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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  Cool as a black cat! - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By David Baker - November 8 - 1:07 am

  Dirties & shows nicks & scratches easily though otherwise a slightly above avg car I feel, say 3.5/5.

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  My Murano - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By C Rochelle - November 7 - 10:30 pm

  The car is wonderful. It has enough power to do whatever you need. The interrior has enough room to seat a six foot tall passenger in the back seat and still move the front seat back.

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  Zooowaahhh - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By machZ - November 7 - 2:36 pm

  Wow this car just getting lots of looks wherever I go, After driving SUVs (automatic) in the last 19 years its time for me to get the driving-fun back in my life. I cant stop grinning every time I sit on my 370z I had been in the market for a sports car and I was considering the Gen Coupe, oh Boy Im glad I went for the Z. I got a great deal ($1000 below invoice) and the APR I want. Syncro Rev match really helps you if you are a novice driver. Best bang for your buck in terms of performance and handling for a sports car.

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  Fast & Furious - If that is ALL you want - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By overlord - November 6 - 4:06 am

  I bought mine new in mid 04 so I actually got the 2004.5 model with the softer suspension. Its been traded in thanks to the cops. It was my 3rd Z car. Downsides: very expensive insurance, NO CARGO SPACE AT ALL. I totally hated the car for that as I am a musician so just forget taking ANYTHING with you. Oh lets not forget unnecessary razzing by the cops (got me jail time!). Interior was well put together, and thought out but littered with cheap plastic. When I traded it in after 3.5 years no one wanted it, and those that did wanted to give me $14k when I paid $40k! Car was in the shop a few with bad rear bearings, leaky rear fluid, tire problems, check engine light, & 2 sets of brakes.

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  What a vehicle!!! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Ross - November 6 - 3:00 am

  This truck is smooth, powerful and can tow your house. What a value compared to the rest of the class. Nissan quality shines through. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Sweet - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Joseph - November 5 - 9:53 pm

  I bought this car for my wife, who fell in love with it as soon as she saw it. Love the leather interior and looks. It also fits in our garage. my wife takes very good care of it (she doesnt want anyone else to drive it).

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  No JUKE, just a pathetic JOKE - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By msbeanz - November 5 - 7:47 pm

  I have had my 2011 Juke for 2yrs now and at first I loved the look, the handling, the size and fact that it can fit into the smallest parking spots! But 2 yrs later I am so done with it and have a baby on the way so its already to small just for 2 adults and our lab in the back. I sit thru 45 min of traffic going home every single day and the shifting in stop and go traffic is horrible! It really struggles in traffic! The hatchback is a joke if you want to fit anything more than a few grocery bags or if put one or both back seats down thats really the only time you can fit something of size into it. Again, with a baby on the way I will no longer be able to fold both seats down for storage!

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  Love it so far - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Jewey - November 5 - 12:23 pm

  Well worth the money. Very strong 4 cyl. Bought mine used and am very satisfied. Replaced battery and a tire, thats it. Great gas mileage.

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  Staying with the Maxima line - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Shawn01 - November 5 - 11:43 am

  I purchased my pathfinder le almost 2 years ago with 12,000 miles.. The car now has 35,000.. I have never had any problem with this car, it handles the snow amazingly since I live in Chicago. Much better car than 4runner or envoy. It has great look and performance and I am 100% satesfied with my purchase and I would buy it again.

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  Its a blast!!! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By capgun - November 4 - 9:56 pm

  I bought my 05 Z as a CPO with 18k on it in October of 2009. 34k on it now. A windy mountain road will allow you to experience this cars full capabilities. (My wife doesnt tell me to get something practical anymore!) The styling can get you more attention than desired. Ever since I powder coated the wheels black, I get challenged to race every time I take it out. My Z had been trouble free until recently. The left rear wheel bearing went out ($250 fix covered by the CPO warranty) & a short in the dash gauge clusters mother board ($1,100 fix not covered). At such low mileage, even the dealer agreed this is unusual. But every car has its hiccups. Hopefully itll be a while before the next.