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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  Incredible - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By timmoody - August 22 - 2:46 am

  If you want a pathfinder make sure it is post 2001 so you get the awesome engine. I was used to the performance of my maxima and doubted the pathfinder until I drove a 2001, WOW! I would like a nicer interior and better placement of the bose sound speakers, but the performance and handling are too good to complain about. I battled between this and the 4runner for a long time, I made the right decision, this car is flat out sweet!

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  Nice van - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By kcdogger - August 21 - 2:53 pm

  Lots of interior room. Excellent performance. Comfortable seats and ride. Lots of features even on this base model. Very good brakes. Huge cargo area when 2nd and 3rd seats are folded down. Lots of storage spots. Nicely finished inside and out. Excellent head lights and turn lights. Great night vision. After initial getting used to, center console with all controls in one spot is a plus.

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  Desert Runner - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By TonyM - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Really enjoy this truck. Rides and drives well and yet feels like a truck. Much better value in my opinion than Prerunner.

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  The Best of Both Worlds - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By My Dream Sedan - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I drove Accord, Camry, Passat, and Maxima looking for a sporty and roomy sedan with performance and quality. The Nissan is the only one that had it all for me. The engine is top notch and if you werent moving forward you wouldnt even know it was running. I love the roomy and uncluttered interior. Everything is easy to find and reach. My Maxima has every option and I cant think of anything thing I would add. I just love how this car feels when you are driving it.

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  First Nissan Altima ( Awsume ) - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By Donna - August 21 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Nissan Altima GXE, and I love it...Its awsume to drive,looks good,relyable,comfort like driving in luxury,and handles great. I enjoy driving my car so much. Bought it used with only 26226 miles on it and its just like a new baby still. Best car to own and drive... Nothing beats it..

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  Enjoying - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Randy - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I love it! I feel like I am sporting around in a sport car with the sport car insurance rates. The S model has all the toys one would expect and more.

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  A Real Sports Car - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By Musashi - August 21 - 1:50 am

  I have owned a lot of sports cars that cost significantly more money and let me tell you the handling and looks of this car for the value is untouchable. The manual transmission is great and so is the sport package. The touring model has all of the amenities you need for daily driving. Well worth the price.

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  2005 Nissan SE Crew Cab 4x4 - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Lee - August 20 - 11:43 am

  I have my 2005 Nissan Frontier almost one and half years now. I really enjoy driving this truck. Four wheels driving is exciting. I drove in the mountain when I was in Idaho, this truck gives me enough confidence to climb high mountain and handling is quite good. I really have nothing to complain about this truck.

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  2012 Maxima review - 2012 Nissan Maxima
  By geo2010maxima - August 20 - 6:42 am

  My comments only apply to the Maxima with the Premium package - totally different car than the base model - upgraded leather, double moon roof, heated/cooled drivers seat, Xenon headlights, driver seat, mirrors and steering wheel memory, power tilt/telescopic and heated steering wheel, reverse tilting/heated side mirrors, rear window sun screen, USB and Ipod connectivity, etc. - it is a front wheel drive Infinity and since we have winter in Oregon, we need FWD. We had a 2010 previously and the 2012 has significantly reduced torque steer and vastly improved low speed transmission performance - they got the CVT dialed in finally. It is a very comfortable road car for long trips also.

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  Solid ride - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Darryl Fulton - August 20 - 3:54 am

  Very nice car & superbly maintained.