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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  the one to watch - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By chris s - July 26 - 5:03 pm

  excellent! handles great rides smooth lots of room and most important that vdc makes it all worth it not too high off the ground which makes it even more diffecult to flip .we all just love it.

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  My "DREAM" SUV... - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Penny Heiser - July 24 - 12:00 pm

  This new automatic transmission is the best on a long trip...Went from S.F to Las Vegas...breezed through without getting that "tired of driving" feeling. Actually got there before we knew it...doesnt tire you out...fun to drive and a beauty to behold...I love this SUV...Ive got that new charchol color with the cabernet leather interior...WOW, do I get the looks!!! Everyone wants to look at the inside too!! It makes me happy to get into it after a hard day at work, the color is so bright and cheerful!!!.....The mileage could be better...19 mpg but it is worth it!!! A positive 10!!!

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  Great Ride - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Bill - July 24 - 9:30 am

  Bought my black on black Z six months ago and fell in love with it. With the top down riding in the sun other drivers roll down their windows to comment on the great looks of the car. Im over 6 foot and find it very comfortable. The ride is better than a friends Corvette and I found it more roomy then the Honda S2000. When driving on the interstate with the top down I can hold a conversation with a passenger without screaming. Handling is exceptional and performance top notch. I would recommend this car to anyone that enjoys the open road or just cruising.

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  I Love My Niss! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Tana - July 23 - 10:40 pm

  I came across the fact of needing a new car, school commuter. Im very picky when choosing stuff that Ill invest my money on, specially a vehicle! I went around lots of dealers trying to find a car that would meet my expectations and most of all, fit my budget! I test drove the New Accord, Civic, CRV, Toyota Camry, VW passat & jetta and even the new Nissan Rogue, I wasnt even thinking about getting an Altima. I went to the dealership on a saturday morning and ended up spending 4 hrs getting info on the new altima. I test drove and let me tell you, I couldnt b happier! I fell in love with the car in an instant! Ive had it for 2 months n have no regrets! I love my 08 sedan!

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  Well Satisfied New Maxima Owner - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By balsambeauty - July 22 - 11:20 pm

  Decided to move up from an 02 Altima to the 07 Maxima. Also test drove the 07 Camry. The Max hooked me over the Camry with its overall sportier look, better selection of colors and roomier interior. Also like the awesome technology and safety features over the Camry. Performance and responsiveness are great. This is just a fun car to drive. The ride could be a bit better - not as smooth as I would have hoped for. Mileage has been as I expected for this type of vehicle - I only have 600 miles on the car and am getting about 26 mpg. The overall quality of my Maxima is excellent both on the exterior and interior of the vehicle.

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  Comparable to my BMW - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Joan - July 22 - 3:03 pm

  I have owned 2 BMWs and one Lexus. I truly believe I am sold on the Maxima. It handles well and is definitely fun to drive, especially long distance. It hugs the road and I feel very safe and comfortable in it. It has excellent gas mileage on the freeway, I cant judge it in town yet. Most definitely comparable to the BMW. Lithia provided excellent staff and service.

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  Anything goes with me and my Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By captainvideo - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a 02 sequoia for my 04 armada. The armada drives like a sports car compared to the sequoia. It has a great deal of power and handling to match. Combine that with all the interior room one could ask for and great comfort and you, me in this case have a suv that screams road trip. The stereo could be better, but with the "aux" 1/8" stereo jack input and my ipod it is more than acceptable until it gets an upgrade. Thumbs up from this owner after 3 weeks of ownership, knowing that a suv of this size and power is just not going to get that great gas milage is just the price you have to pay to own it.

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  armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By cgolden - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle!! I look forward to driving it every single day! I highly recommend it if you want a roomy SUV.

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  hot to deaf - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By shakeenah - July 22 - 10:00 am

  since buying my atlima i know this is the best car for me. its not only looks good but it drives good. you can own it for a good price.

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  great van - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By phummel - July 22 - 10:00 am

  It rides like a limo,performs like sports car,We have a family of six and have lots of room.