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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  2005 Maxima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By I Tough Max - November 27 - 11:33 pm

  This is by far the beast automobile I have ever owned. The car is well designed, and the powertrain will not quit. With the Bose stereo playing hot east coast beach music, its almost like being in Heaven!

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  Altima 2016i - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By Paul Boyd - November 27 - 7:42 pm

  I love this car. Only have one gripe. The headlights suck. One needs to keep the high beams on at night in order to drive safely.

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  Murano - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By MIke - November 27 - 2:50 pm

  Test drove Highlander and Pilot as well as the Murano. Totally different driving experience in the Murano! Comfortable ride, great handling, excellent looks...no brainer on the purchase. I cant express how happy I am with the purchase of this vehicle.

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  Unbelievable - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Robert Walker - November 26 - 11:40 pm

  I have had this car going on two weeks. It is one beautiful car. Handles crisply, esp around corners. For a 4 banger, it really goes! I test drove and researched many cars for about 6 months. For the bread, this is by far, the best deal. I feel good in this car, and enjoy many of the stares it gets. I have the slate color, with the convenience pkg. The seats are firm, but comfortable, even at 63, 230 pounds. My son is 65, he loves my car, and hijacks it from me every time he comes home, lol. I would highly recommend this car to anyone. Makes me feel young again.

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  Goodbye Ford - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Derek - November 26 - 5:50 am

  Having owned an F-150 for the past 11 years I decided to try the Nissan and after one test drive decided it was time to switch. The roominess, power, roar of the engine,(if you want totally quiet, buy a luxury car), its great to put the foot down and hear that roar but then quiet when normal driving, no wind noise. Getting 15 MPG driving around Houston. Get the optional Bed Package that has the compartment on the left rear side of the bed and back-up sensors.

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  1Quick grocery getter - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By whambino - November 26 - 2:00 am

  We traded a full sized conversion van for the Armada- we are used to larger vehicles. Did not want the extra expense of 4 wheel drive-thank you Nissan for a 4x2. We love the looks,comfort and all the standards that are options on other suvs. This suv handles like a sports car compared to the old van. Im sure a lot of Mustang and Camaro owners are going to be surprised when they are not pulling to far away from my suv at the stoplights.

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  I love my new purchase! - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By GirlyGirl - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car last week! So far I love everything about it and love driving it!! Car looks like I paid alot more for it than what I did. I bought the convenience package w/ mine and love the extras I got! If you are going to get this car, pay a little more for the foglights, alloy tires, & sunroof. Youll enjoy the extras on the convenience package

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  Sentra Buyers go for the SE-R Spec V - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By T. A. F. - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Purchased my molton silver Nissan SE-R Spec V on Friday 01/23/04. I love this car !!! For those of you looking for a car in this price range, you owe it to yourself to atleast test drive this car. The more I drive it, the more I like it. Puts a grin on my face every time. Fun to drive.

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  wont regret... - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By ROJO - November 26 - 2:00 am

  its a nice SUV to drive. Good looking, smooth, and CVT. you can also add all kinds of options to the car.

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  FUN IN THE MUD - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By BTBART - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I have only owned my truck for a couple of weks, however the first time I rode in it I knew it was something different. I have been a dedicated GM man, but after the transmission problems I have experienced from gm trucks I thought I would try something different. This truck is powerfull, nimble and tough in the mud, espically the OFF Road pkg. The first night I took it to the local mud pit and tried to sick it. After learning to turn off the VDC it was almost unstoppable. Both of my two friends were very impressed, that is saying a lot since one owns a lifted fullsize dodge and the other a lifted F-150.