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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  First One - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Grunt - July 10 - 10:00 am

  This is the first one I have owned and am completely happy with it. It is fun to drive, fast and comfortable. A good looking automobile.

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  Just keeps getting better - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Coldfusion - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Very happy thus far.

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  Kays - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By kdk - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Mine is a 2002 Altma with everything on it. The car is great and alot of fun to drive. I wish Nissan had put more into the inside of the car. It is not as comfortable on long trips as my Jeep is.

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  2003 Nissan Altima 3.5SE - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Shive - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Best compromise between a "family" sedan and a sports sedan I have ever seen or owned. Love to drive it.

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  Affordable Style! - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By KiemaB - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought our Altima brand new and I though it was the best choich of the bunch. Pricing was great and the looks and styling of the car were even better. Anyone looking to drive a maxima or infinity for 8 to 12 thousand less. This is the place!

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  New - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Antonio Baker - July 10 - 10:00 am

  It eas a good experience.

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  Murano falls short on handling - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Steven Pollock - July 10 - 10:00 am

  The Nissan Murano, mine now with 7,000 miles. Great highway mieage 25mpg, terrible in the city 14-15 mpg, slugish ingine for a dead stop. Poor handling especially from my last SUV the BMW X-5. Very comfortable for long ride with pleanty of interior room if you dont need a third road. For the money, you get what you paid for and more.

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  Pleasure to Drive - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Tagger - July 10 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is designed for pure driving enjoyment. It has so many features designed for the driver--there is nothing left out.

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  2003 Murano SL - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Dshark - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I like the handling, comfort, speed, roominess, vision and intimidation factor. It gets RESPECT. Also, I feel safe driving it.

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  driver - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Poco - July 10 - 10:00 am

  The Nissan Murano is a luxury vehicle not an Suv. It is a pleasure to drive and a fun vehicle.