. This car gets looks from just about everyone.

• 

  The best car ever built in its class - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Dalgen - October 24 - 5:23 am

  The car is greatly built and a steal for the price. It can be put up against a BMW or Infiniti. This car is one of a kind and there is no stopping it. Buy it and you will experience the difference!