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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  Armada Away - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By flybaby - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Love this SUV. Nissan waited to come out with a large SUV and in doing so, corrected all the mistakes of the other car makers. Fun to drive. Very stable. All the conveniences youd ever want.

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  2004 Altima - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By olive - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. The interior looks kind of like a motorcycle. Cant beat the heated seats and the steering wheel radio controls. I love how its only a four cylinder but drives like a 6. Good pickup

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  FAST AND FUN - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By skynet - January 17 - 10:00 am

  This car is very fun and fast and has room to tool your friends about

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  In Love - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By AnglnDsgise - January 17 - 10:00 am

  My first Nissan was a 1992 Sentra (XE) and it lasted me a good 11 years so its no surprise that when it finally said enough is enough and laid down to rest, that my next choice would definately be another Nissan. I finally decided on another Sentra (after looking at the Altima) with the additional safety features ABS and side air bags - AND the upgraded sound system. This car is GREAT and I absolutely LOVE IT.

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  Too fun to drive - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Pitlizard - January 17 - 10:00 am

  The new 350Z is an outstanding sport car to drive. Handling in all situations is excellent, my fuel economy is outstanding at 27-28 mpg. Nissan is correcting all the minor flaws from the first year of production. There are faster cars, but none will handle better for the price offered by Nissan. The 350Z is a true driving experience. Its hard for people not to notice this car, and even harder for the owner get that funny smile of their face... the pitlizard

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  Good Design, but issues - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Craig R - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Overall a really great design. Been happy with style and performance. But been getting a few rattles/sounds that shouldnt be there. A bump up front is the main issue, when going over road imperfections. The dealer hasnt been able to find yet. If anyone has run into this, please let me know at mistergasketeer@aol.com. Its driving me to distraction.

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  The Maxima is Back - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Condor - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Had a 1992 Maxima and loved it. bought a 2000 Camry but missed the true luxury. The 2004 Maxima has it and then some. Couldnt drive more than an hour in the Camry without stopping to ease my legs and back. In the Maxima I can literally drive all day. Drove across Tioga Pass and it handled like a sports car. We love it!

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  Great Ride! - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By 2010Max - January 17 - 3:20 am

  Owned a 2009 black Maxima SV with a few features, liked it so much I purchased a 2010 white Maxima SV with luxury package. This car has the features (air cooled seats, backup camera, 9Gb hard drive, ipod adapter, dual sunroof, blue tooth, heated steering wheel, etc.) most cars with these features cost closer to $50k. The car has a much more sporty exterior design than any car in its category. The performance is great and the CVT transmission is one of a kind. I recommend this car to anyone looking for a FWD sports sedan without spending the kind of dough some of the euro manufacturers want for their cars but still receive the same level of luxury.

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  Loyal Nissan Owner - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By hotrod86ta - January 17 - 1:30 am

  Drove my 93 Sentra XE for 227K with no repairs other than routine maint. Sold it (was running great) to a young lady with confidence. Bought a 00 Altima and sold it to my parents with confidence. Bought an 01 Villager (Quest) sold it to my parents with confidence and they still own it and love it. Tried larger cars of other makes and I finally came back to the Sentra when gas hit 2.89 a gallon. Love the fuel economy, price and reliability. Go Nissan!!!

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  Nissan Fan Until 2014 - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By aresto - January 16 - 6:32 am

  Ive had this car for 10 months now and have already had various issues. The navigation/entertainment system stopped working suddenly for about 24 hours (3 times), still does on and off. I loved the idea that it was SXM ready. In Puerto Rico the SXM satellite radio does not work, Nissan did not associate with Sirius XM in the area. Sunroof started making noise, back took to repair shop, they un-assembled it, a month passed and noise started again, back to shop, still fighting the battle. Ive been stopped by Cops 2 times, low head lights too bright. Very depressing when you purchase a new vehicle and it gives you many problems. Im no longer a Nissan Fan. Anyone else with these issues?