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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  Kansas Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Dennis Uecker - August 25 - 2:06 am

  Very pleased overall with my 2004 Armada. Interior design could have been dressed up a bit (LE Model), but performance is excellent. A few rattles in dash and front door panels. Mileage about what I expected - about 16 on the road - but long distance driving comfort is excellent. Mountain performance superb. Very maneuverable considering its size. Like distinctive external styling. No mechanical problems (30,000+ miles). Bose audio and DVD system great. A bit cumbersome to flip second row bucket seats to access third row seating, but once you get there, a very comfortable ride. Like the deep throated rumble and acceleration is excellent.

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  Powerful American truck, foreign badge - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Cross-train - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Awesome truck, great power, gas milage is not too bad. Factory 6 disc cd player is good until you crank it up past 19 (it goes to 31) then it distorts beyond normal expectations.

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  20,000 mile check in - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By SRyan - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Its been a year, and I still love my Altima. My complaint (and this is a BIG one since I live in upstate NY) is that snow gathers and packs under the wheel wells and makes it dangerous/ a pain in the neck in the winter. Also, the passenger door is heavy/ sticks and the gas mileage is not as good as they claim. But... she is reliable, stylish, fast and smooth to drive. 22,000 miles in one year with no problems. Fits 5 adults comfortably- my coworkers love the cupholders in the back seat! Love the racing shift and the new design- sporty but classy!

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  Great road trip car! - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Miriam Bravo - August 24 - 5:34 am

  Reliable, comfortable, low maintenance , great highway mpg.

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  Thanks Nissan - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Jimmy Thigpen - August 24 - 12:43 am

  I just picked up my new 2008.5 Titan, I really like the upgrades like the lighted steering wheel controls, the bluetooth, and the sat. radio. The seats sit better than 07s did. I also love the burly exhaust. Its surprised a couple of my buddys who have the hemi dodges when it out ran them!!

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  Perfect - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Mike - August 23 - 8:40 pm

  Looked at all small trucks and this was by far the best out there. Had for 2.5 years and never had any problems, even the mileage is better than I thought. Would buy again, but will be keeping this for years to come.

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  Loving the best truck Ive owned. - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Paul Zopfi - August 23 - 8:16 am

  Really enjoying my purchase. Have about 38,000 miles with no problems except the brakes which were immediatelly replaced by Nissan. No problems with any thing else. I tow a 33 travel trailer with plenty of power to spare.

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  Fun to Drive and listening Music - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Suresh Kesapragada - August 22 - 10:03 pm

  Driving new Nissan Rogue is very much fun. I would like to go for Bose speakers in Nissan Rogue but because of budget I could not. But still speakers quality is awesome and I enjoy listening music while driving. Back seat is very much comfortable and I could not feel this much comfort in CRV and RAV4. Of course I am missing arm rest in the back seat. I love the Nissan Rogue style and especially the alloy wheels and the muscular shape of the vehicle

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  Follow-up After 2 Years: Still Good - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By David K - August 22 - 5:16 pm

  It has been two years since I bought my used Altima, and Im not loving it any less. Mileage is now at 73K and the car is asking for new brakes and shocks soon. Also, strangely, a motor mount bushing cracked. A few annoyances: Turning radius is too large, brake interlock in auto trans. clicks loudly when coming to a stop, and sometimes hard 1-2 downshifts. Now that I have the bad out of the way, none of the above prevents me from endorsing this car. Car is still comfy, stylish and sporting. Beyond one trim piece cracking, materials quality is satisfactory.

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  Prowling - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Catlady - August 21 - 4:00 pm

  Love this car. Fun to drive, handles well, exceleration is phenomenal. Must get the 6 speed. Bought Blizak snow tires and handles great in the snow even though its RWD. Overall best car Ive ever owned, and Ive had quite a few!