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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  My "Little Goat" - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By j-shoota - December 31 - 10:00 am

  For my first New vehicle, I wanted something that is versatile to all my needs. I commute, I like to go "out", Im a camper/hunter/snowboarder, who likes to "roll" with his "boyz". First, this sucker can climb. The clearance is nice and handy. It has the solid/heftiness of the "american" made trucks but doesnt have the bulkiness, which came in handy MANY times while 4-wheelin. The look turns heads, along w/ the upgraded stereo. The 3.3L engine is not enough for its weight. Rides smooth and solid. I found it a little difficult to make tight turns into parking spots, especially with an extended bed (gotta have the extended bed).

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  My First vehicle - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By truckgirl - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2000 nissan frontier and I love it. It is my first vehicle. The truck has been very good for me, I havent had any major problems with it. It gets me back and forth to where I need to go with no problems. I have fun driving the truck. Because of my experience with the truck I will probably buy another Frontier in the future.

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  Very Nice - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Paul - December 29 - 10:03 pm

  A great car overall. Very powerful 3.5L engine. Drives great except in snow its not very good. Lots of wheel spin, etc. Interior is well designed except no passenger power seat for $30k?? Strange. Good gas mileage at 24 in mixed highway/city driving. Push button and door sensors are wonderful... never take your keys out of your pocket. That really spoils you!

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  Surprising Performance - 2009 Nissan Sentra
  By Mike39 - December 29 - 6:36 am

  Ive driven this car for only about 2000 miles. My initial impressions are that I am VERY satisfied. The interior is large for its class (97.7cuft)and very much appreciated by my growing boys. The car I have has the CVT transmission. It runs very smooth and quiet under low torque applications- a little loud during acceleration. the ride is very quiet. The car has great amenities- good sound system, blue tooth, mp3 cd player w/ aux jack, keyless entry, car computer (mpg, dte, temp, etc). The blue tooth and keyless entry are a little extra, but this was the only car I found with a standard computer. Aluminum rims would of been a nice touch- worth the extra$ if you can find one with it.

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  hummmmmm - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Rory - December 29 - 4:00 am

  Bought the car in May and have a hard time getting out of it! 15 seconds to go topless and catch major eyes! Makes the ride to work 10x more fun!

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  Titan leave HEMI in the dust!!! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By 1BadTitan - December 28 - 10:00 am

  Wow, what a truck. Excellent handling, everything so far is just perfect. This is my first truck and it drives just like my other two Maxima. Well, a little more weight but overall, it feels exceptionally well. And lots of head turning when I drive down the road. Best bang for the buck as far as power, comfort. So much power under the hood. I tow a boat and hardy feel it behind the truck. Even pass a HEMI with the boat behind me!!!. The view is just incredible. It is very high up so you have a full commanding view of the road. And the interior is just HUGE. My 2 kids felt like they are in our living room. Now, You need to go and get one :)

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  what a truck!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By johnray - December 28 - 10:00 am

  Hands down the best truck Ive ever driven. I have owned GMCs and drive a Ford at work. This truck is more comfortable than either the Ford or GMC. The Titan has lots of power which can be felt by the slightest touch of the accelerator. I have the captains seats up front and love the huge center console storage. Gas mileage isnt great, but is about what I was expecting. This is the 1st Nissan product that I have bought, but will definitely not be the last.

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  BUY THIS CAR! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By MAXMAN - December 28 - 10:00 am

  Why should you buy this car: 1) The engine. Nissans V6 engine has long been considered among the best V6s built. 265 HP will blow you away. 2) The styling. There is no disputing that this is the best looking family sedan in the under $30 000 category. Park it next to an Accord, Camry, or Mazda 6 and youll be sold. 3) The interior. It is huge! Very comfortable and plenty of storage. 4) The reliabilty. Equal to Handa and Toyota. 5) The ride. You will not stop smiling when you are behind the wheel. I cant think of a single reason that anybody would buy an Accord or Camry over the Maxima. Maxima owners secretly laugh at Accord and Camry owners.

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  WRECKED MY NEW CAR - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By spazzzer - December 28 - 10:00 am

  I WAS VERY IMPRESSED MY WIFE AND KIDS JUST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT WITH AN EXPLORER RUNNING A STOP SIGHN HITTING THE BACK PASSENGER DOOR AND TIRE MY DAUGHTER ONLY RECEIVED A SORE HEAD AND SOME BRUISES AS WELL AS MY WIFE AND OTHER DAUGHTER CLOSE TO 10,000 IN DAMAGE WAS DONE BUT NO BROKEN BONES.

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  Good car some major flaws - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Kevin - December 28 - 6:53 am

  This vehicle is fun to drive and very fast . The Bose system installed is not Nissan quality. My base Saturn sounded much better than the stereo in my Nissan. This vehicle has been in the dealership for repairs more times than I can remember. The service department has taken good care of me while the vehicle was under warranty. Now everything is very expensive to fix. High pressure powersteering hose cost $225 just for the part. Cannot get these parts anywhere but Nissan. I have always dreamed of owning a Maxima and now I cant wait to wake up from this nightmare.