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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  4 Door Z? - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By James - December 16 - 5:23 am

  Having bought a luxury car for the Mrs., I wanted something sporty. For me the Maxima SE was the one, since my 90 Max, with well over 200K mi., was ready to be upgraded. Found an 04 with 12K miles on it and scooped it up. I would have loved to have had the Z, but with 2 children, I went for the next best thing. Two words: Close Enough!! It has plenty of room, lots of gadgets, which I like, an extremely powerful engine, a tranny you cant even feel shift, and the BOSE system is sweet. It rides nice and smooth for a car sitting on 18s, and takes corners like nobodys business. I love the distinct body style, from the aggressive front end to the mean pipes in back. This is one nice ride!!

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  Awesome! - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Awesome! - December 16 - 2:26 am

  I love looking out the window just to get a glimpse of the parked Altima hybrid. It is a fine work of art! Rides smooth and handles very well. Decent stereo and A/C works well. Intelligent key is a very nice feature, but I still go to take the key out of the ignition when I stop sometimes! We did the convenience package in the metallic jade... sweet looking car. Gas mileage is about 34 mpg, not quite what we were hoping for, but still pretty good.

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  Great upgrade - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Marv - December 15 - 5:53 am

  I recently traded up from an explorer and absolutely love this truck. More than enough power, though im intrigued by the potential intake/exhaust upgrades. Sound is deep, but not annoying. Leather captains chairs make driving something to look forward to. Cannot complain about GAS Milage...its a full size 305HP truck...what do you expect. If you want fuel efficiency, go buy a Civic. Rockford Fosgate stereo rocks!! Even has a plug for my Dell DJ. Back seat is extra roomy. Bed rail system has already been handy. I really cannot say enough about this truck. After a month of ownership, I still love it like the first time I drove it off the lot.

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  Big Little Car - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By Sarge - December 14 - 7:50 pm

  This is a fun car to drive, very spacious for a small vehicle. Dash design is very good, all necessary items easy to read and reach. We are getting 28 Mpg in town and 33 on the highway. The horn could be louder.

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  What a difference - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Jeff W - December 14 - 5:50 pm

  I recently purchased my 08 fully loaded V6 6Sp to replace my 350z, the quality of the car is a step up from the 350z which was priced higher when new. I also had a 2002 3.5 se 5 speed altima that I loved and this car is 400x better in every way. The feel, the quality of the materials, the options make this car a rich car for the money. The altima handles great and is plenty fast with bluetooth, navi, backup camera to satisfy my tech cravings. All in all I am extremely pleased with the car, although I miss the sweet purr of the 350z exhaust, but thats fixed easy.

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  Great Truck - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By sailorted - December 14 - 3:40 pm

  Has been a great truck. 42,000 miles in 20 months. Very Comfortable. I tow a camp trailer all summer. Will replace this with another Titan.

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  2005 Nissan Titan 4dr Crew LE 4X4 - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By titannorcross - December 14 - 1:16 pm

  I purchased the vehicle in April 05. I compared to Toyota, Ford, Chevy/GMC, Dodge and the overall value was favorable for the Nissan Titan. I was instantly pleased with the new look available options. I purchased the 4dr crew cab LE 4x4 with almost every available option (no sunroof). Price was negotiated to a good deal. It is now Dec 05, no problems with the truck. I have had it to the dealership for two oil changes, rotate and balance and some other 7,500 mile service/inspections. I did take the truck in for the brake upgrade, original rotors warped at about 5,000 miles, since the update the truck will stop on a dime, everytime. For fun, I have driven off road, 4x4 works well.

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  The Car I have waited for, for 35 years - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Walter Foster - December 14 - 2:00 am

  This automobile is of high quality, it is of low cost and it is of higher performance. The closer other car that I could get would have cost 3 to 4 times as much and still would not have the quality. Walter Foster

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  Pathfinder - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Boricua2004 - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Excellent design. Smoother ride than other SUVs. Strong suspension for a lightweight vehicle. Good 4X4 capabilities for flat and sand terrain. The 170HP engine not enough for hills and original tires not adequate for mud. Some cool details like power windows work just between turning engine off and opening a door. Brakes apply for a brief moment if transmission put in neutral with engine running.

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  Power to spare - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Gjmpilot - December 14 - 2:00 am

  My wife bought a 3.5SE in May 2003. She let me drive it occasionally and I fell in love with it. Bought my own 2 months later. Satin white is beautiful on this car. The power is phenomenal, especially such quiet, smooth, neck snapping acceleration. Its not always the power you use but what whats in reserve. This has RESERVE !!! Cant wait to start it up in the morning. absolutely the most fun car Ive ever driven. And all this for $21,200. Awesome Plus !!!