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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  OUTSTANDING BUY! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Bradford - August 10 - 10:00 am

  I have only had the XTerra for two weeks and it is absolutely the best vehicle purchase I have made in 25 years!!!! Fun, durable, reliable, and easy to drive. It has the necessities of a truck/SUV but the handling capability of a car. It looks great all cleaned and waxed for a luncheon with clients; or all muddy and rough for a weekend camping or hiking. GREAT VEHICLE!!!! 110% SATISFACTION!

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  Itll Make You Smile! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By ckone - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive had a big smile on my face since I bought this SUV! You will too! Nissan has an excellent product. One of the best vehicles Ive ever driven. Drives and rides very smooth for an SUV..the best of all I test drove. Very fun! Be ready to get lots of compliments and gazes! EPA fuel economy is accurate after a few tanks if you use premium gas and dont be forceful.

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  Very Impressive - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By SDMURANO - August 10 - 10:00 am

  We traded our 2002 Altima V-6 for the Murano (black) and havent regretted it since. This SUV lives up to its billing. Gas mileage is good considering all the other SUV mpgs but not up to specs. It has power as well. The transmission is awesome (so smooth!!!)I am still exploring all the gadgets. (We purchased everything we could for this car: Leather pkg, sunroof, cargo cover and mat, etc...) rear seats recline (cool)then fold flat for cargo space.

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  Glad We Waited - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Noddy - August 10 - 10:00 am

  We almost bought the Odyssey, but waited to see the new Quest. Its new design, features, and SPACE sold us. It has noticeably more room than then any other minivan. The seats are wide and comfortable and the folding seats were a plus hauling all of our camping equipment. Handling, acceleration, and ride have exceeded my expectations. Our friends and family are thoroughly impressed, and strangers have approached us with many compliments regarding styling.

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  your the 1st and definitely not the last - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By james brown - August 10 - 10:00 am

  on a scale of 1 -10 the 350 is a 15 best in the business

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  Its been a good vehicle - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By 04 armada - August 10 - 6:50 am

  After studying all SUVs in this size I selected the Armada, overall best price and design features. It has only had one warranty repair (warped brake rotors). Now at 40,000 miles it still drives very well, no leaks or any other issues have come up. Fuel economy is disappointing, other vehicles I have owned of this size have done much better. I would buy another if fuel economy were improved. A very good well thought out vehicle if you are looking for an SUV in this size.

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  Great car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Sparky - August 9 - 5:40 pm

  The Nissan Altima is a great car. The handling on the road, even in the snow and ice is magnificent. First time I have owned a Nissan and I will have another. Its a fun car to drive.

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  change has finally come! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By gary - August 9 - 8:13 am

  I own a 1991 maxima which was the forefather of the 4dr sports car. I only have 35000 mile on it to date. I never thought there would ever be another maxima that would compare until now. Its not only better but it just blows everything away in its category. I may have had an old school vehicle but I forgot to mention I also own a 2008 acura mdx and a honda accord accord v6. Honda has its homework cut out for itself. Its value holding segment has finally met its maker and its time for the honda salesman just standing there saying over and over its a honda and it holds its value, poppycock! This maxima just does it all for a lot less then what it competes with. I dont need exotic badging....

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  1999 Nissan Sentra GXE limited edition - 1999 Nissan Sentra
  By Marshall Carpenter - August 8 - 10:40 pm

  Got this car for my 19th birthday. very nice car just needs a couple of things. speed sensor went out. for only 115 hp it gets the job done. needs speakers. back passenger window is off. front right door dosent open from outside. Driver power window button is not working right. needs new front and back bumper, and paint but other than these problems car runs great for almost 200,000 thousand miles.

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  I like it! - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Ron A - August 8 - 1:33 pm

  Purchased the last day of 2009 to take advantage of government tax breaks. I bought the Nissan with the Performance package. So far so good. Im averaging over 25 mpg. Plenty of power. Havent really used the paddle shifters as yet. I looked at the Acura TL, Infiniti 37Gx. I liked the G37 but it was too loud for my wifes tastes. The TL had less front head and leg room and Im 64". My previous Nissan Maxima had automatic folding mirrors. That really the only thing I miss. Im anxious to try out the air cooled drivers seat