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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  Awesome, even with plow - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Ron - February 19 - 12:26 pm

  This is the best truck ever. The new Fisher (Genlemans) Homesteader Plow/ works awesome.This is the only store that had one setup on it. Toyotas will not be avail. for plow use til spring/ not presently adequate to handle one at this time. The Titan has been approved by Nissan for the Homesteader plow. I tested it in an open field and plowing out my stores. Quick disconnect/great engineering. I tried evey truck out there... The "TITAN" lives up to its name. Image important. Ive had BMW..real bad in snow/Murano..Great car..Avalanche LTD...Gas hog..Im very happy w/Titan.. Try one out!

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  Me vs Edmunds on ONE topic, plus seats. - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Gregory Bear - February 19 - 9:21 am

  First off, I AM 6 ft tall, and there is plenty head and leg room in the back seat! I sat in accord and laughed! Perhaps you tested a version with a sun roof, which will, in any car, have a lower roof on the inside. The leg room, nothing but amazing for a 6 ft person, even with the front seats all the way back!

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  Review of Altima SV - 2017 Nissan Altima
  By Bruce B - February 19 - 8:29 am

  The SV model has pretty much all the features of the SL except leather. If youre not a fan of leather seats but want all the other toys, this is the car for you. Replaced a prior Altima after 13 years. Love the car and love the deal. They worked to our budget and did not try to oversell.

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  Review of Altima SV - 2017 Nissan Altima
  By Bruce B - February 19 - 8:29 am

  The SV model has pretty much all the features of the SL except leather. If youre not a fan of leather seats but want all the other toys, this is the car for you. Replaced a prior Altima after 13 years. Love the car and love the deal. They worked to our budget and did not try to oversell.

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  It loves gas! - 2014 Nissan Frontier
  By Bob Woliver - February 19 - 8:11 am

  Bought this as a more cost effective and less garage filling replacement for my 2000 Silverado. Interior fit and finish is great, good visibility and lots of power. A/C works well which is appreciated in TX. Cons: this truck gets 16.5 MPG city and about 20.5 highway - way less than my old 4.8 L Silverado which got 19.5/23 over 170K miles with a larger and more powerful engine. The Frontier is a miserable highway truck as you have to compensate for every little wind gust and it will hydroplane easily compared to the other trucks I have owned. There is also a clunk in the driveline which I have noted in not only my but other Frontiers when taking off from a stop. Still, it is a good value for an in town hauler if you do not need a longer 6 bed.

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  The 2005 Nissan Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Kendra - February 18 - 2:33 pm

  I love driving my new 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5S. I often get many complements on my vehicle. I enjoy the smooth ride, the steering capabilities, and the roomy interior. I like the overall design of the interior and exterior of the vehicle. It has been a perfect match for me, my personality, and my lifestyle. You too should experience the quality, reliability, comfort, and performance of the 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5S.

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  Best Truck On The Road - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Lisa V Bklyn NY - February 18 - 2:13 pm

  We were going to get the Ford Explorer but it doesnt come close to the great looks & performance of the Pathfinder. The new design is so classy looking & the extra seating is great. We are lovin this truck!!

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  Best car ever - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Nissan - February 18 - 10:46 am

  i love my 2002 Nissan Sentra. I am the first owner and in 8 years i have not even had one problem. The car has 120,000 km on it.It burns so little gas. It is fast and powerful and very reliable. This year i am planing to buy a new 2010 nissian sentra. I also love the way the car looks with a spoiler. I have never had a better car. Ive had a Ford Fairlane and a Ford Thunderbird. This car is the best, I even pull a small trailer.

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  wowsers - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Dobergirl - February 18 - 10:00 am

  My husband used to say I drove him crazy when I did drive, comparing me to a grandmother on Prozac. Now he tells me to take it easy! Never have I had a ride like I have in my Armada. I have found my SUV and (barring any future personality conflicts) will have one for a very long time.

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  Love it - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By krkal - February 18 - 10:00 am

  I really like my car. It gets good gas mileage, especially on the highway (I have gotten up to 31 average mpg). It feels sporty and really has some get up and go, but doesnt feel as stiff adn roady as a lot of sporty cars. I prefer the not stiff feeling, but I wanted the look and pick up of a sportier car. Ive had no problems yet!