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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  Its a very strong vehicle - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By cheynene marshall - September 15 - 2:00 am

  a very good vehicle with a great reputation!

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  Great family vehicle - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By srcole - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Our young family of four is really enjoying this vehicle. The DVD entertainment center is great for long trips. It has a lot of power - Im someone that loves to accelerate, and the Armada has good, very smooth, acceleration for its size. It handles very well on slick roads. The interior is unbelievable - storage is everywhere! And the second row seats have a LOT of room! It is easy to fold down the third row, and the fact it has shoulder belts in all 8 seating positions gives us a lot of flexibility in where the kids ride particularly when my wife travels with friends.

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  Our First Mini-Van - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By dcran42 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  My wife has pestered me for years to buy a mini-van. I have resisted because I disliked to boxy look they all seemed to have. When I first set eyes on the 2004 Quest, I knew that the time had come to join the legions of mini-van owners. We are retired and travel frequently to new destinations. This is a sweet ride! The new Quest is head and shoulders above the competition in styling, safety, and amenities.

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  red, hot, and alot - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By pappyrags - September 15 - 2:00 am

  This mamma will get it! A smooth ride with alot of kick. The manual shifter is a cool item for those who wish a little up and down shifting at red lights. My drop-dead red with a black rag top defenitely turns the heads. Totally pleased in all categories.

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  BEST CAR - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By papinilo - September 15 - 2:00 am

  This is the greatest car I have ever had. It is so smooth to drive it and its extremely powerful and fast.

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  First Nissan Ever - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By dvkiel - September 14 - 4:13 pm

  Bought the Versa over the Toyota Matrix (have one already) because of standard features on the Versa. This Versa becomes the wifes car and I get the Matrix. Ive had the Versa for one week now and have a little over 100 miles on the car, all city driving. Gas gauge still on full. Car is very quiet and smooth running, CVT is very nice and very quiet. No estimate of MPG yet but am hoping for at least the stated average at this point for city/hwy driving. Great economical car thus far with many great features and good design and style.

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  Great Car - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By Johnny Drama - September 14 - 1:56 pm

  I have had my Maxima for just over 1 month now and I love it. Great features and the CTV transmission is flawless. This car is fun to drive!

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  A Dream Come True - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By BlueMurano410 - September 14 - 3:43 am

  I LOVE this SUV. Wanted one for 2 years and I still pinch myself each time I walk up to it. Good acceleration, good ride (SE)! Corners and drives like a sports car, but will go through 14" inches of snow and climb curbs if needed. Bose radio is outstanding. Heated seats great in winter. Adjustable pedals and seat make it comfortable for short (53") women to drive and dont have to hop into it. Super vehicle. NOT DISAPPOINTED at all!

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  Watch Out - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Aron - September 14 - 3:33 am

  Love this car. The acceleration is very impressive and the ride on the highways make the trip zoom by. Bluetooth option is much better than I have had before. Stereo system can really crank tunes. The key is super convenient. Very Happy with purchase and would recommend to all. Price, quality and fun.

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  1 Year Review - 2012 Nissan Pathfinder
  By mrcarp - September 14 - 12:50 am

  One year old with a little over 7,000 miles. No complaints and does what I need and expect it to. Driver seat leather holding up...still watching it and putting leather preservative on it monthly.