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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  Still crazy after all these years! - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Valenti - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Ordered from factory for(rare) 5 speed. (Replaced my 1988 Legend 5 speed.) Reliability has been rock solid. Finally put front brakes at 120k, still has original clutch! Only mechanical problem has been check engine light issue--common to this model. Still drives like its brand new. Guess thats why Im still crazy about it...

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  great fun car - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By igottasweetride - March 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is one of the most fun cars Ive ever driven. Its fast accelerates good and hands decent but needs a little work. It doesnt seems to have any problems or kinks and is an all around great car. It gives you the biggest bang for the buck.

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  the best affordable car in the market... - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By bill rutter - March 23 - 2:00 am

  from a one, I was like wow.... The car had all I needed and then some..

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  A grand one indeed! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Theo801 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Thie Murano is a blast to drive both long and short trips!

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  Loaded without options - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By MacG - March 23 - 2:00 am

  We bought the base model without many "extras" and still it seems pretty well loaded. We got the fold-down seat package-- spectacular. We fit a 7 Christmas tree inside, with our two kids in the second row, and were still able to close the rear door. Im 64" and am finally driving a vehicle with decent head and leg room! And the 2nd row seats slide back so that my seat back doesnt crush the second row passenger. I love the look of the centrally located instruments, and the sight lines are perfect. My neighbors all had to check it out when we brought it home. They loved the body style, and were wowed again by the interior.

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  A minivan with style - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Perry Ward - March 23 - 2:00 am

  This is the style leader for minivans. Great power, ride and gas mileage. Have had several squeaks and rattles, dealer finally got most of them fixed and its quieter now. Defects in windshield and new one also bad but the attempted switch cured some of the wind noise. Third hasnt come in yet. Also wind noise in sunroof, use cover for quiet.

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  A Very Satisfied Owner - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Robert Scholtens - March 23 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is the most comfortable and satisfying to drive of any of my recent cars, which included a 2002 BMW 330Ci, a 2002 Honda Odyssy and a 2000 Acura TL. Perhaps it suits me because although my bones are old I still enjoy a good drive.

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  POWER! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Coach D - March 23 - 2:00 am

  This truck has a lot more power than the new F-150. Its very responsive...zero to 60 in 6.9 seconds, need I say more! Either Nissan is doesnt know how to rate horsepower very well or Ford lied about having 300 hp. The Ford has a better interior, but the engine in this blows the Ford away. The bed system is great. I love the exhaust sound, tough.

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  MY CAR DIGGITY - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By poonugget - March 23 - 2:00 am

  couldnt ask for a better car

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  My 350Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Petrer - March 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is a pleasure to drive. Tremendous acceleration. Small turning radius. Excellent road holding capacity. A real drivers car.