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:

• 

  Love this car - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By gfkgfkghfgfb - March 26 - 10:00 am

  this car is an absolute joy to drive, it has alot of power and handles like its glued to the road. also has a very well laid out interior,and the bose system is absolutely incredible.after 10 years of driving toyotas,ill never go back.

• 

  The world of Nissan - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By jake the flake - March 26 - 10:00 am

  I will never own another make of vehicle again. From now on it is Nissan for me.

• 

  WOW What a truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Teddybear - March 26 - 10:00 am

  This truck is fun. Its like driving a sports car with a bed. Performance is unreal and the factory standard features on the LE pkge are perfect. Rockford-fosgate 350 Watt audio is unreal. I get looks everwhere I go.

• 

  The Best Truck Out There - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Manfer - March 26 - 10:00 am

  I honestly believe the Titan is the best choice for truck buyers on the current market. I did a huge amount of research before electing to buy the Titan. I test drove Ford, Chevy, Toyota and Nissan. In comparison, to those models I drove, the Titan has the largest back seat, the most front end power, the most comfortable seats, and in general the most bang for the buck. It is simply a blast to drive. The engine is powerful and emits a throaty tone. I feel it would be very comfortable for long distance runs. My second choice would have been the Tundra. It came the closest to the all the Titan offers.

• 

  350Z touring - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By dr eyes - March 26 - 10:00 am

  Fun by the barrelful. Site lines are poor especially with the top up. Interior is without storage spaces but overall a great experience. This is our third Z.

• 

  gggrrreeeeaaaattttttt - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By lanieg - March 26 - 10:00 am

  Im always getting compliments even from owners in more expensive cars.

• 

  SL - So Lovin my Altima - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By AltimateZeta - March 26 - 10:00 am

  This is my first auto purchase and it was nerveracking. But I am so loving my altima and glad shes mine! I get lots of compliments on the car - exterior, options, handling. I enjoy driving her and am learning more about her everytime i get inside. i got a good deal on a discontinued color, so my baby is unique and worth it. gotta get yourself one, just dont go to westbury nissan. their customer service sucks.

• 

  A little too SPORTY... - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Hulesy - March 26 - 10:00 am

  Definite BANG for the buck;however it has always been. I feel with the new cost should have had a little more luxury but I chose the SE so I guess cant complain.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Jen R - March 26 - 5:36 am

  All I have owned before were Hondas. My husband and I were ready for a change, and I am glad I made it. The day I picked it up it was 98 degrees outside, my 4 cyl Accord was a dog with the A/C on, took the Altima home with the A/C blasting and it never skipped a beat. Love the "no shift" CVT. Gas mileage is right where I left off with my Accord, hoping it gets even better with more miles, and a long trip under its belt. This is my first car that is actually "purchased" and am glad this is one I get to hang onto for a while.

• 

  Xterra nightmare - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By Lisa Gardner - March 26 - 1:54 am

  Have already had to replace the ABS system and its only 7-8 year old car with 80000 miles m. Also has been stalling and they cant figure out the problem and a lot of break noise and loud sounds when over bumps, not a smooth ride. Very unhappy with the Xterra.