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 Car! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Mark V. - March 25 - 6:56 am

  I am very impressed overall with my recent purchase of a 2003 3.5SE V6. Car is roomy, comfortable, outstanding acceleration and handling. Bose stereo pumps. Even being a former Corvette owner i am still very satisfied with the Altimas performance. Trunk has ample room to fit skies/snowboard and anything else i would transport. To sum it up..It is a great car that meets my need for speed and practicality.

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  My Murano Goes - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Latnlo316 - March 24 - 10:00 am

  Nissan has put together a real winner with the Murano. With its great looks and sweet engine any one that wants a really good suv that they dont take offroad the Murano is a sure thing.

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  Good Truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By RichieGil04 - March 24 - 10:00 am

  1st pickup. Power options, variable int. wipers, cruise, tinted windows, bed extender for $18K. Thats a great value. Commuter car & weekend warrior. Use it to haul mulch, pallets of pavers, bring snow blower for service. 4WD a must with a truck in the snow. Fun to drive.

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  review - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Mr.Blake - March 24 - 10:00 am

  I like the speed and the acceleration of the 3.5 liter engine. The Bose sound system is excellent.

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  New Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Mannyace - March 24 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car for your money. Usual Nissan dependability. Better looking that the more expensive Maxima. The 4 cylinder more than sufficient for city driving and saving gas with almost the matching power of a V-6

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  Safe in an Accident!!! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By hyjean888 - March 24 - 2:40 am

  Three days after purchasing this car, I was involved in an accident in which I did multiple 360s on an interstate going 80 mph and ended up spinning into and out of a 4 foot ditch twice, completely smashing in both the front end and the rear end. I was wearing my seatbelt, however my dog (in the passenger seat) was not (and did not have benefit of an airbag like I did)! My dog and I both walked out of the car with VERY minor bumps and bruises (mostly from the seatbelt and airbag). Im so upset that I lost my Altima but I am definitely buying another one as soon as I can. This car saved my life (and my dogs life). The paramedics couldnt believe I survived and neither could I. Thanks Nissan!

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  Great truck - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Leo Norkus - March 24 - 2:03 am

  This is the most fun I have had driving a truck. It is comfortable, smooth riding and the gas mileage is not bad for the V6. Took it on a 400 mile trip with my wife, even she said it was the most comfortable ride in a truck.

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  1st time Nissan Owner - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Campcandle - March 23 - 10:06 pm

  After test driving the Mazda, Accord and Camry; a friend suggested we test drive the Maxima. We did not as not in our price range but drove the Altima instead and purchased the same evening. We were impressed with the sporty drive without the sporty price. The displays are easy on the eyes and controls easy to use. Love the intelligent key and the roomy interior was a pleasant surprise. Highly recommend anyone to take for a test drive.

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  sentra se 2001 - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By NXN - March 22 - 3:10 pm

  Perfect car - 81 000 miles - not a single problem so far. I regret that I purchased extended warranty :)

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  My Titan - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Jerry - March 22 - 2:30 pm

  Allthough Ive only had this vechile for a couple months I love it. I had a 04 F150 glad its gone many trips to the shop in the 1.5 years of ownership.The Nissan is very well thought out, fun to drive, power out the kazoo, plus comfort on long trips. I"m confident you will enjoy every moment in this vechile. Plus Team Nissan folks are the best.