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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  Love My New Altima - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Thomas - September 11 - 6:36 am

  I sold my old car and went and bought the new Altima and let me tell you I was going to buy a Honda Accord but the Altima has that car ripped to shreds. The Altima has more room and you can get a navigation system on the base model. I got the 3.5 SE with the technology package and added the rear spoiler and fog lights and I love this car. If I am having a bad day at work it seems like when I get in my new car all my problems just go away.

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  A good one - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By mds - September 11 - 3:46 am

  Very sporty looking car. Get a lot of looks. Lots of interior room. Easy to get baby into car seat in rear. Like the security of side curtain air bags. Fun to drive. Need to have lighted controls on wheel. Need to get a better tire on the car. Goodyear SRAs are terrible for reliability and wear. 18" design means costly replacement. Easy to pass with all the power. Wish the car would ride softer in bumpy roads.

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  Love it! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Jennifer - September 10 - 4:36 pm

  I have had my van for 6 years and have never had any major problems. There have been a few nuisance issues, but nothing serious. Since it was a new car, I knew before buying it that there would be a few bugs. Out of curiosity, Ive been reading reviews of the 2004 Quest lately and, I have been shocked at all the reported problems people have been having. I have never had any major issues with my van just the usual wear and tear. I have yet to see a minivan as stylish and at this point wouldnt dream of replacing it.

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  Fun Car - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Marcos - September 9 - 1:53 pm

  I love my Altima. its a fun car to drive and very sporty looking. Even though its a 2.5 liter engine, its still has some heat. The gas mileage is great. I get compliments on the look of the car all the time. Its very well priced and it feels very luxurious.

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  And the winner is ....the Nissan Armada! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By shadowman - September 9 - 2:00 am

  This is one great vehicle with great value for your money. My friend came along just for the ride and now he is buying one too. Nissan really did its homework on this SUV and although the compitition might match it in any one or two catagories, the Armada beats them all as an overall package.

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  2004 Alitma - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By richcon - September 9 - 2:00 am

  The car is easy to drive.I had a 2000 Altima the 2004 is much roomy in the front and the back.The 2004 has more get up go than the 2000.Ilove the car even in the short time i have had it.Also i payed less for the 2004 as compared to the 2000 gxe.I got a 2004 2.5 s Altima.

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  Dont miss out on this experience!!! - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Grahamcracker - September 9 - 2:00 am

  My fiance purchaced this car and has become a true driving enthusiast solely based on her experience with this car. I drive it and must admit that it is hard to stay under the speed limit. The styling inside and outside are eye-catching (the exterior is really only appreciated when the car is in motion.) As a college student, this car will stick in both our memories as a wonderful car, reminiscent of the muscle cars our parents drove.

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  Great truck very happy............. - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By joe_13r - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Once you sit in this truck and drive it you will see how nice it is. I am a former three time chevy silverado owner and the titan is in a class above. Nissan has done their homework. It is the best half ton on the market even better then the new F150 which i drove and it felt under powered.

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  review of my 350z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Chris Eustice - September 9 - 2:00 am

  without a doubt, the most fun car I have ever owned. Eyecatching styling. Makes just cruising around a blast.

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  Rates an 11 out of 10! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Grover Rutter - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Fun, sporty, comfortable, fuel efficient and very fast. At 130 mph shifting lanes is smooth and stable. At 150 mph the road appeared glassy and this driver didnt let the car wind out- - as there still seemed to be something left! This car is absolutely incredible! Great bucket seats form to the back for maximum comfort. The 6 speed shifter is a short-throw for quick and smooth shifting. And this car turns heads! I get thumbs up from all ages. A highway patrolman even gave me a thumbs up! This is and will remain a classic two-seater.