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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  Another great Altima! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Big Ben - April 30 - 7:46 am

  This is my 3rd Nissan Altima 3.5SE and I have loved each of them. My other 2 were both 2002 models with the 5 speed manual. This one is the CVT and doesnt have the same throttle "GO" feeling although it packs 30 more HP. The interior is a HUGE upgrade and is more refined. I LOVE the bluetooth feature and the heated leather seats. The BOSE stereo is better than the previous models. This sedan is still a sports sedan, but doesnt look at good and isnt as fun the drive as the 5 speed models. Overall I love this car!

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  Fun Cute Fun Cute Fun Cute Fun and Roomy - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Bob - April 30 - 7:43 am

  I am 65" the wife is 5" both over 40 This is our first new car. The drive home was great. It has 100 miles now. There is SO MUCH ROOM! And drivers seat fits us both. We got the 6sp. manual to save $$$. The only thing so far is "Wind noise" at interstate speeds. Pearl white and black interior.

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  You had me at supercharged! - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Jhn - April 29 - 7:46 pm

  I have owned many different makes & models, this truck made me a fan of Nissan. I wish it had better gas mileage but with a super charged V6 I cant complain to much. I am sort of a shade tree mech. & the ease of changing brakes, oil, filters, etc. was actually surprising. Thank you Nissan for a truck with great style & performance. The next time I buy a vehicle it will be another Nissan.

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  Good starter car! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By AltimaMan - April 29 - 6:16 pm

  Ive owned this car for almost 2 years and have made some minor upgrades to it. Overall it is a good car, wish it had a little more power in the low end. Very stylish looking, great stereo system, and a smooth ride.

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  Leaf saved my life - 2015 Nissan Leaf
  By William Woodward - April 29 - 4:51 pm

  I loved the car. I had a 60-mile commute once a week, as well as local driving, and was proud that put 10K miles / year on the car. We have a Prius as a second car for longer trips. I totaled the car in a head-on collision during into oncoming traffic. The car saved me from serious injury (one broken rib), absorbed the shock, spun 150 degrees. Frame was unbent so that I was able to open drivers door and get out. Seatbelt worked fine, not sure about air bag. I am waiting to replace the car until I pay off the car. That will take 15 months or more. Meanwhile I am driving a 15 year old spare car. It is a station wagon and more practical that the Leaf for hauling. Depreciation is the major negative. Insurance company said it could only give me $13K for a car that I paid $36K for. They had never seen a depreciation rate that extreme. I guess I should have leased the car. But that seemed too expensive to me. I also bought warrantee; they have yet to reimburse me now that the car is dead.

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  Great car for the money - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By Happy Owner - April 28 - 11:46 pm

  Everything I expected in a good quality, economical car! More affordable than the Hondas and Toyotas yet the same or better performance, gas mileage and reliability.

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  Wow this car is AMAZING!! - 1998 Nissan Sentra
  By blingbling1 - April 28 - 8:05 pm

  I bought this used around 170k from a family member that took very good care of it. I have put 40k on it and its still going strong. Things that have been changed on it are the starter and alternator and regular oil changes. I trust this car to get me ANYWHERE!!! It has been in two wrecks since Ive had it, both not my fault. The last bent the trunk in and the insurance comp. wants to total it :( . Im going to fight for this car to get it fixed because its the most reliable car ive owned. I drove this car from missouri to florida 2 times now without any incidences. Clear coat is coming offf but what can you expect. I love this car!!!

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  my opinion - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By julia madden - April 28 - 6:53 pm

  i have owned a 2001 altima and now have a 2005 sentra,body,comfort,reliability are basically the same as my old altima mileage is great. the only thing i have found im not real fond of is it is lighter than the altima was and is easy to drift when trucks pass it,

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  Love This Car - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Love It - April 27 - 4:20 pm

  I love everything about my Maxima. Ive owned it for almost a year and still love driving it as much as I did when I first bought it. I get so many compliments on the style and ride.

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  This stinks!!! - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By CO - April 27 - 10:00 am

  I dont know whats going on w/ Nissan, usually their car is reliable but my car has been a problem car since I bought it brand new. First, its hose was loose when I got it from the dealer. The radiator fluid leaked. Then recently, the bumper paint started to chip out. And finally, this really blew my mind, the car would not start!!! I dont think its the battery because the lights can be turned on. Now its going to end up this car being towed to the dealer for service, this is crap because I need a car everyday, I thought Nissans are reliable, guess not...This stinks!!!