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 my Car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Michael Edgerly - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I honestly have to say that the Nissan 350Z has to be by far the best value for a car of its type. It performs wonderfully and gets a lot of attention where ever I go.

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  Great Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Jamia - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for almost 5 months and it is wonderful. Yesterday somone talking on a cell phone slammed in the back of my car. Much to my surprise there was no damage not even a scratch. This car should have five stars for back bumper impact.

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  Nissan Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By IzenFire - June 7 - 10:00 am

  It is really nice to drive the new Altima. It turns on a dime and has a great pickup. I was really impressed with many of the features that are offered on the steering wheel. Nice to not have to look down at the CD or Radio to change channels or volumn. Seating is wonderful; not to mention the 4 doors are excellent for being able to drive the elderly around.

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  Very Good Van - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Serge - June 7 - 6:23 am

  I]ve bought Quest 2004 after two another NISSANs. I was impressed of its exterior design. After driving it for more than 4 years I can say: It is great van. Its fixtures really gives me more than BMW or Mercedes, especially turn side lights, tire pressure sensors, and great powerful engine, one of the best engines at all to that time. Excellent interior space, wide side doors and more - this is an additional fixtures which keeps me a lover of this car. Id have the only real problem due the first year - fuel pump. Later you can find front breaks problem every 7- 10K miles - vibration which cause of the very heavy car for this disks, but NISSAN resurfaced it under factory warranty.

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  Pathfinder Tranny/cruise/handling issues - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Aviatorduke - June 7 - 5:43 am

  Well built vehicle, typical Nissan workmanship and design in the build. Very happy with the power to weight. Gets up and goes for a vehicle in this class. As another contributor stated and I have to agree I too like the "throaty" sound with acceleration. Great towing power and good off road handling with the 4x4. On the downside I think the tires are too soft for the vehicle weight and at highway speed it is very sloppy and wanders. I too experience what seems like tranny lurching on downhill grades but I found if I turned the cruise off it stopped. Seems as vehicle gets driven more it is better - not sure what that is all about. During servicing I have brought that issue to dealership.

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  So far so good - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Teefer - June 6 - 7:40 pm

  Just picked it up yesterday after years of waiting and researching (thank you Edmunds!) 2.5S with Convenience Package and Moonroof in Winter Frost. Im 6 2" so I have the seat back/down, which does create some blind spots. Ride is quiet and the CVT is great. Push-button start and keyless entry are pretty neat.

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  New 350Z 5A Roadster - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Dave in FL - June 6 - 6:23 pm

  Excellent car for price/performance ratio. Very comfortable ride for a "Sport" coupe, the automatic has ability to use tiptronic shifting to get max RPMs if you really want them.

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  Glad I purchased - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By wilhelmreems - June 6 - 3:56 pm

  So far the car has lived up to my expectations. I was looking at the Dodge Charger, Pontiac G6, Chevy Impala SS and this was the best one. Has the safety features that are optional on the other cars standard and the 6 cyl is well worth it. I average 27 miles to the gallon, mostly highway and dont need to step on the gas to get around people like a 4 cyl would. The car is great, but the service Ive received from several dealers is lacking. Already had to fix the CV joint boot, there was a tear in it. It was under warranty. It has better gas mileage than the V8s I considered and its just as fast b/c its lighter.

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  Fun, fun, fun - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By chris - June 6 - 9:00 am

  I recently just bought this 07 for an 02. Power-wise there is so much of a difference, gas mileage is better, the ride is much smoother, but if you really need to move around, it will definitely do it when you need it to without it feeling squirrelly. Up to this point Im liking a lot more than my old vehicle, and it is definitely a head turner with it being BRIGHT yellow.

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  Great Car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By cami - June 6 - 8:03 am

  I saw my car in the lot and had to have it first of all because of the pearlish white color. It had 17 inch rims, a spoiler, a sunroof and nice ground effects. I drove it down the highway and loved the power it had. It is very zippy! I drive over 100 miles a day and have not had it in the shop yet. I keep the oil changed and that is all it needs.