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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  Spec V - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By QR25DE - October 15 - 4:06 pm

  I got my spec v back in 2007. Ive had it a little over a year now. I first test drove a honda 2007 civic SI, which was pretty interesting, I liked the power and the low profile and the instrument panel was good looking. But I wanted to compare the two before I made a decision. I went to nissan drove the spec v and fell in love with it. Fuel economy if you drive it in a smart way can get up to 30+

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  200 SX/SE - 1995 Nissan 200SX
  By jaymac - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Great Car! I love the how it has a sport look and feel with great gas mileage.

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  Fun & Reliable - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Max Family - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Mine is 3rd Maxima in my family. All have been great for us. No major problems in 5+ years. Fun to drive, plenty of room for people and cargo, extremely reliable. Great in snow, sun, rain, whatever.

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  An excellent choice! - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Resa - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I totally disagree with the review written by the other customer on this page. I found the dealer to be very responsible and accommodating... the quality of the Nissan Pathfinder (and a previously owned Nissan Maxima) is what makes me coming back for more! I love the interior quality, performance, reliability, style and more. My next vehicle will be either a Pathfinder or a Maxima!

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  Very Pleased !!! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By IndyAltima - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Great car !!! If the 02 interior was cheap (as I have read) then they have really improved it. While there is some plastic, it does not come across "cheap " at all. It is layed out very well, is very easy to use and the fit is very good...the car is really quiet also (surprisingly). Very impressive, not a lot of wind or road noise....also it is very roomy and comfy. I am tall and have a ton of space in the cabin. Overall, I am very impressed and would recommend an Altima to anyone.

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  Murano - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By murano - October 12 - 10:03 pm

  Love this vehicle. The dual transmission did fantastic in the Rocky Moutains...very little braking required. Fun, fun, fun. Lots of compliments on this vehicle. Only complaint is that the mirrors and wide windshield frame create blind spots....mirrors need to be lower to avoid huge void.

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  Excellent car, fun to drive, stylish - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Margie - October 12 - 7:53 pm

  I really like this car. I had been deciding between a Honda Civic LX and this car. In the end, I liked the style and interior of the Sentra much more. Its a little bit more roomier than the Civic, which is worth the extra gas mileage, imo, but the gas mileage is still really good. Its really fun to drive (I have the 6 speed manual). I still love the design inside and out! I would totally recommend this for someone looking for a sedan in the 15-16k range.

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  Capable Cruiser - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Roger - October 12 - 3:26 pm

  I have only had to put the car into the shop once. Outside of routine oil changes the thing runs like a dream. I do notice a little wind noise around the windows, but have had this on every car Ive owned. It has excellent interior space and is a pleasure to drive.

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  Just Love It - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By James - October 12 - 12:26 pm

  I tried out Avalons, Accords, Lincoln LS, Cadillac STS and numerous other vehicles. After trying out the Maxima it was the one that kept creeping back in my head. Like the styling because it is different and the engine is simply one of the very best. We love it and get great compliments on it everywhere we go. People get in and always say man this Nissans are really nice cars arent they? Paid 30,400 out the door with navigation and all of the gadgets. Simply couldnt be happier and for the money not sure you can beat this car...Thrilled...

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  2004 Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By catnipnails - October 12 - 6:20 am

  Ive had my Maxima for 3weeks and love to drive it. I traded in two sports cars to have this luxurious sports vehicle. Id give it a 10 if it had a convertible top. I miss my 300zx and Mazda Miata.