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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  Our new 2008 Versa is a wonderful car - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By bluegrass08 - August 31 - 5:23 pm

  The CVT is fun to drive and the car itself handles very well.

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  A Great Ride - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Hondo - August 30 - 8:06 pm

  I traded my Mercedes ML320 (after a final $4000 repair bill) for something more dependable, and the Murano was my choice - and one I havent regretted so far. The Mighty Mo has rapid accelleration, sports car handling, a decent AWD system, and good all-around gas mileage (I see 21 city/hwy), all wrapped in a dependable Japanese package. While the AWD system isnt as responsive as the system in the Mercedes, it has done a good job of getting me around in bad weather. All around, a great vehicle with a cavernous interior. Very pleased, and would buy another.

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  Very Happy - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Sarah - August 30 - 7:33 pm

  Ive had this car for several months, and I still get excited to drive it. This was my first big purchase after graduating college, and Im very pleased with the performance so far. It drives smoothly and its quiet. Its wonderful for snow storms and I feel very safe driving it in bad weather. Its a nice looking car inside and out, especially for the price.

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  Most bang for your buck - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By SDgirl - August 30 - 9:23 am

  When it came time recently for me to buy a new car, I had narrowed my choice down between the 2010 Honda Civic and the 2010 Nissan Sentra. The cars have the same horsepower, and the sentra has more torque and is slightly bigger. For more than 1k less than the Honda, I was able to get steering wheel mounted radio controls, an ipod dock, the Intellikey keyless entry, and Bluetooth. The choice was easy! I was able to get the most amount of gadgets for the least amount of money. Its a great car- very smooth ride, spacious interior, and feels stylish.

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  Top Notch Nissan - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Greg Gumbo - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I have owned an 84 Nissan truck, a 95 XE V6 ext cab, and now the 2003 Frontier XE V6 Desert Runner. By far the best Nissan I have owned to date. Every design short coming of my previous truck ( which were few) have been re vamped and nicely modernized. Nissan continues to lead the pack in design and performance. My 95 2WD being the work horse it was, I opted to buy an 2WD Frontier. With the added ground clearance, who needs 4WD? She gets me every where I wanna go........

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  Simple, enjoyable sports sedan - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By clarka100 - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car used with around 50K miles and have beed driving it hard ever since. It takes it all and keeps moving. Im a salesman and spend hours in my car, and this Altima is a lot of fun and very comfortable to be in. I love the sunroof, the leather seats are always appreciated and I havent had any work done to the car yet except new tires and oil changes. Sound system is great for factory, and visual view through the windshield is second to none. Have no complaints with this car except the rear end which is kinda boring. Ohh, and as with any car, more horsepower is great.

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  Maxima is good - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By mas2003 - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought this new and have been VERY pleased with it. I had the Check Engine soon light go on early in its life and they replaced some warranty part, all else went well until recently. Air bag light went on, spent $34 and found that there was no problem. The check engine light went on again and I ignored it and has since turned off. No other issues. I just replaced the Michelins

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  Not the best, but what really is? - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Osiris - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Having traded in my 2001 Focus ZTS on what seemed like a whim, I became the owner of a pure white SE-R Spec V. Its made me feel like I got a much better car for a reasonable price. Though inoffensive on the exterior, its certainly not ugly. The interior is pleasant and well thought out, though the plastics leave much to be desired. The red gauges are difficult to read sometimes. Seats are comfy, good back support. This is not a car for everyone. It doesnt even attempt to coddle you and your passengers. But I find myself looking for longer ways home just to spend more time driving. Thats a hard thing to get people to want to do with an economy car.

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  Fianlly a Nissan SUV - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By npt - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Excellent alternative to the domestic SUV, compared all the other models and this Armada has it all. Currently own a Ford Expedition (which I like too). If you try one out you will buy one, altho hold on to your pocketbook, not cheap!

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  Nissan Murano - New Car Experience - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Dafield - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Excellent design - exterior and interior. Just the right size. Perfect for urban parking and utility needs. Sound system with sub-woofer is excellent. Ergonomics all around are very good. Everybody loves the car.