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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  Not that Great - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By SNOREZZZZZZZZZ - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The car is nice inside and out. THe stereo BOSE dont waste your money on it, NO GOOD. The front end tires have been re alligned twice now and still hear road roar and noise. Pesonally would not recommend or buy another Nissan again GOOD LUCK

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  awesome car! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By jjorgemiami - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This car is great, powerful, handles like a dream, and loads of fun to drive. The interior is comfortable, sporty and neat. The exterior is sleek and smooth.

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  zzzeriffic sport car! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By RWDoll - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Have owned the 240, 280, and 300. This is the GREATEST of all.

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  Just plain fun and fast - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By dcsinc99 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The dealer has treated me great. The car out performs my expectation. I have a little problem with the navigator and the currency of the DVD disk. Still working on solving that problem. The jury is still out.

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  maxima rating - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By first time new car - March 21 - 10:00 am

  we purchased the 2004 maxima in aug. 13 miles on it. it is the se model with the 3.5 i like the car, but hate the seats, they are short on the bottom, and hard. i have yet to set my seat position because i havent found a comfort zone yet. the remote for the outside mirrors is not in a good location, you have to reach forward, and down to adjust the mirror, and then sit back to see if its right. our car listed for over 32,000. my husband refused to pay that amount, and with trade in, we ended up paying 27 but i think we still paid too much. he loves it, but i drive it daily, and im not so sure i would purchase one again, unless i was able to take it home for a weekend, and drive it.

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  Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Frank J. Acuna - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This car is top notch

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  Choice buy - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By steep33 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I love it, hauls butt!!

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  Nice Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By FFPM198 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I dont think safety features should be an option, they should be standard equipment. I was on a tight budget and chose the ABS/Side airbag option but would have like to upgrade to a convienence package. Overall a nice care for the money. Car has good power for a 4 cylinder engine.

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  good - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By myass1 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The only fault I find is that it is a hard riding vehicle.

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  Not a daily driver - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By bill - March 21 - 4:33 am

  When I purchased my off road x. I drove it around town and very little highway. Big mistake. It is not a highway or road trip vehicle. The stiff suspension is great in town and off road but you pay a price for a rough travel car. Its like riding a jack hammer. Like a jeep wrangler, it does poorly on the highway and at high speeds on the snow, it slips very easy! Not the best ski trip vehicle but great in town and off road.