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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  License to Thrill - 2013 Nissan Leaf
  By nashleaf - October 17 - 5:14 pm

  I bought my Leaf in the shadow of Nissans North American HQ - at the Franklin,TN Nissan Dealer. Well just down the street from this dealer (who did a good job) is the Nissan HQ, which has a quick charger (20min). I live pretty close to that charger, so this purchase is a no-brainer for me. I dont have to worry about range ever while Im driving my normal route. As a result, the people who I pass get to see this Leaf go flying by at whatever speed. Its a quick, fun car, so its a shame everyone doesnt live this close to a quick, free drink. I only ask that there is an Infiniti version soon that looks a little more sophisticated.

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  LOVE my Tech loaded 3.5 - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By magal118 - October 17 - 3:14 pm

  Traded my much loved loaded 2008 Maxima 3.5 for a fully loaded 2013 Altima 3.5. I am not disappointed. The first day we got it we took it on an out of state trip 32.2 mpg at 70 mph. The seats are very comfortable, the drive is great, do not have to buy premium gas any longer. The 3.5 has tons of power. We put 800 miles on it the first weekend and loved every mile of it! Can not wait for more trips in the Altima. The only problem I am having is getting texts to the car, but the Bill Rapp Nissan dealership is working very hard with me to solve this problem. (and this is not that important to me, I dont text and drive anyway.)

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  you need one of these cars! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By 02altimahunny - October 16 - 3:33 pm

  I just bought my Nissan and i love the way it handles and looks. i was looking for a car that fit me, and i found that in my Altima. I didnt really look at this car until i heard so many good things from co-workers. Im glad i listened to them because i could not have been more happy with my purchase.

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  Great Value, Quality & Reliable - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By Keith - October 16 - 1:03 pm

  You cannot go wrong with this truck or really any Nissan. Good quality and no issues to report. Great acceleration and power for size of engine and vehicle. Own the 5 speed and had cruise installed at dealer when purchased new.

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  Pathfinder Is A Solid Vehicle! - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Nissaned - October 15 - 7:10 am

  Its a fun car to drive. The 3rd row seating is good if your riders are small kids. Do not try to pack granny or teenagers in the 3rd row. Also, there is limited leg room in the 2nd seat. But everything else about this vehicle is great. It is extremely responsive both in acceleration and manueverability. And it is a very comfortable road car. The only real drawback about this vehicle is that (I didnt do my homework) it requires premium gasoline. Oh, it will run "ok" on mid-range - but its worth pointing out. Its otherwise a solid car and I would buy another one. Oh yes, spend the extra money and get the sunroof. It will be even more fun to drive.

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  Maxima 3.5 SL is Awesome! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By David Vail - October 14 - 2:00 am

  New 265HP engine is so responsive, I was at 110 in less than a mile during the test drive. It does take a little time to learn how to use all the gadgetry included. Love the skyview roof as we rarely open the sunroof on our other car. Headroom is plentiful, interior space is roomy and the ride tells you its a luxury car. Only options we bought were the Drivers Preferred pkg, mats, splash guards because the standard features contain so much.

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  Super Coupe - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Joe - October 13 - 10:36 pm

  I just purchased the coupe on 12 November, so far it is excellent. What a ride, smooth powerful and reliable. People stop and stare at the car, my friends all love it, the quality is awesome. Nissan outdid themselves with this one. I looked at a lot of cars and the first time I saw it, I was hooked. Drive it and you will buy it.

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  So happy brought another one - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Lisicles - October 13 - 8:56 pm

  This is smooth riding vehicle - I bought it for the dogs, and they love it :) We travel around the county to shows and this vehicle is everything and more - WAY more power than the Tahoe we tested at the same time.

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  too fun - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By homebody609 - October 13 - 1:50 pm

  just absolute fun to drive, mad power, and the steering is great too, car has no body roll, or at least very little

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  THis is why its tough for US to compete - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Jrod - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car brand new. Had four other American made cars before it. I travel quite a bit and have over 210, 000 miles and het to have an engine problem. Had to replace the starter at around 140K. But no real repairs. I keep the oil changed every 5-6K. Very low maintenance since the timing belt is chain driven. Wife had a Camry and it was more expensive to keep it up and didnt have as much power. Only wish it had a little more leg room because I am 63" but will DEFINITELY be buying another one. Keep wanting to trade it in but my mechanic says why bother. Its in perfect running condition.