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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  03 Altima --stick - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By RICH63 - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Great car. A lot of value. I have one loaded with everything for 25k+. Can not beat content, style, performance and quality for price. next competitor with manual transmission is BMW. Not worth the extra $. I dropped a K&N filter for extra punch.

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  Traded in an 07 Tundra for the Armada - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By Armada08 - July 31 - 1:56 pm

  We needed something to tow our boat and 6 months ago we picked up an 07 5.7l Tundra CM. Overall the Tundra was a good truck, but i was disapointed with it and just didnt like driving it. We looked at the new Sequoia but I was again disapointed with the bland styling and plastic Tundra interior :(. We happened to stumble into the Nissan dealer and i was very surprised with the Infiniti-like interior in the 08 Armada. We LOVE our new Armada... rides great, tons of towing power, comfy, and lots of great technology.

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  Worth every penny - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Bona Gonsalves - July 31 - 12:34 am

  The only draw back is Window controls, Fuel Tank lead and other controls should have been self illuminated.

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  Quest Is A Sleeper - Be Sure To Take A Look At It - 2014 Nissan Quest
  By r_inboston - July 30 - 3:01 pm

  Have 3 growing teenagers and need 3 rows to keep the peace. Had settled on the Pathfinder until we read how poor the build quality is. Decided to (reluctantly) look at minivans. Looked at the Quest last out of frustration with the Odyssey and Sienna - both nice but the interiors have too much hard plastic. The Quest has a beautiful interior and is a near-luxury vehicle in SL or LE trims. Yes, seats only 7 but the ride is superb and the view out is like an SUV with loads of glass. We bought the SL and too new to evaluate overall reliability yet, but will return after 3000 miles to update. Nissan doesnt sell many so dealer may have to locate. You can drive a hard bargain for one too.

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  Tough Truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Chris Guidry - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This truck is extremely powerful. The off road package with Rancho shocks makes for a rougher ride but they are worth it. I tow horses with it - no problem. The window switches have been replaced once and may have to be again. Smart to make them one touch though. Spray in bedliner and utilitrack system have saved me money by reducing the damage to my truck when hauling heavy stuff. Radio has road noise sensor that adjusts volume automatically. This is annoying. Try to avoid this if possible. VDC keeps the truck more level on tight turns and I am happy with the truck over all. Personal Rating 1 thru 10 = [9.99]

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  Toyota overrated - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By Mark - July 28 - 6:13 pm

  I have owned 3 Tacomas. satisfied with all 3, although very pricey and sparse inside. After much research and comparison, I am pleased with decision to buy 2009 Pro 4X, crew cab. Biggest factor, interior and price much better with Nissan. Finally, a comfortable truck with features never found in a truck. Heated leather, 6 disc/MP3, power seats and so on. The best compromise I could find between SUV and truck.

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  Good Dependable Automobile - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By RodR7679 - July 28 - 5:33 pm

  Excellent car. This car was dependable even at 15 degrees below 0 F and handled good even in snowy winter driving.

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  Best value period - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By ThomasM - July 27 - 5:40 am

  Simply great car. It is considered compact, but inside is bigger that Hondas and Toyotas. Very quiet ride, CVT works great, especially going up hills. Suspension maybe a bit stiff, reminds me German cars tuned for speed, sits very well on a road. Engine is strong and if you step on it it goes. The whole car feels very well constructed and tuned. The basic stereo offers 4 6/9 speakers, plenty of power, imaging is very good. Fuel consumption is good, not as good as Toyota Yaris or Corolla, but engine is bigger and stronger.This car in my opinion, is currently, the best value on the market period. Does what it was designed to do: offers comfortable reliable ride.

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  2000 Max - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Daddio - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Great car! It may not be for everyone, however. I enjoy a vehicle that handles and performs when pushed a little harder than usual. This Maxima does exactly that! It may not be for everyone because the elements that make it a "drivers car" (upgraded suspension components) make fo a firm ride. Personally, Ill sacrifice ride quality for performance any day. Not that this car is uncomfortable. Im 6 feet tall and, unlike many Japanese- badged cars, the seats are supportive for short or long trips. On the other hand, if you prefer the ride/handling of a Grand Marquis, this may not be the car for you.

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  Love It! - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By neal - July 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Maxima and they only seem to get better every time. I cant wait to see what the next body-style has to offer.