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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  I love this car! - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By SNS - January 6 - 10:10 am

  I really needed a car because my car was headed for the junk yard. i went into the dealership not knowing what i wanted and came out the same day VERY satisfied!! I am a small person so the car fits me well! This car is stylish, comfortable, and runs great!

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  Nisan Versa 2012 Sucks - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By Rose - January 6 - 8:20 am

  It is worse car ever. Too much of maintenance required.

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  Enjoy the car so far - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By ajl7 - January 6 - 7:35 am

  I looked at a lot of car before choosing the Altima. All the big players (Camry,Accord,Fusion) the newcomers (Kizashi, new Optima). I also considered the new Ford Fiesta, Chevy Cruze, Mazda 3 and the Sentra.Also, I looked at Honda Insight and Prius. I was looking to lease a car for "cheap" (under 250/mo all costs included) and in the end, the Altima won out for a few reasons. Overall, it was the best all around car for the money I wanted to spend. (I write this in March 2011 for a 2010 car. My lease deal was through Nissan but through the local dealer because they had new 2010s to get rid of. Same car as the 11, but I got a "sign and drive" deal.)

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  Disappointment - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By XFactor - January 6 - 4:20 am

  I was pretty disappointed with my Xterra. If all you need is something to look cute driving around town, youll enjoy the Xterras rugged looks and relatively easy handling. Try and get it dirty however and youll be disappointed. It slips easily in ice and snow (turning, even with 4WD is precarious), the mud factor wasnt great either, even in 4WD low. The interior is hard to keep clean, and the outside dents easily. Passing people on the highway is nearly impossible, even with the bigger engine option. And of course, fuel economy is horrendous with gas as much as it is now.

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  2000 Maxima - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By steve alter - January 5 - 3:33 pm

  I have had my Maxima for over 5 years and havent had any problems. Its fun to drive and looks great. It has been very reliable and I highly recommend it.

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  love the z - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By marc - January 5 - 3:33 pm

  Had my z 4 months. Love the engine,handling and brakes. The 6 speed is good but not as sharp as my rx8. The interior noise levels were bad at first but I have adjusted to them -Sure wish nissan had made a quieter car. Had a speed sensor go bad and had to be towed in the dealer paid for it all. Amazing how many looks this car gets.

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  Great Truck, Needs more standard equipme - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Great Truck - January 5 - 3:03 pm

  I really like this truck and glad that I bought this model. Its the only model that has body colour front grill and bumper. Mechanically everything is sound. This model didnt offer enough options such as fog lamps and a wheel upgrade. Also needs a little more added to the XE preferred package such as power windows, power door locks and keyless entry. Saftey Reasons.

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  Awesome - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Baldbudman8 - January 5 - 11:40 am

  I just bought my 2006 Titan and all I can say is...WOW!!!! This truck has all the bells and whistles that Ford and Chevy has but with a lower ticket price. It handles like a dream and is the most comfortable truck i have owned. This truck and me will be around for many years to come.

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  What a terrific 4x4 ! - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By El Greco - January 5 - 6:06 am

  Ive driven Mitsubishi Monteros since 1984 in Saudi, China Indonesia, Greece and the U.S.; in dificult off-road terrains in all weather conditions. This is our second Xterra(previous one was a 2003 SE),and I simply love it. More power,better on and off-road manners and abilty/prowess. One complaint:make the outside temperature gauge standard, add a compass (much needed!) and make the arm-rest on top of the center console slideable(back and forth, on a hidden track just like the Mitsu Monteros; post-2003 models) Then,do nothing! Youll have the perfect 4x4 SUV! fyi: Im taking my 05 Xterra to Greece this April to October for some serious offroading; just like last year and the year before with the Montero!

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  Love it but hate the brakes! - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By jmg0123 - January 5 - 1:10 am

  I love my Armada but I have to have my brakes and rotors replaced every 3000 miles. Im now waiting for yet another repair kit to come out. My dvd console broke off the ceiling and after 2 repairs to stop it from rattling, the rattle is worse!