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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  Very Impressed after 15K miles - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By jmg1977 - July 28 - 10:10 pm

  This is actually my wifes car, but I am often "allowed" to drive it. We also use it on long trips from North Carolina to the midwest. Since purchased, it has had absolutely no problems or defects whatsoever, a first for any car I have ever purchased new. The fuel economy is excellent in city driving (25) and decent on the highway (30). Like the interior and exterior styling. Plenty of leg room, even in the back, for its size. Fit and finish is good, and it performs well for only having a 4 cylinder motor. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend it to someone looking for a good midsized SUV that gets sedan mileage.

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  Most reliable Vehicle Ive owned - 267,000 miles - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Nikki - July 28 - 12:28 pm

  I received this car as a gift for my high school graduation because I needed a car to get me to and from my community college and work. The car had about 250,000 miles on it when I got it, and I sold it with 267,000 miles. I owned it for about a year and a half. It isnt the best looking car, but it is simple, easy to drive, good on gas, and reliable. The only 2 issues I had was having to replace the brakes which was nothing and I knew it was coming, and I had to replace one of the pipes because in the winter it made a loud, screeching noise. The pipe was a very cheap fix. It has never stalled on me. It is a great car for high school and college students. I wouldnt suggest it to a family because of the size. I really regret selling it but I had no choice given the situation I was in. It is still alive and kicking. The people who own it now go on 4-hour long road trips almost every weekend. If you are looking for a good car for your kids to have to take around, I would highly recommend this. It worked out really nicely for me. I am looking into buying a newer model of this car because I loved mine so much.

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  3.5 SE ALTIMA 04 - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Sharma - July 28 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I ever got.It has alot of horsepower.

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  Awsome Vehicle - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Ric20602 - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Nissan has made strides from the last generation Quest. The body style and features are a total separation from the old Nissan Quest a the Mercury Villager, (exact same vehicle, different trim)! The center console is something you have to get used to, but the "stadium seating" style for the passengers is a an awsome feature!

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  The new Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By LFN - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Many clever design features. Good looks great mileage. lots of toys

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  The BEST new full size truck PERIOD - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By yamaha_r62k1 - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I have had several pickups in my driving career and this Titan is the best, most funniest vehicle I have ever owned. Nissan has done an incredible job in designing and engineering every detail of this vehicle. I highly recommend this truck to anyone from the daily mom who picks up their kids from soccer practice to the hard working construction professional. With the Titans incredible power, enormous interior, standard features and accessories, and of course exceptional value, you cannot lose with this truck. Now go out to your local dealer and see for yourself!!

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  2004 Nissan Titan LE Crew Cab - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Gianni Ducati - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic truck. Tons of interior room with an innovative bed design. Excellent acceleration and handling. I much prefer it to the F-150s I drove.

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  AWESOME - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By ndgaikowski - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! Fun to drive, excellent braking, suspension, steering. The short shifter is in a perfect spot, along with all the other gauges

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  I love this car!!!!!! - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By lisaanne - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car used over a year ago and i love it. It has great pick up for a 126 hp 4 speed automatic. It did have about 3 recalls but the dealership did all 3 in one visit. I do have one complaint. There is this chirping/squealing coming from under the hood. Other than that, this is a great car.

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  Take it to the Max - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By John Bull - July 27 - 10:00 am

  Leased my Maxima GLE on a whim on my Birthday in 1999. I knew as soon as I fired up the silky V6 and drove down one particularly rough section of road, I had to have it. Its cushy yet fun to drive in the twisties, though it wont be confused with a sports car. This cars forte is silent running and comfy cruising. The Bose system is amazing. People have said the styling is non descript, and I tend to agree to a point, but blending in is good, especially since the car loves to run fast; Ive found myself well in excess of the 65 MPH limit and not being aware. Sometimes Ill go for a drive just to listen to the Bose and feel the response and smoothness.