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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  Excellent Car, Still going strong - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By reclark - November 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new in 97, and is has been a great experience. 150k miles and have never had it in the shop for any repairs, other than brakes, tires, and general maint. This has been a great car, the best I have ever owned.

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  Like it so far! - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Tabbykat76 - November 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive had a Mazda Protege, a Plymouth Neon, and an older Honda Accord. I like it as much as my Mazda that was wrecked. But honestly I would say nothing beats a honda BUT then again for the price a Nissan is a great deal! I got my 2001 w/31500miles for $8000. I guess it helps to buy it at the end of the sales quarter 15 mins till close with a screaming kids in tow with this info from Edmunds in hand. Anyhow highly recommend!

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  30th anniversary CAR - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By cestob - November 5 - 10:00 am

  What I like best about this car is that all models (GXE, GLE and SE) were treated equally, at least engine wise, which is where it matters. It has a very powerful 235hp V6 engine for all models, and its wonderful to feel that red line to the top. It handles wonderful too, it has a sporty look on the front, so if someone ahead of you sees you from their rearview mirror they see the muscle car front of your car. But once you pass them all they see is a more classy kind of look of your car. I purchased this car cause being a 30th anniversary car I knew the workers at nissan would do a better job, and they certainly did, not a single problem since I bought it.

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  Still like it after 3 years - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By danmcgov - November 5 - 10:00 am

  I leased this new in 9/2001. Its now 9/2004 and I still enjoy driving this car. Ive owned many new cars and after 3 years, Im normally anxious to get something new; not this time. Ill purchase this when the lease is up (a couple of months). Having only 20K miles on it helps. The ride is much quieter than I expected with the low profile 17" tires. I never feel cramped and there is plenty of room in the back seat for two kids (when I decide to leave the Odyssey in the garage).

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  As Good As it Gets - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By C3plus1 - November 5 - 10:00 am

  Great looking SUV!! Love the interior design and awesome handling for a big SUV. Hard to outgrow this one. Test drove just about every other big SUV out there and the Armada simply excelled in all aspects. The V8 has enough horsepower to accomodate any task you have in mind.

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  awesome car - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By j garton - November 5 - 10:00 am

  Probably the best all around vehicle I have ever owned! Functional, economical, luxurious, yet fun to drive.

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  LONG TIME PARTS - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Lazarus - November 5 - 10:00 am

  We waited over 2 months for a part to be delivered from who knows where (JAPAN? It was a simple AC line! I am furious! RUINED our vacation plans - had to take two vehicles for our large family!

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  Lives up to everything you hear - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By johnthomasc3 - November 5 - 10:00 am

  I paid $33,500 for this vehicle that included the off road and big tow package. I also have the floormats and the splashguards. Included in this price was the extended warranty (about $1,000). I also got the $1,000 rebate. The Titan is a big truck. It is so tall that I am going to have to come up with some clever way to wash it. I fell in love with this truck because of the billet grill that was on it as an extra. (they wanted an additional $500 for this, but I didnt even figure this in when I came up with my price).

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  Great Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By TCPohlman - November 5 - 10:00 am

  As a former Accord owner I compared the Accord, Camry and Altima. No comparison. Styling, size, room were all superior in the Altima. Nissan seems to be leading the pack with giving the market an aggressive looking option in the otherwise mundane four door sedan market.

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  Quest - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Jeff Parris - November 5 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. I am 69" tall and weigh 260lbs. and I fit super comfortably in it. The car drives excellent, handles great, and is very peppy for a 4 cyl. I was extremely surprised by its ability to accelerate from a complete stop, as well as when I am doing 60 m.p.h. on the freeway, the ability to accelerate to 75-80m.p.h. I have recommended this car to several of my friends, and so far 2 have bought one, and they agree with my feeling about this wonderful economic big- little car. I am completely satisfied with my purchase, ABC Nissan, and Jim Meadows, who my sales person, and was wonderful to work with.