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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  First time nissan owner - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By JOHN B - January 10 - 11:06 am

  This vehicle is roomy and is very functional i really feel that it has good build quality.

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  So far soooo goooood - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Tony G - January 10 - 8:26 am

  So far, so good! Smooth ride, excellent acceleration, lots of body roll when turning, but what do u expect, its a BIG SUV. Brakes a little slow. Very Happy with this truck!

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  Rural Colorado - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By rural Colorado - January 10 - 4:13 am

  Test drove the CVT, my 6 speed is much more responsive and quiet. Fuel economy is great at 32 city-35 hwy. Drove a lot in Denver recently- consistent 32 mpg. Very happy with the options chosen with the S (cruise, power package), and equally happy with the price. Test drove Corolla and Civic. The Versa and the options I wanted would have cost me much more in the other (more well known) models. Insurance is also cheaper! The Versa is much more comfortable and fun to drive. Wish there was an arm rest... small price to pay. A lot of space in such a small sedan. Handles well on ice and snow. Great car!

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  great vechicle - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By ricardo - January 10 - 3:50 am

  one of the best vehicles ive ever purchased, great ride, handling and comfort for (7) adults Large amount of interior storage, with easy access and ease of folding seats which dont have to be removed

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  My Favorite So Far - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By Rod - January 9 - 2:13 pm

  You cant go wrong with this car. Great car for your money.

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  Excellent Value - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Bob Browne - January 9 - 9:13 am

  The Versa S sedan, manual trans, with the Power Package is more than enough car for our family of young drivers. The car shifts smoothly, rides nice for a small car, and has much more interior leg room in the back seat than many mid size cars. The trunk space is surprisingly large too. The dash has a nice look. I believe this vehicle will gain a lot of sales momentum as it priced so competitively and has so much to offer.

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  comsumer - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By ROY - January 9 - 3:56 am

  do a combination of city and highway driving, so far no problems, blue tooth feature is great. this is my 3rd maxima.

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  Great Fill Size Truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By John B. - January 9 - 3:16 am

  Truck is a blast to drive. Very fast, very smooth. I has planned to buy a Ford F-150, but the Titan was just better in so many ways, except price but thats just your basic "get what you pay for". Gets compliments all the time from people in parking lots as I am getting in or out.

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  nice car! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By chooch - January 9 - 2:13 am

  I have only owned my versa for 5 days and i love it! its so smooth, i know a speeding ticket is in my future! its so comfy. Not a bad car for $15,000.

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  Replacement Killa - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By maximus331 - January 8 - 6:26 am

  In the past I have owned two Nissan Maximas. I was quite dissapointed in the previous models. The power of the Maxima reminds me of the 300m which I traded in for the Maxima. Quite pleased with handling style and performance