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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  LE Insights - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By btill1 - February 23 - 2:00 am

  I love the truck, it drives very nicely for this size of vehicle. The power is amazing although you pay for it with gas mileage (I knew that before the purchase). I am a little disappointed with wind noise and rattle from the moonroof, hopefully this will be corrected on first service.

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  Awsome Economy Car - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By BlueRules777 - February 23 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE this car! I have recieved many compliments on the price, quality, style, and color (Vibrant Blue). It is very fun to drive, feels very solid, and even though it is a compact it is very roomy and feels fairly large on the road (dont feel vulnerable). There is, also, a ton of storage. I couldnt ask for much more in a vehicle!

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  Best truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By jnets - February 23 - 2:00 am

  I have only had this truck a week and it impresses me more each day. I have the captains chairs and find them to be very supportive and comfortable. Test drove both the F-150 and the Titan and the ride in the Titan is superior. The transmission is smooth and acceleration is formidable. A great vehicle.

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  Big, smooth, comfortable, Powerful - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By cjohannes - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Love it so far. Two things... it has awesome power and pick up (0 - 60 in around 7 seconds). This things rides very smooth and I risk getting a ticket because I cant tell how fast Im going. Great sound system (although missing a cassette - and no XM Radio option). Some interior storage issues (I like a place - ashtray? - to store coins. The center console is big enough to store an average laptop but I have a 16" screen and it doesnt really fit. It is comfortable though. Great for kids (tons of room in the back seat.

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  beware: research before you buy - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By dan benshoff - February 23 - 2:00 am

  The car is fun to drive. Plenty of power and looks great. However, within the first month the driver side door handle broke. I had to take it back because the vent in the back seat area poors cold air on to the passengers feet regardless of the setting up front. The technician chalked this up to "poor design" -- to much distance the air has to travel in the duct work. The center console is poorly designed. Awkward buttons and settings. The trip computer doesnt tell me how many miles I have in my tank when it hits the "e" mark. Isnt that when you really want to know? Overall, I am pretty unhappy with the car. I expected more from Nissan at this price.

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  awesome - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Marc - February 23 - 1:03 am

  i think that this car is awesome. it offers more that looks, it offers a style that not many car manufactures can give you.

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  Good Riddance - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By isuztroop7 - February 22 - 6:53 pm

  Maybe Im just used to boxy SUVs. I replaced my 92 Pathfinder SEV6 with the Crew Cab Frontier SEV6. Bad mistake. The handling was less than I expected. The ABS would abruptly kick in wet conditions. Short-bed was neat until I needed to put something big back there. Cramped and plain interior. Stock CD player would malfunction when it got too warm from long operation. Poor traction and ugly cloth seat fabric. I liked the unique exterior look though for its time. Traded it in after the second accident involving the terrible 4WD traction. Owned it for a year. Nissan was once my favorite automaker, however they take a second or even fifth seat after owning such a bad vehicle. I still see their current models could use a tad more luster in their designs.

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  Satisfied Nissan Customer - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Brian Pancoast - February 22 - 3:00 pm

  Have owned two other Nissans and this is by far the best!!! Wife and kids love. And I love it when I get to drive it...

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  Loving it! It handles like a sports car. - 2013 Nissan Leaf
  By luand - February 22 - 3:11 am

  I absolute love driving the 2013 Nissan Leaf S model that we have leased. It reminds me of the driving dynamics of the Mini Cooper that we used to own. The biggest problem is that I tend to drive about 15 miles above the speed limit with the Leaf because its so quiet and smooth. One thing that Id wish for is better/smoother braking when regenerative braking is being applied. Another is better location of some of the control buttons on the left side of the steering wheel. The majority of these buttons are not illuminated and are hidden by the steering wheel.

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  Great decision - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Max effect - February 21 - 10:00 am

  This Maxima has brought me nothing but joy. Reliable with the minor exception of a left front CV boot which the dealer replaced for free when I bought it. Other than that nothing! Ive changed the oil every 3000 miles and it performs almost as new! G-teched 0- 60=6.9 at 91000 miles! Great ride. Long wheelbase=great comfort,especially on long trips. Turns that belies its size. Problem- mid-corner bumps at high speed causes rear hop due to rear torsion beam suspension. Comfy in front/back for 5. Averaged 26mpg/50% city/2 years. Problem-"requires" 91 octane. I highly recommend it as a stress free, fun car... good luck!