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 new car: - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By shawn morris - May 17 - 10:00 am

  This car is absolutly the best car to drive for the price and, the look is unparalleled.

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  Performance Review - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By BVersoy - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I am a person that loves to drive and have owned cars considered "higher end". Hower,beyond a doubt this is the most exciting vehicle I have ever driven. It is smooth, it corners, it hugs the road and does not wave with the winds. The cabin is a delight down to the deep cup holders so I dont worry about spillage. The beauty of the jeweled headlights and taillights and overall design of the car makes it one of the most beautiful on the highway. I cannot imagine what can be changed to make it better. I get comments from people all the time. I named it Snazzy, because it is. Happy driving. BV

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  Love It - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Louise - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car. I love everything about it. It looks fantastic and drives like a dream. The 4 cylinder has tons of power. I have owned many Toyotas over the past many years, but chose Nissan Altima because of the appearance and now love it for all the right reasons. Its wonderful. I got it in the Pewter color and get compliments everyday.

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  I should have purchased the platinum - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By Kim - May 16 - 7:25 pm

  I enjoy the SL version, however, I regret not purchasing the platinum.

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  Great in Winter too! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By fpl1972 - May 16 - 3:36 pm

  I just got back from a 1700 mile winter road trip through Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. My Versa started without a single problem in -26 weather. Out performed a 4Runner in the snow and only had to put chains on because the state troopers made everyone! Transmission was seamless and enabled me to get out of deep snow without spinning out of control. Even with the low profile, it still went through deep snow easily.

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  A great purchase - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By eca - May 15 - 10:23 pm

  An excellent car for the money. I was considering a couple competitors, (Accord/Civic, Subaru Legacy, Camry) but none had the interior room of the Altima. Im 61" and test drove the car with the seat all the way back. Afterwords, I got in the back seat behind the drivers seat and my knees did not touch the drivers seat! I also have the special edition package that places audio controls on the steering wheel, along with a trip computer and 8 way power drivers seat. The car gets comparable gas mileage to the competitors and it is less expensive. I also love the color (smoke w/ frost interior). The cloth is very soft and comfortable. Overall, Im very pleased and the car rides beautifully.

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  Great truck! - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Gary - May 15 - 4:40 pm

  Bought this from original owner in Jan. of 08 with 22k. Its got 37k on it and its been a great ride so far. No squeaks, solid as a rock, FAST, handsome and just plain fun. I get 16 mpg in town and 18-19 on the road. Its my daily driver, handles small truck tasks (hauling stuff, etc.) and the king cab works great to take my wife and daughter on trips. I have step rails and a bed cap - highly recommended. Put your luggage in the back and youre off!

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  Great Car - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Jeffrey - May 15 - 12:00 pm

  This is our 2nd Pathfinder and as with this our old one we enjoy this vehicle too. It gives us the room needed and the comforts too. The 2006 Pathfinder is a great vehicle to drive, a lot of power. A GREAT VEHCILEÂ…

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  Wouldnt Trade Her For Anything! - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By KMac - May 15 - 2:50 am

  I Love my car! I bought her in 2005 with 108k. I immediately fell in love with his car and still love driving her. My Maxima is loaded with all the options. I absolutely love the climate control and Bose Sound! The interior design is beautiful- not cheap looking like the newer Maximas are. I feel totally safe driving this car- not to mention the smooth and powerful ride she gives. I now have 184k on her and have only had to do some basic maintenance. I am so impressed with this car. This was such a great purchase. I plan on driving her til she dies (which I dont anticipate being anytime soon!) I average 21 city, 28 hwy, and around 31 on long distance trips

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  Incredible Hybrid that is a Great Car - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By happyinct - May 14 - 9:26 am

  Its possible to get 40 mpg from a 3500 lb car with great acceleration, braking and most decent handling. This is a very comfortable car. The Tech package is great as is the rear view camera. Nissan took Toyota technology and improved upon it. The engine starts feel no different than a shift in a typical car. Very happy!