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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  More than expected - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Cruiser - June 22 - 10:00 am

  After driving my Murano through the mountains of Colorado during the summer, I was anxious to see how comfortable it would be on a long road trip. Driving through the mountains was fun as it held the curves with very little or no sway at high speeds. I took a 2600 mile round trip through Texas and was suprised at the comfort for all passengers and also at the good gas mileage.

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  Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Ultimate Quest - June 22 - 10:00 am

  So far so good. We have only had the vehicle a week. So far it has been wonderful. No problems, to speak of and the feedback from interested parties is unbelievable. We highly recommend it and the dealer we purchased it from.

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  Our new Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By OnQuest - June 22 - 10:00 am

  After checking out the new Sienna and its premium price, we decided to check out the new Quest (didnt even consider Odyssey). We liked the test drive and decided to buy it. At first, we were concerned about build quality as it is being built in a brand new plant in Canton,MS. But decided to the risk. We had the interior lights fuse blow out as the other reviewer mentioned. But, the dealers mechanic quickly traced the culprit as a interior light trim meltdown. We havent had a problem from them on. As we drive by, we turn lot of heads. We have people curiously looking at the central instrument control. Driving the new Quest is a pleasure.

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  Smooth-Riding, Head-Turner - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By M of Sacramento - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I test drove the 2002 Accords and Camrys before buying the Altima. The interiors of both competitors looked like more money went into their construction but the Altima rode smoother over the bumps and accelerated quicker than the others. The eye-catching exterior styling still turns heads, the acceleration still impresses and my only regret is that I couldnt afford the V6 at the time of purchase.

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  One classy car! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By drbill2 - June 21 - 12:02 pm

  The previous generation of Altimas must have been put through finishing school by Nissan, as it has emerged as smoother, quieter, and much more refined than my 2010 S. The engineers have succeeded in masking much of the drone of the 4 cylinder engine. Theyve also succeeded in creating a car that appears and drives like a car priced in the 30s rather than the 20s. LOve the sat radio and the dual climate control also. Well done, Nissan!

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  Great Truck - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By Mike - June 21 - 9:20 am

  I am quite pleased with this truck. I was open minded towards purchasing any brand and type of truck. I chose the Frontier for several reasons:Better seating position then Tacoma (I am short); Good build quality; Power; (V6) plenty of it with decent fuel economy. Not too big, not too small; perfect size for someone who doesnt live in their truck. Drives very well; confident handling and feel. Dont be fooled, you cant have someone in the back for any long period of time in King Cab

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  My New Z - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Maureen - June 21 - 2:10 am

  I drove an 85 Z for 20 years and loved the performance and reliability so bought the new Z. Im loving it as well. The fuel economony isnt great but I havent had it long and have been driving "stop and go" around town so its not a "true" picture of what highway driving fuel use would be. Some say its a "rough" ride but I say it drives like a sports car should!

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  Most bang for the buck - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Robert - June 20 - 2:50 pm

  I purchased the SL with the XM convenience package. This car offers an amazing array of features for $25,000--heated leather seats, sunroof, push-button start, cd changer, built-in bluetooth, dual climate control, etc., etc. The CVT is incredibly smooth and the power (including passing power) from the 4 cyl engine is nothing short of amazing. This car evokes images of an much higher priced Infiniti or other luxury sedan. Could not be happier.

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Richard - June 20 - 11:03 am

  I bought my XTerra in Apr 2005 and have already put on 35,000 miles on it. It is an awesome vehicle. So far I have not had any problems with it whatsoever. This is a very VERY reliable SUV - does not have too many extras which is how I like it - There are fewer things that can go wrong with it.

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  2009 Maxima - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Ryan - June 19 - 11:20 pm

  Went to go test drive this car after seeing one on the street. I was instantly hooked. Had to get it. Interior is beautiful, seats are comfortable, features are abundant. Has one of the best sound systems I have heard, and I would consider myself critical in regards to that. Ride quality is great, gotten a lot of compliments at gas station, car wash, co-workers, and friends. I was looking at the G35 and TL but was instantly sold on the Maxima the instant I sat in it.