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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  Awesome - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By paul37 - March 16 - 2:00 am

  this car is awesome. If I had a Million dollars Id buy ten more. This car is so amazing.

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  maxima sl 2004 - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By tom farmer - March 16 - 2:00 am

  over all i am very satisefied with the car. i wish i had gotten the 5 speed auto trans, just to give myself the option of shifting manualy.

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  Great truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Dave - March 15 - 10:03 am

  I feel in love with this truck as soon as I saw it. But looks were just what got me started. It handles well, is comfortable to drive and has made life a lot easier when it comes to working around the property, because it goes just about anywhere.

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  2002 Spec-v - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Ed Wheat - March 15 - 10:00 am

  I must say this car hits the spot for bang for the buck. I just replaced my first spec-v after it was totaled from a head on collision at 35+mph. I walked away with only sore muscles and nothing else. The whole front end was smashed in but there was not damage done to the interior. I must hand it to Nissan for building such a safe car.

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  Mom , Pa & Childrens Minivan - 1999 Nissan Quest
  By Fraedna - March 14 - 8:50 pm

  My 1999 Nissan Quest has good power, decent fuel economy, great interior and comfort (with a great leather quality), and lots of neat features. My kids love the video system. I have not experienced any major problems. I just hit 40,000 miles and my Questr still rides like a sedan. I also own a 2000 Nissan Pathfinder and provides the same performance and quality. I plan on purchasing a Nissan as my next vehicle as well.

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  No Doubt About It - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By David - March 14 - 4:46 am

  I was torn between the Tacoma and the Frontier. After driving the Frontier I knew it was the truck for me. I had one in the late 90s and it was the best vehicle I ever had. The new Frontier is leaps and bounds better. It is bigger more powerful and fun to drive. And Carmax was the BEST buying experience I ever had.

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  2011 Altima w/ SL package - 2011 Nissan Altima
  By altimaowner6 - March 12 - 7:14 pm

  I recently purchased a 4-cyl. 2011 Altima with the SL package and the Bose premium sound package w/ backup camera. I love this car and I am very happy with my decision after putting about 500 miles on it. I was on the fence between the Sonata and the Altima for a while, but ultimately decided I liked the styling and smooth ride of the Altima better. A small part of me wishes I went with the V6 but it was signifiantly more money and I wouldnt be averaging 26 miles per gallon as I am with the 4 cylinder. The 4-cyl. offers plenty of power 95% of the time. I recommend the SL package and Bose system which produces outstanding sound quality, and I would also add a spoiler.

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  My SL Altima - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Carol Neugebauer - March 12 - 5:30 pm

  Since 1984, only owned SUVs..love my Altima SL. Performance and dependable all of the time.

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  2016 Altima - Its about VALUE and LOOKS not bad - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By Lee - March 11 - 1:35 pm

  I want to say how much I saved in my trade by having Edmunds numbers to pull out !!!!!!

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  Look Out - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Kbmexec - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Watch out GM, Nissan has a new wildcat on the road. It has all that you have plus quality!!!!!!!!!!!!!