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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  pedal to the metal biatch! - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By doop - January 12 - 2:00 am

  fast, comfortable, reliable

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  solid and practical car - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By alr1ck - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Im a first time car buyer and after some research (thanks edmunds!) I purchased the 98 nissan altima used with only 27K miles. Its been 7 months and so far no unexpected problems. the car is solid handeling, very fuel efficient, and overall fun to drive. for a car that was used, many of my friends thought it was brand new (it runs that good).

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  Great Value for the Money - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Ralph Cramden - January 12 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is dressed smartly. The attention to detail and design factors make this vehicle a stand-out. One does not need to spend in excess of $30,000.00 + dollars to drive a great engineered vehicle. Nissans overall redesign plan first with Sentra, followed by the amazing Altima, etc. is reflective of the new Company leadership. The Pathfinder is scheduled for a redesign-{Larger}, Nissan will fill that gap with a Horizon type replacement, the Quest will be totally re-designed and manufactured by Nissan ( Previously manufactured via a joint relationship with Lincoln - Mercury Div. of Ford)..

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  sporty family car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By tothemaxima - January 12 - 2:00 am

  For the money and ability to negotiate, nothing comes close. Great blend of performance with ride, comfortable for a sport-tuned car. It get a lot for the money.

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  2002 Xterra XE - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Gen -Xterra - January 12 - 2:00 am

  This is a great buy. I was planning on buying a used Xterra, a 2000 with 45K miles, fully loaded with a V6, but i saw a brand new 2002 XE 4cyl for just over the price of the used one. I opted for the new one, wondering about the power difference. It isnt too bad. It handles very well both on and off-road, and it is a very stylish ride. I enjoy the high clearance, and being so high off the ground. I used to think my old car, a blazer, was high off the ground, but once you sit inside the Xterra, youll know differently. There is nothing you cant do in it, and it is a great car for teenagers

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  Great Truck. - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Brian Gay - January 11 - 11:30 pm

  I bought this used in November 14 for a decent deal. It only had 84K on it. It now has 88k and I feel confident all of the "First Gen" issues have been worked out (headers, rear axle vent fix, recalls, ect) Given the age I will need to change out some front bushing and shocks but other than that, it has been GREAT to have in the snowiest winter Ive ever seen here in N.E. Wash it on dry days will keep it most of the rust at bay. Gas mileage is as expected for a 4x4, 12 city, 14-16 HWY.

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  Not my first two seater - 2010 Nissan 370Z
  By JH - January 11 - 11:16 pm

  2010 Nismo Z. Exceptional build quality, extremely rigid chassis, feels like it will grip onto a corner forever. Make sure to check your front springs after delivery! Zs are being sold with spring spacers still installed (helps keep the bumper off the groud during shipment). Road noise is no issue for me, wish the exhaust and engine note were a bit more noticeable.

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  Wanted it now - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By MarkD - January 11 - 5:06 am

  I loved it the minute I saw it. I slapped on some chrome wheels and everybody I drive by stares at the thing. The rumble of the V8 and how it lurches this vehicle to 60mph in 7.0 is an adrenaline rush. Weve taken it everywhere on and off the beaten path. 6 of us took a trip all over the southwest in absolute comfort. The DVD/T.V. for the kids is a must. The dual A.C. system works very well... especially here in Arizona. Gas mileage is as expected... not good. I did have front brake problems, but are fixed now... bad rotors. Its not as quiet as a Tahoe or Expedition (test drove those two before buying), but its a trade off for looks, power, the exhaust note and feeling of security.

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  Nice Car - 2010 Nissan Armada
  By wakefan01 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Have a 2010 Titanium 4wd Armada. Great family vehicle. This car makes towing easy and it is very capable off road as well. Overall, this is a very nice truck and i am very pleased with it.

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  I love my Juke - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By Casey - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with this car from the day that I saw it on the Nissan website. The interior of the car is unlike any I have ever seen before. I LOVE being able to switch from climate mode to drive mode with the touch of a button. The car has very little blind spots. I love the look of a two door car when really it has 4 doors. This car is so different that I actually had a cop on a motorcycle pull up beside me just to ask me how I was enjoying the car. I have had this car for just over a month now and I have no complaints. It has a good speaker system as well if you like jam sessions. So far this car is great, not looking forward to future recalls though... Hope this review helps!