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 Bang for the Buck! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By MITCH - June 19 - 4:40 am

  This car was recommended by my mechanic, he told me if I were to buy a Japan car, I should consider the Altima bcause it has a chain drive belt. It will outlast the others. I bought the Altima 2.5s for my wife, But I enjoy the ride as much as she does! The 175 ponies under the hood feels like a V6. The handling is like a small Caddy. And the steering is real tight and responsive. I only have 285 miles on it but at 10 MPH I shift into manual on the CVT to 5th or 6th gear and the revs go way down. I can get 37+ MPG by doing this. Im sure after break-in it will only get better. What a lot of car for the money. Great gas mileage, great car.

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  Just got it! - Love it! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Bernice - June 18 - 12:06 pm

  I have a 1994 Mustang Convertible - This makes it so much easier to put the roof down - I dont get "blown around" like in the mustang - great design - Turned 50 this year and if I was ever going to get a 2 seater sportcar I was glad I got this one

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  Favorite Ride ever. - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By liquidh - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I have fallen in love with this car. This is the first car i have owned that i can realistically see myself with 5-7 years down the road, and even longer. I am a tall guy, 65 and this car offers me TONS of leg room. Im not a big fan of the Bose, so i replaced that with a juicy 800 watt system, the paint is a little thin, but the engine, the beautiful SE gauge cluster and the Auto Up/down mirror makes this car awesome.

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  Dons Z - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By DonnieZ - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Few muscle cars perform like this powerhouse off the stock assemly line. It has it all, speed, looks, handling, comfort, sticky tires and a great sounding exhaust system. The price is right as well. This car will be around for a long time.

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  Stay Away Headlights a Liability - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By laureljoe - June 18 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great car to drive but the Xenon Headlights have been stolen twice. $3000 dollar repair each time. Headlights come out in seconds. Restraint kit only causes more damage to car when they do steal the lights. Nissan has done almost nothing to address this problem. Looking to sell ASAP.

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  This car is fast! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Danny2002Alty - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for over two years now and no problems and I still love getting behind the wheel. Its just so much fun to drive. I find excuses to drive this car.

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  murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Jep - June 18 - 10:00 am

  As a cross over SUV this vehicle is right up there with the Lexus RX330 in comfort and handling. I would have to say that I am most impressed with the cars smooth and extremly quite ride.

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  Titan Can Do It All! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By nissan chick - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I traded my Ford F-250 in on a Titan and, wow, I was so impressed by how the Titan rides, drives, and pulls! It does every bit as good as my 250 did pulling my horse trailer, but with much better gas mileage. Also, the room inside is great. I LOVE THIS TRUCK!

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  Everyone I see loves the Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By richinthenight - June 18 - 10:00 am

  It is just about the perfect toy. I love it. My friends love it. It has the hottest look. I actually like it more than my previous SL500. My only real complaint is the door must be opened very wide to enter and exit; you cant get out unless there is a lot of room between you and the next car.

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  Great job Nissan - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By tempest - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Spirited Bronze SE for over 6 months and i am totally satisfied. This is a company car, I had lots of options and drove the competition, but chose the Maxima. It seems that everone I know wants to drive it. I was so impressed that I went out the next day and bought my wife an 04 Quest. Great engine, and acceleration in both vehicles.