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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  97 Maxima - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By MaximaCalif - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Been a great car very reliable all I have had to do is replace the stereo (which I guess happened on many of these models) but otherwise no major issues so far.....great mileage for a V6, about 27-28 MPG....power is fine and interior has stayed together well.

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  My X Rocks HARD!!! - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By microserf - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven my XterraSEV64x4 from Atlanta, GA, to San Francisco, CA and back, TWICE. Ive driven my X from San Francisco to Tahoe for skiing trips, up to Napa Valley numerous times, all over the Sunshine State from Pensacola on over to Jacksonville, Gainesville, Orlando and Miami and back numerous times. Ive driven up in the north Georgia mountains in Helen, GA. Cruised throught the quaint germantowns, as well as the crazy rocky trails up to Amicalola Falls.

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  2004 Quest S Model - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By cher0519 - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Love this vehicle. First time owning a minivan, which I said I would never drive. This is not your typical minivan. Nice smooth ride. The only problems I have had so far is the CD player works for a few days then doenst work for a week and this keeps going on and on. Gas pedal seems real jerky. Dealership tells me I must have a lead foot but I dont think that is the problem. Kids love the car. Especially the DVD player.

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  What fun luxury! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By JewelzRN - August 10 - 2:00 am

  This one got me excited. It has been a really long time since I really HAD TO HAVE A CAR. I havent had this much fun driving a vehicle since my very first car as a teenager! (approx 20yrs ago) SHhh. Anyway, as a soccer mom and a full time outside sales rep this SUV has got it all for me and I dont feel like an old ninny in a mini van. The sporty ride and appearance makes me feel GREAT. You must take a test drive. Have Fun! Live life young! p.s. the gas milage beats the standard suv by far!

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  Nisan Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By morten - August 10 - 2:00 am

  This is really a 3/4 ton truck when you read the lables. Ample room in king cab for 3 adults & 3 chrildren in the back seat. Driving the speed limit in town can get 17 miles to the gallon. Has los of power for those larger loades plus good pickup for the tight spots. All in all very impressive Mort

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  WOW! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By DONZ - August 10 - 2:00 am

  45 YEARS OLD 2 KIDS, NO MORE MINI VANS. LOTS OF FIGHTS OVER THE PASSENGER SEAT. HAVE FOUND BETTER PERFORMANCE AND MILEAGE ON 93 OCTANE AS OPPOSSED TO 94 OCTANE??? MY SECOND Z, AND BOY DID I MISS THE TIME BETWEEN THEM...WIFE STILL MAD, BUT WILL BUY HER ANOTHER HORSE AND SHE WILL CHILL.

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  GREAT car!! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Stacie P - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my car for nearly a year now, and I adore it! Its very sturdy and reliable. I havent had any problems with it AT ALL. Its a great car at a great price.

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  Living Large and Moving Down the Road - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Walter L Russell - August 10 - 12:40 am

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  Carmens experience with NISSAN MURANO - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By From Experince - August 9 - 7:10 am

  I am an owner of a 2005 Nissan Murano.Since i have this SUV I can not imagine driving a diffrent car.It has everythig you ever expect from a great vehicle.My husband has a mercedes but I will never change my car with his.It handles really well in bad weather conditions and has a great power and a beautiful design.The only suggestion that I have to improve this vehicle is use more powerful head lights.Try it and you will belive it.

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  Fantastic Travel Car - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Don Douglas - August 9 - 4:33 am

  We wanted a vehicle which offered comfort first and economy second for our retirement travels. Our 2009 Altima has exceeded expectations. It is as comfortable on the open road as our 2003 Tahoe and gets 32 mpg at and 5 mph above speed limits with AC on. Also pleasantly surprised with 29 mph around town. Has sufficient power to climb I70 from Denver into the Rockies with ease. Bought the Altima after extensive comparisons to the Camry, Accord and Hyundai Sonata. Altima won for riding comfort and power in the 4- cylinder group. Cannot be more pleased with our selection and would recommend this car to anyone.