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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  Love it - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Rev. Bruce - July 4 - 10:00 am

  This is the most fun drive since my old Honda Prelude in 80. Quality of build is top notch, it does everything I ask even recreating the Cabot Trail Advertisement this year! Did fine off road on mountain trails, smooth ride, plenty of power. Center console is a bit awkward and the engineers should have included Mph/Kph conversion on the English/Metric Converter! Dont understand why no running lights on US models, just a cheap relay. Huge room in the back seat, enormous leg room in the front. This SUV is awesome, like driving a luxury car that goes like heck and pushes through snow like its nothing. Safe and steady and Fast, wish heated cloth seats were available. Id buy it again.

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  Love my Alti! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By sillyccn - July 4 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS THE BEST CAR. SOME PEOPLE ARE VEING TO CRITICAL. NOT EVERY CAR IS PERFECT. SURE IT HAS SOME FLAWS, BUT SHOW ME A CAR THAT DOESNT.

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  Traded my Benz, best move I ever made - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Quincy - July 4 - 10:00 am

  My wife liked my car so much (04 6spd SE) and she hated her 01 MB C240, the Benz was in the shop once every 45 days and we only had it 10 months. we had the loaner just as much as our car. The service at the Benz dealership was awful as well. Finally, we had enough, she said why dont I just get a maxima too, fine with me, she likes a soft smooth ride so she went for the 04 SL auto, hasnt complained since.

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  Love my Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By FLAltima - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my Nissan Altime 2 days ago and I absolutley love it. Coming from a 03Pontiac Grand Am I wasnt used to foreign cars yet, which I guess gives me more appreciation of them. I was between the altima and an acoord and by far just by looking at the accord there was no better choice. Everyone says side curtain airbags come standard on the accord but they dont the one I was looking at didnt even have it as an option. So by far there is no better choice then the altima at least in my opinion.

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  New Frontiers - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By John Daulton - July 3 - 9:29 am

  No problems with the power train or any systems. Drivers side cloth seat is worn, but I do that with all of my trucks.

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  Inspiring - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By T.C. - July 2 - 9:33 pm

  GREAT CAR! I absolutely love my new Nissan. I get great gas mileage, its sporty to drive, and the interior space is very efficient and user friendly. I would reccomend this car to anyone who has a limited budget.

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  Hatchback of the Decade - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Josh Cromwell - July 2 - 9:26 am

  I needed a car to commute to and from work. I decided on the Versa after carefully considering Sentra and Frontier. I drove each vehicle for a couple days and the choice was obvious after driving Versa. All the options and room of the more expensive Sentra, and nearly twice the gas mileage of Frontier. Im getting 33 mpg and Ill be the first to admit I have a very heavy foot. Interior room is unbelievable. Im 61" 300 lbs and theres plenty of room to spare in the front and rear.

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  luv my pathfinder - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By kevin c - July 2 - 2:00 am

  great vehicle. leased but considering the buyout. roomy, comfortable ride. love the digital temp control and compass/outside temp display. best vehicle ive ever had

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  excellent - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By allmaxedout - July 2 - 2:00 am

  it is the fastest 4 door in its class. leave accords and camrys in the dust.

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  Loud interior - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By DeLuxe Machine - July 2 - 2:00 am

  I love this car, but the interior is much louder than it should be for a car of this price. Thats really the only disapointing part about this vehicle.