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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  Best Of All of Them - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By john - February 17 - 6:40 am

  Im in my 60s and for all the cars I have bought and driven over the years from Chevys, Fords and other imports, this car is the best of the breed. Its comfortable, its fun to drive and very very reliable. If I had enough money I would buy one for every day of the week.

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  Great On fuel - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By JC4220 - February 17 - 2:50 am

  Bought this car is 08 to replace my 04 avalanche gas guzzler (14 mpg). I have to say it was a great decision. When I got the car, I replaced the plugs with the Bosch platinum 4s and replaced the air filter with an increased air flow filter, and gave it an oil change. Since then, I have gotten 59 mpg driving at 55 mph (flat interstate). Its definitely a step or two down from the avalanche but the gas mileage more than makes up. No major problems with the car so far. Perfect little grocery getter.

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  Best of the Compact 4-doors - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By jim_xeod - February 17 - 1:47 am

  I , like everyone else, deliberated over this or the Tacoma. Unlike most others, I have owned 6 different Toyotas throughout the years. This is no bash on Toyota, but the just do not make a model comparable to this one. I will explain: I was replacing a Limited 4Runner. Leather, sunroof, heated seats, power seats, ect. To get this from Toyota, you have to get a Tundra. No leather, sunroof, power or heated seats in the Tacoma. The Tundra is a great vehicle, but too large for my needs, and I only require a V6. All that was left was to test drive the Frontier SL. Wow. That sums it up.

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  2005 350Z-Touring-automatic - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By peg - February 16 - 9:13 am

  Comparing the price of all other sport cars, the 350Z is the best bang for your buck!! The "get up and go" of this sports car is thrilling. The 350Zs body style is a head turner. I love it!!!!

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  Pathfinder Review - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Silvio - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Reliable, except @ 150,000km Radiator blew. Great looking truck, comfortable to drive. Not very smooth. It does not have very much power/pick-up and go because it is not the 3.5L.

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  The best car for the money - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Tamer - February 13 - 10:00 am

  good looks , great performance , very reliable .

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  Great car! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By NewMaxOwner - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Just finished putting 1100 miles on my new Max. I traded in a 1998 Audi A4. Though not as nimble due to the lack of independent rear suspension, the Maxima is a fun car to drive with plenty of power and decent handling. How can you go wrong with a 255 hp car that can smoke most other vehicles on the road, yet carry a family of four comfortably? Plus youll get a great deal on a 03 model now that they are trying to push the 04s.

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  Needs better paint - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By mmart157 - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I love this car, overall quality is a 10 easy. Has lots of power and just about every gadget you could need. NissanUsa needs to address the problem with paint chips though. 2 days and I have 20 paint chips down to the primer. My acura has 7 after 4 years in the same driving area. That is pretty ridiculous. Now I have to pay out of pocket to have the hood and bumper re- painted and then add a clear bra. If they could fix that then this would be the perfect car.

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  I Love This SUV - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Z - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I got a fully loaded Murano about a month ago and have no real complaints. The fuel economy is not great, but what can anyone expect from an SUV. The styling is fabulous. The acceleration is fantastic--I just love the CVT. The interior is very comfortable and the ride very smooth. I dont really use the navigation system that often, but when I need it, it really comes in handy. If all you have seen is the pictures and like the look but wonder if the rest of the vehicle matches up--dont worry. It does--and then some.

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  The "4DSC" Has Returned - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By raven - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Virtually outstanding in every way. Smooth acceleration, Confident handling and braking characteristics. Very steady and sure footed at highway speeds. Quiet spacious interior. Tremendous head and leg room (Im 64).Visibility is excellent throughout. Chose this vehicle over the G-35, because of overall value and styling. The old Z line applies to this car. "AWESOME".