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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  2012 Nissan Sentra S (Auto) - 2012 Nissan Sentra
  By gary01 - December 25 - 8:20 am

  Great car for cheap money. The car feels solid and is very quiet. The car handles great with a smooth ride. The only downside is gas mileage, I get between 24 and 28 mpg. I got the same mileage with my V6 Honda Accord. I expected better mileage with a 4 cyl. engine.

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  2010 Hybrid Altima for 13K below MSRP - 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Aman - December 24 - 10:40 am

  Bought fully equipped 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid (MSRP $34,940) for 13K below sticker price including Nissan rebate, dealer rebate and tax credit. Great price for the set of features with 198 hp hybrid vehicle. Ride is smooth and the gas/EV transition is seamless. Decent leg (44.1/35.8) and head (44.1/35.8) room. Lucky to be in one of the 8 states where Nissan Altima hybrid is currently available.

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  Great truck sized right! - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By FKNJR - December 22 - 5:10 pm

  Bought my 2006 Nissan Frontier LE Crew Cab in Sep 2006 new from the dealership. As soon as I test drove it, I bought it. I love the look of the roof rack (looks like the Xtera) The utilitrack bed system is awesome! I have hauled so much stuff in this truck. I added a Flow Master 40, and an AFE Cold Air Intake. Wow! What a difference. Much better sound, better power. MPG city went to about 18, hwy went to around 24. The only thing I dont like is the legroom. Im tall, so its difficult to find anything that has decent legroom. The adjustable seats are great, and very comfortable. Unless you are a general contractor or living on a farm, there is no need for a truck any bigger than this.

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  Great Car - 2010 Nissan 370Z
  By Ray - December 21 - 7:56 am

  Bought the 2010 370Z touring model about a month ago. Really enjoy the ride and handling. The style and shape is a big improvement over the 350 model. The manual transmission takes a little getting used to, but is worth the work.

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  I love my Altima! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By datunison - December 21 - 5:20 am

  I have a 2007 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL. I could not be happier with my Altima! It has everything I wanted at a great price! The gas mileage is wonderful, especially with the way gas prices are right now! I get so many compliments on it! It drives so smooth! I go through at least 1 car per year, but I think I might keep this one for awhile. It is just the best one so far that Ive owned. Definitely a keeper! If you are looking to buy an Altima, I would put it at the top of the list to check out. I love it!

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  my review - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By chris - December 21 - 12:53 am

  ive had my titan for two years and have over 40,000 miles on it with only minor problems with the brakes. ive towed my boat and hauled furniture and all sorts of scrape and garbage. its the best truck ive owned.

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  350z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By jacob123 - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Its the best thing in the market!

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  Love it Love it - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By MZLDL - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Best car I have ever had. Enough said. These people putting it down need to quit being so critical. Not every car is perfect!

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  Great Little car - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By apples - December 19 - 11:20 pm

  We bought this car new and it has been a wonderful car for my wife. The size is ideal for city driving. It now has 41000 miles on it and all we had to do was replace breaks, tires and recently a spark plug coil. Also had to replace the radio as water from the AC shorted it out. Basically it has been a good car for the money.

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  My Favorite Car - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Brenda - December 19 - 1:53 pm

  My Altima is that pretty sage green color. I cant tell you how many people compliment the car. It acclerates well and has excellent response. The Bose sound system is a must. I can never own another car without a sunroof. You will be spoiled. My only regret is that I did not get ON-Star.