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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  Sports car for seniors - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By STNCK - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Traded in a 2008 Subaru Outback wagon (turbo). Red leather is a great change from black. A real nice drive with a good ride and plenty of features.

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  My Rogue - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By Dave - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I have only had the vehicle for 3 weeks, but I love it. Ride is great, and plenty of leg room for passengers. Cant wait to test it out in the snow.

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  I love this car! - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By TJS - May 26 - 2:26 am

  This is my 2nd Altima. Went from 6 cylinder to 4 and love the ride and the better gas mileage. This car is fun to drive!!!

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  My First SUV - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Judith - May 26 - 12:23 am

  I saw the Rogue on my way home from work and I knew that was the vehicle I wanted. I had my previous car for 12 years, through two or three transmission, two car accidents (one not my fault). My husband kept asking me to please buy a new car, but I couldnt because I didnt see one I wanted to buy, until I saw the Rogue through the glass window of the bus I was riding home on. Its quick, fun and easy to drive, but doesnt feel like a big bulky SUV at all. The only problem I had was finding a comfortable seat position. If I sat too close to the steering wheel, I felt cramped. If I sat too far away, I couldnt reach the peddles. I finally found a good position. I love my Rogue.

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  2000 Maxima GLE - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By T-Bone - May 25 - 9:20 pm

  A little back ground if you want. I bought the car new in 1999 because the Camary and the Accord were both dogs compared to the Maxima, both Toyota and Honda wanted a pretty penny for cars that were soon to be a year old and because I just really like the Maxima after test driving. I have always been a Honda car and a Toyota Truck person. I hated Datsun/Nissan products. I wanted to hated to Maxima, but as soon as I test drove it, I loved it and bought it. Even though Nissan has improved the Maxima over the years, I still think my Maxima has all the things I need(ed) in a car. Sporty, quick, lots of room and comfortable. I dont have any problem going as fast as I want (only problem)

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  King of the Hill - 2010 Nissan 370Z
  By Dennis Cook - May 24 - 2:23 pm

  Absolutely love this car. Perfect perfect perfect. Had a 2008 350 Z and ordered this one way back in March 2008. Mine was the first one sold in the US. I agree with so many of the articles I have read about this car, it is THE best bang for your buck on the market. I am getting another new one as soon as I can swing it.

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Kenyadrick Wallace - May 24 - 2:00 pm

  I love it so much. It has enough space. The only thing is the SE should have fog lights. That would bring them out also. Other than that the Armadas are Great!!!!!!!!!

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  Very nice car - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By NismospecV - May 23 - 9:46 pm

  This car is very fun whe tuned even the slightest bit. I got a stillen header and downpipe and nismo intake kit and this car moves very fast ive gotten it up to 156 mph on those upgrades and some tires.

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  just a bigger Xterra - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By ernie - May 23 - 6:03 pm

  SO what. It has a third row seat and uses a little more fuel.. same off- road capability, more room and not much more price... the outside difference doesnt appear to be much but the inside room is very obvious

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  Just Z Facts - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By ZeeBest - May 23 - 11:30 am

  Just 2 weeks old and cant get enough. So far so good. Excellent off the line, great steering feedback. Convertable is a breeze (Easy to use). The throaty sound is a nice touch. Excellent on Highways and shows little effort while cruising at high speeds. Time will tell on the quality and repairs. Interior is utilitarian and not flashy but has the essentials. You have to get Navigation. It works fantastic on this car. I tried to fake it out but to no avail. I also own a BMW328i and used to consider it my sports car....but no longer is that the case. Hopefully will have years of enjoyment....so far so good.