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:

• 

  Excellent SUV - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By loaa - August 31 - 8:20 pm

  Ive been very happy with this SUV since I bought it new in 2005. It has never given me a single problem and has performed amazingly in both snow and sand. This thing practically has claws for tires.

• 

  Same Book, Chapter Two - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By W. Klasner - August 31 - 5:50 pm

  Prior car was 05 Altima 3.5SE. Both provided great performance, plenty of room, decent to good fuel mileage, great reliability and trouble free operation. Both exhibited weak front suspension, poor dash lighting in radio display,some noticeable flex in body or chassis when under higher passenger loads. Would buy another.

• 

  Eric Hill Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Eric Hill - August 31 - 1:06 pm

  This auto was everything we hoped it would be. Comfortable, roomy, and fairly economical for a large SUV. Its styling is an eye catcher and mechanical performance has been outstanding. Made me a true believer that Nissan is the manufacturer I will stay with for future autos.

• 

  great truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By creaseys - August 31 - 10:46 am

  Love this truck, I think it is light years better than the competition. I have driven or owned all of them and it is truly the best.

• 

  Its A TEN! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Nicholas - August 30 - 6:16 am

  The car is a ten in all respects ,handling, economy,acceleration and it has the best styling. The price at. . out the door of 20 G,s is a Bargain in todays market.

• 

  A Solid Choice - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Orange Blood - August 29 - 10:00 am

  My 2003 Nissan Pathfinder LE was an excellent buy, and I recommend it for anyone in the market for a slightly more luxurious, mid-size SUV. The excitement is still there every day I get in it for the daily commute, and the styling gives me confidence that it will hold its appeal for years to come. It is the perfect mix of power, size, luxury, and ruggedness that can handle anything I ask of it. The LEs aggressive, yet sophisticated demeanor melds well with the Texas landscape. Oh, and a note about the gas mileage; its a RWD 240HP V6 SUV, so come to terms with its gas guzzling tendencies BEFORE you buy and it will all be OK!

• 

  My Mada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By big0147 - August 29 - 10:00 am

  The Armada is simply the best full size SUV on the market right now. You just cant beat the options you get for the price. I looked at all of the competition ie: Expedition, Yukon, Denali, Tahoe and it simply wasnt close as far as price and performance

• 

  2004 Quest-Affordable Quality - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By David Kangas - August 29 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a Nissan Quest after considering several vans. I found that the Quest was reasonably priced and offered an excellent package of options. I seriously considered a Sienna but a comparably equipped Sienna was running $28,342 at the dealer versus the $24,700 (tax, tags and license) that I paid for the Quest. The Nissan dealer agreed to install the roof luggage rails to clinch the deal. I like the Quests grip on the road, the roomy interior and yes even the instrument panel. The stereo system is very good and overall worksmanship is good. I considered the Odyssey but it reminded me too much of a Civic. The MPV had a Ford engine no thanks.

• 

  titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Wmoore - August 29 - 10:00 am

  I love the ride and speed and pick up of this truck. The radio reflection is very prominent in the rear window at night.

• 

  I found the right TRUCK - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Steven in Texas - August 29 - 10:00 am

  I have owned all kinds of trucks and Nissan hit a winner with me. This truck is like no other and they have won me over. Comfort, sytle, power and room for 5 FULL SIZED AMERICAN ADULTS. I am 63" and 240, I can sit in the back seat and my knees have lots of room.