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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  98 Nissan Altima GLE - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By preebenacker - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I will definitely buy another Nissan. I have had this car for six years and I havent had any problems with it - scheduled maintenance only

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  Biggest BANG for your BUCK - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By CopticOrthodox - September 11 - 10:00 am

  A nice little car both in and out. Great performance for a naturally aspirated 4-cylinder, especially when compared to any Honda 4-cylinder (except the S2000).

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  Fast and Reliable - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Mattman - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Sentra hoping it would be a good ride for many years to come. After 2 1/2 years of ownership, I am satisfied that it will fulfill that mission. I am a spirited driver (I drive fast, but not rough). The car has been fun, fast and given no mechanical problems.

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  hmm... - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By dissapointed too. - September 11 - 10:00 am

  nissan should much care about the interior quility and service dept. dash board got peeled off after 4months drive. service dept got replaced dashboard but it took 4days..huh..the worst is theydone really clumsy work..glues are all over the window..missing parts..gaps...

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  Great SUV - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Delight - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I call my pathfinder " Big Sexy". And that is just what it is. It is a cool and sexy truck. When I am out for play or on a date it fits my personality. It is also very durable. I had to from my four bedroom home in about 2 days. Lets just say the only thing I did not move in the Sexy Mobil was my washer and dryer! In short.. I love my truck

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  wouldnt recommend - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By brooke6425 - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I would not recommend this vehicle for anyone with small children or anyone that plans to be using it on long road trips. The ride is so bumpy and on long trips it can get very uncomfortable. If I had to do over I would buy something more expenisve with a smoother ride and something that was quieter on the highway.

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  So Far So Good, But... - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By tommywo - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Xterra for just over a week and I love it so far. Still, I REALLY wish the steering wheel tilted up higher. Im 64/300 pounds and the extra room would come in handy getting in/out of the car. Other than that, I have plenty of leg room. Also, my gas mileage seems to be pretty marginal at best. Im hoping that it will get better as the engine gets broken.

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  Maurano Might - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By gator1220 - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Great over all asuv. Rides like a car, handles like a sports car.

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  simply the BEST - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By glen perkins - September 10 - 11:33 pm

  The Nissan 350Z will be a classic. It is the most watched car in my town. I love the material used for the interior. The roadster has the top down in 20 seconds. There is very little wind inside the cockpit with the top down. Even with temps as low as 40 degrees I am still comfortable.

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  Nissan Versa SV Sedan - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By cwesterman - September 10 - 5:56 am

  If you are looking for a great, safe and affordable car then the Nissan Versa SV 2012 Sedan is a wonderful option, I bought mine in early 12/2011, The car has great gas economy, is sporty looking for a sedan and handles very well, it is a small car but yet it is very roomy! I am very pleased with this car and would highly recommend it if you are looking for a great,safe and affordable car.