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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  POINT N SHOOT - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By john Q. SMITH - April 28 - 2:00 am

  MY LAST 3 CARS IN MY DRIVEWAY WERE A VIPER ROADSTER, A CONVERTABLE CORVETTE AND A MERCEDES CLK. THE 350Z CONVERTIBLE IS MORE FUN THAN ANYTHING ELSE LISTED. THE 350Z IS VERY EASY TO DRIVE, AND REQUIRES NO DRIVING SCHOOLS. THE ELECTRIC TOP OPERATES WELL. THE STYLING IS BEAUTIFUL AND TURNS HEADS EVERYWHERE.

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  350ZOOM! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By You Go Gurrl - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I love my 350! The style is HOT! It is indisputably the best looking car on the streets, and nothing pleases me more than being the first car at the stop light! WHEW! This car is a truly eye candy like its driver! The now discontinued BRICKYARD color makes us a rare and true sight to behold.

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  lemon law - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By paulluap - April 28 - 2:00 am

  problems left front strut left front strut mount left front linkage glove box replaced left side passager window frame replace for wind noise rear deck rattle balanced the tires replaced two tires back arm rest shimmy in the the steering wheel hood out of alignment rear door out of alignment rotors front tie rod buzzing noise in the pass side front dash dash texture is chipping away on drivers side front left vent left wheel bearing all tsb the nissan dealer told me that there is problem with my brakes i will fax detail copies of repair orders

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  Just right - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By Raul - April 28 - 12:43 am

  I bought my Nissan Frontier brand new in 1998 and it is still going. I am consistenly getting 20 miles per gallon in city driving. the truck has decent accelaration and gives power when needed. I live in Texas and the AC is still cold. I am never dissappointed. Six years of ownership and I have never experienced any stalling.

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  Great car - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Nick T - April 28 - 12:13 am

  I just traded in my 05 Sernta for this car and it was the best decision I have made. I love this car. It is quick for a 4 cyl., the stereo is excellent, it is VERY comfortable. This car is real fun to drive and everyone who has driven with me raves on how smooth and how nice it is.

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  Love my Murano - 2010 Nissan Murano
  By Dawn - April 27 - 10:50 pm

  We really like this crossover.Got amazing deal on it. Almost got Equinox but could not deal with the 4 cyl engine and we got nice Murano for the same price. Beautiful leather interior is exquisite. Have 3000 miles and no complaints.

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  Armada - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Funky - April 27 - 10:03 pm

  This SUV is large and modern, it has good road presence and feels safe and dependable. I opted for the car for safety and thought it may have better residual values than many of the dated looking SUV competition. It is a nice package with some great features. I like the modern exterior styling, safety features and the refinement of the ride. The engine growls when pushed a little I would just prefer it kept quiet. I do not like the seats, I find the drivers seat uncomfortable despite electric adjustment. Visability can be poor due to the large pillars front and rear. I like this car but I dont love it - it feels functional as Nissans usually do but also lackluster and bland.

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  I like it - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By dcbruin - April 27 - 7:33 am

  Been very happy with my Nissan. Im a bigger guy and this cabin is very roomy. Lots of leg and head room for the front and the back which I found hard to find in SUVs. The fit and finish of the car is good. Gas mileage is better than my old Montero. I average about 18 to 19 miles in predominant city driving. On the highway it does great. The AWD is very nice in the midwest and provides a nice tight drive. The CVT is awkward. Im still getting use to the deceleration. The car is very responsive in acceleration and thats nice. There is a strange hiccup when slowing down. You must also learn to feather the gas in the snow/slush

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  What can I say, but Wow! - 2015 Nissan GT-R
  By hfzeus - April 27 - 6:28 am

  This is by a wide margin the best car I have ever had (or even been in). As an engineer, I am amazed at this car and what it can do. First, the downsides (which are far surpassed by its positive qualities. It does not like to go slow (neither do I). At speeds under 30 or so, the transmission makes strange noises and the steering is a little rough. The suspension, even in comfort mode, would not allow you to to surgery in the back seat. And if you ever can temporarily give up driving this car, you better watch out for curbs. The ground clearance would make a mouse do the limbo. But that is not what this car was engineered for. It is an absolute thrill to drive.

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  Best Yet - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By jshane - April 27 - 4:06 am

  Ive had Mustangs, Camaros, and Trans Ams, but have never had a sports car this good! Its acceleration, handling, build quality and fun to drive factor are miles ahead of the american rivals. Detroit could take a lesson from a car like this.