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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  best car ever - 2015 Nissan Leaf
  By guerry bethell - September 12 - 10:36 am

  plan ahead for longer trips

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  Affordable and Practical - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By CWGoss - September 12 - 10:00 am

  My new Sentra 1.8s came with automatic transmission, CD, keyless entry, power locks and windows all for less than 11,000 dollars. The interior has many storage compartments not available on most cars in this price range. Plus they even put fabric on the interior wall of the doors, not hard plastic like most cars in this price range. Engine is perfectly matched with the automatic transmission. Nissan did their homework on this unit - for a base car! I gave this car a 10 based on years of experience of owning and driving inexpensive new cars.

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  Just Right - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By The Roof Is On Fire - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Being a new dad and having to park in an under-home garage,needed to find vehicle with clearance,easy access for kids, carlike ride and appealing style.CVT transmission takes getting used to,but 245HP under the hood goes when you need it to. Initial acceleration from a stop is not earth shattering by any means but it will get up and go when you ask it to.Interior is classy. I also feel very safe when Im driving this vehicle with side curtain airbags.Overall,I am thrilled with this vehicle and if you can afford it,its a great buy in my opinion. Test drive one and youll know what I mean.

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Antonio Stephens - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Murano 10/18/03 after driving a Mazda Millenia since 1997. The vehicle immediately caught my eye and once I drove it and experienced the CVT transmission and 245 hp; I knew it would be my next vehicle. I wanted the Infiniti FX but it exceeded my price range. The toughest decision was the color, which I decided on Deep Bordeaux with the latte leather, and chrome wheels. Its an attractive car, responds well, and equipped with AWD, it moves with little effort up the snowy hill I live on.

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  That thing got a Hemi? Nope, better. - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By mattsmith20 - September 12 - 10:00 am

  You simply cannot buy more truck for the money. Ford and Chevy have Nissan on the interior niceties, but drivetrain, engine, and usability define the Nissan

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  Love this truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By z3axv - September 12 - 10:00 am

  While I think Nissan should have done a little better with the quality of materials inside the truck, I am very happy with it. Everyone looks at it. Nice to know I have the power under the hood. Planning a 2000 mile road trip soon so well se how it behaves.

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  the truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Kamooza - September 12 - 10:00 am

  This is a awesome ride and is great on road and off road. this is a all around great truck for the price.

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  Blast to own and drive! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Chad G - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned 6 Nissans now, and this is the most fun yet! Ive had the car for 8 months now, and its been trouble- free. The only issue that Ive had is with the AWFUL Bridgestone tires that Nissan puts on this car-they flat spot, one was out of round and they just plain stink in the snow. Tires aside, I can honestly say I have a blast driving this car EVERY day - Amazing power from this 3.5!

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  ALMOST THERE!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Macbrew - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Bought my wife an 04 SL. What a beautiful car! She just loves it. But I must say that after driving my own G35, the Max feels like an American near luxury car. Therefore its perfect for her, but for me the G35 is more to my taste

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  Love my Altima!! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Moobaby - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I am in love with my car!! I look forward to getting off of work so that I can take a drive. It has such a nice look to it - both inside and out. My passengers enjoy it too. The back seats are very roomy. The trunk is HUGE! I never had a moment of buyers remorse. I am very happy with my decision.