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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  So Far, So Good - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By gerry - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Traded a Chrysler LHS for the 2.5SL -time to downsize. Got all the packages except navigation. The 4 cylinder is a little noisy on heavy acceleration, but has enough power. CVT surprised me - didnt think I would like it. End of year pricing was excellent.

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  Nissan 350z Roadster Convertible Rocks - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Jill Hegner - June 13 - 8:33 am

  I love everything about this car. except maybe the fact that when i shop there isnt alot of trunk space to put my bags in. Of course, that makes my husband quite happy!!

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  WOW - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Gary - June 12 - 10:40 pm

  I have not purchased a foreign car recently and this one just blew me away. For the money, it is a great value. Deals are so good on 2006 version of car, swayed me away from 2007 model. Highly recommend it

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  What a great decision!! - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Debbie - June 12 - 8:40 pm

  I was in the market to buy a luxury car. I was looking at buying a Lexus and brought home the Maxima. I test drove the car and fell in love with it. Considering everything that you get in the car, its a great value for your money!

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  Excellent Car - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Ivy - June 12 - 5:46 pm

  I just traded my Sentra SE-R for the Altima and I love it! It is a smooth ride. The car is spacious. To me the car seems quite when driving. I love it!!!!! The style of the vehicle is GREAT! Very happy with purchase.

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  very comfortable - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Jerter - June 10 - 7:06 pm

  Love this car. Owned two crv before and really love them too. But loved the exterior look of the altima, love the CVT, Boise system, quietness while driving. Traded in a Chrysler as a clunker, got a great new carLove this car. Owned two crv before and really love them too. But loved the exterior look of the altima, love the CVT, Boise system, quietness while driving. Traded in a Chrysler as a clunker, got a great new car

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  A+++ for Altima Coupe! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Fri - June 9 - 6:23 pm

  I have wanted Nissan to come out with an Altima coupe for years now! They finally made one, and it is a beauty! I love my 2.5S coupe, and it fits me like a glove. When I first bought the car, the tires really needed breaking in. Once they had a few miles on them, the car became a lot more steady at high speeds (70-80 mph). My gas mileage continues to improve too! At first, I was only getting 22 mpg city. Now, even with the air conditioning, Im getting 30 mpg in the city!! The longer I have it, the more its breaking in. This car is only getting better.

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  Too young & cute to be a soccer mom! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By sassy - June 9 - 5:56 am

  Driving this van has been a pleasure and while its capacity is that of a soccer van, the image is simply not there. It drives smoothly, accelerates well, and handles corners. Nissan has handled the expected recalls of that of a new design quite well and our family is quite happy with it.

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  the swiss army knife of the road - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By scottinky - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I just got my truck a week and a half ago, I love it! I went from a Mustang GT to this, and I am not longing for more peformance. This SUV is very comfortable to sit in and drive. It has already proven its worth in some wintery weather. i look forward to having it in the family for a very long time!

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  Its Time to Rethink the SUV Market - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Dave & Karen - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Having owned several Suburbans and Expediton we have to say that this is the BEST SUV we have Driven and it is MADE in the USA. Body Style looks RUGGED to go with the vehicle capability. Handling is awesome and takes some getting used to. Not that it lacks, but very much more responsive. Fuel economy is whats expected for an SUV 17.2 (3 Kids and All gear for week in Mountains) Highway 15-16 City. Seating is outstanding. Ease of entry to third row seating is exceptional compared to the others. Cargo area is a bit larger than Expedition but smaller than Suburban. However Storage for everything else Cups, Glasses, Games, etc.is Outstanding.