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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  2014 Nissan Versa - 2014 Nissan Versa
  By kidhppy - November 13 - 12:51 pm

  I bought a 2014 Nissan Versa. It is a no frills car, but excellent for the price. I have a manual 5 speed so no cvt transmission. I like this car alot. Very good on gas, i have no issues when driving. Needs a new radio and it only has 2 speakers. Overall I am very happy i bought this car.

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  My first Maxima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By The McGrath Clan - November 12 - 7:06 pm

  I had traded in my 01 Quest for this first time beauty. I am floored by its performance and handling. At first glance it is easy to mistake it for a heavy luxury car. Drive it once and put that myth to bed. It is practical for the family issue, yet youthful for some solo time. I actually wake up earlier than normal, ready to shred some much driven road. Cannot say enough what an absolute blast this car is to drive.

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  great SUV - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By barry jobe - November 11 - 9:10 pm

  totally satisfied with power, comfort ,and performance. I just wish nissan built a 4 dr titan with an 8 ft bed. so, I could have a truck as good as my wifes SUV!

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  Loving the Murano - 2010 Nissan Murano
  By jaybird5050 - November 11 - 1:33 pm

  I needed a daily driver to haul kids around occasionally and to run errands (sports car wasnt quite up for all that). I compared to Acura RDX, Toyota Rav4, Highlander, Lexus RX330, and Honda Pilot. The Murano LE came out on top for following reasons: 1) Price was reasonable. 2) Smart Key... this is awesome. 3) Bluetooth 4) Navigation is terrific 5) BAckup camera. 6) iPod connection. 7) Stereo with LE is terrific. Driving is easy, I feel in control, handling is excellent.

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  Awesome - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Andy in Indy - November 10 - 7:20 pm

  I didnt get a chance to test-drive the 3.5 until I picked it up and wow can you tell the difference. So quick and very smooth acceleration. Really love the car and cant beat it for the price. Everyone whos seen it comments on how great it looks.

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  Love my Murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Love this SUV - November 10 - 1:33 pm

  I bought my Murano new in 2004. I have had zero problems with it after 93,000 miles. All service was done at my local dealership, and their service has been excellent, but perhaps a little pricey. I drive mostly highway and consistently get 22.5 to 23 miles per gallon, which was as advertised. I comfortably fit 4 men and 4 sets of hockey equipment in it. Recently, Nissan extended the warranty on the drivetrain, to 10 years 100,000 miles (transferable). There were two or three recalls which I did not experience personally but were performed on the car.

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  being Green is fun - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Barbara - November 10 - 10:10 am

  I have had None of the problems listed in other reviews. Car stays in electric mode even over 35/mph at times. No brake noises. Fits even the tall people in my family. do not have high tech package but the regular stuff is fine. Comfortable seats, ride etc. More gas is used if needed heat or air conditioner otherwise It sips and I can go more than 2 weeks before needing gas.

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  Dont judge a book by its cover. - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By nwryuber - November 10 - 6:46 am

  Ive got to say that this is an absolutely incredible car and I would definitely say it is the best in its class. I looked at all of the coupes at this price point including Tiburon, Eclipse, Solara, etc., and this by far is the nicest. The only thing that would be nice, would be a nicer interior. The interior isnt that bad as compared to the sedan in my opinion, but could definitely use work. But other than that, Ive had no problems and absolutely love this car!

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  Great little car. - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By jim - November 10 - 4:50 am

  Recently bought the car for my wife. Have taken it on a few short road trips. Car is fun to drive, fuel economy was out of this world, powerful beyond belief.

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  Very Satified Owners - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Curt - November 10 - 4:06 am

  We purchased this car for gas mileage and the fun factor. It delivers both. Our trips from Kansas to Texas deliver better than expected fuel economy and we like the 6-speed manual. We like the solid feel and little to no wind noise. Seat fabric and interior components feel of high quality. We are very happy with this car.