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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  So Many Problems - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By stormchaser32 - July 31 - 12:38 pm

  When we first purchased the car, we had no issues until the 15K mark and car would not start. Brake sensor issue. Another 15K, stopped to get gas in Alabama, car would not start. Brake sensor again. Trip to Florida and a loud whining noise, Transmission replaced 60K. After getting the maintenance, they stated that it will be fine. Whining brakes are annoying and the leather on the console is torn...not covered by warranty. Also, center console is very loose. Now the radio will not power on. Drive about 15 miles and then press the push start w/o foot on brake, radio comes back on. Problems and will not own another Nissan

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  Maxed out, Alt in - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By fcamp - July 30 - 7:30 pm

  Traded in 97 maxima for 07 Altima... what a car! Luxury, speed and affordability doesnt get much better! It will be a sad day when they no longer offer the manual transmission, that is what makes this car such a beast and fun to drive. It has seemingly endless power and pickup, scared sales rep on test drive and didnt even realize going 80-85 mph on highway... good stuff!!

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  great value for a mid-size truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By peterB - July 30 - 11:50 am

  I was thrilled when the new design Frontier finally came out. Think of it as a smaller Titan. The LE model is loaded and still sells for under 30K. It handles well and has great pick-up thanks to the new 265hp V6. The back seats in the crew cab are fairly large for a mid-size.... Large enough for 2 large people or 3 average sized adults. Electronic 4WD switch is nice too.

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  Z Review - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By SHIFT_ - July 30 - 10:00 am

  FAST and Fun to drive, Handles like its on rails, Built pretty well, Interior is pretty comfortable for a sports car, but I wouldnt want to drive it across the country. Love the body styling.. Overall Im very happy with the car!!! Also my car is very Modded...

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  amazing1!!!!!! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By lad - July 30 - 10:00 am

  this is my 3rd and best MAXIMA the family loves it I love it. You can have your midlife crisis and eat to:) this is fas as a corvette and comfortable as a king size bed. and compared to the 04 It looks the sportist and the best. this car Dark blue gets looks from everyone. lok out world i am comming at you!!!!!

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  The best yet - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Carl Long - July 30 - 10:00 am

  My purchas was decided on the comfort of the seating for my wife on the passanger side --- after my first 250mi. trip I recorded 22.3MPH and everything seems to get better from there

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  Look out am comin! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By dhump - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, looks great and handels like a dream.

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  Great Van - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Ranjan Bhai - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Worth the wait for my family. The skyview roof decided Quest over Sienna. Great for long drives.

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  ZGOZIP - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By RJE - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, handles with little or no effort whether in a straight line or in the curves. The sunvisors rattle and the deck lid arm binds when closing, otherwise it is my dream car. Contemplating on the roadster. Nothing but thumbs up by the onlookers and the younger enthusiasts look for the speed. Easy to get caught up in the moment to drive the car, but know your limitations as you can get in over your head with this car very easily.

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  350Z SPORTS CAR WITH AN AUTOMATIC - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Vicki - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I Love it. A true sports car for everyone. You get incredible styling,power,all the bells and whistles, comfort, luxury in an incredible package all with an Automatic transmission (5spd). You get it all without having to lose the performance and features when you order it with a automatic transmission versus an 6sp manual. I had driven a 2004 Mazda RX-8 and the model with an A/T was doggy and after researching the specs you gave up alot as the vehicle was totally different when equipped with an A/T versus a manual. This drove me to the Nissan 350 Z. I have owned many sports cars and had traded in a Honda S2000 for this 350Z.