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:

• 

  This is one awesome car! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Jim from Maine - May 29 - 3:03 am

  My super black 3.5 SE coupe is comfortable, great looking and most importantly, extremely fun to drive! I test drove a Lexus IS 250 the same day and there was no comparison. As a former Maxima owner, I have always been impressed by the quality and performance of Nissan cars and this coupe is no exception. Its quick, handles very well and turns heads. I havent even let my wife drive it yet and Ive had it a week!

• 

  Back again with another Titan - 2011 Nissan Titan
  By peachydad - May 28 - 6:54 am

  Owned a 2004 Titan (first year), and never regretted my decision. It was dependable, and Nissan fixed the warped brake rotors right away, and the truck ran like a champ for 6 years until getting rammed by another driver. I feel this truck is underappreciated and think its a solid contender and has become a bargain. You ought to consider this truck if you need a large general purpose pickup. My 2011 silver one feels familiar, has tons of mass and power, and still roars with its exhaust, but is solid, comfortable, and big enough for anybody.

• 

  True Blue Sports Car: 350Z, 2004 - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By J. A. Nunez - May 28 - 12:36 am

  Just three weeks of ownership, & Im sold with this i-n-c-r-e-d-i-b-l-e machine! Ergonomics, performance, LOOKS!, Nissan quality...you-name-it, I LOVE this coupe/sports car. At $22,000, with just 13200K on it, my conscience is killing me - I ripped off a friend!!!

• 

  Not bad for under 15K brand new - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By cagayan - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Only needed a car that can take me from point A to point B that doesnt cost an arm and a leg and Im actually having fun getting there.

• 

  Sentra Good? My family owns three! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By toga333 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  The Sentra GXE offers great styling, and reliablity. The ABS/Side air bags are only availiable as an add-on package. Fuel economy is 29-32MPG, with about a 300-340 mile Range. We have had no issues with the 3 Sentras my Family owns (01SE,02GXE,03GXE). 180 Watt stereo in uplevel packages are a plus, so are alloy wheels. oh, and make sure you get a rear spoiler, it really improves the rear look of the car!

• 

  Best Value in its class - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By PathMan - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Great handling, acceleration, and ride. Fold down rear seats are great as well as the DVD entertainment system. Very limited road noise. Overall a great car

• 

  the future is now - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By musa - May 27 - 2:00 am

  the best ride money can buy

• 

  New Altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By wdy160 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle to drive. Quick and agile. Build quality could use improvement. A few rattles. Passenger side door leaked water. It took 3 visits to the dealership to fix it.

• 

  Quality, Dependability & Great Used Car - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By fasteddie - May 26 - 4:56 pm

  I purchased my Pathfinder LE in July of 2007. There were quite a few other vehicles being considered at the time of purchase but I opted for the refinement, body style and luxurious appointments of the Pathfinder LE. To this day the only issue has been the intermittent check engine light that comes on. I believe it is the o2 sensor which will be checked out next week. I have hauled everything in my vehicle, even 4 x 8 sheets of plywood. Try doing that in some other suvs... My overall satisfaction is extremely high. A highly recommended vehicle for anyone who appreciates quality, comfort and reliability!

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Danny - May 26 - 9:46 am

  Ive always loved the Z and this one is no exception. The Z is a blast to drive, whether it be through a twisty road, the empty highway, or the pacific coast highway. The shifter is smooth an the throws are quick. Plenty of torque so you never feel short on power an the sound of the engine revving up is amazing. Handling is excellent. Body roll is almost non-existent. Seats hold you in tight as you take the corners. Brakes react quickly and interior design is driver oriented. Overall its just a great car.