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:

• 

  rock solid Xterra - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By akhdz - August 14 - 7:23 pm

  this is my second Nissan (97 truck was the 1st) and i love the truck feel of the xterra. i like the unique colors offered (mine is canteen green metallic) and that its a TRUCK. mine in the base I4 xe 5sp, which is why i got such a good deal on it (13,7k drive out with an extended warranty) if you have a small family, and need a REAL suv, id look for a pre-owned xterra. prices are sliding down (05 new body) and many on the market. since we live in houston (no mountains) the I4 is fine, plus i got 22mpg on my first full tank. im glad nissan didnt push the xterra too upscale, and made it affordable for all.

• 

  perfect suv - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By landry - August 14 - 8:33 am

  overall I think its a great suv. Its by far the best suv i have ever bought.

• 

  Solid purchase - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Aemilius - August 14 - 1:03 am

  Having purchased a dealership test drive car with 3,000 KM (1,600 miles) I benefited from my White Altima coupe 3.5 SE Premium being broken in without being abused. Almost two years with the car now and Im still taken by the beauty of the interior and exterior design! Im in snowy Calgary Canada and appreciate the foul weather control of front wheel drive. I consider the Altima coupe to be a great balance of performance, comfort, style and practicality. A well designed car that sacrifices little and offers a lot.

• 

  Greatest car in its class - 1996 Nissan Sentra
  By sharkcity - August 14 - 12:10 am

  My parents have had a few of these that went over 300k. Bought when gas hit 4.39. Getting 42 mpg- Im an easy rural driver. Love the sunroof. Bring on the $7 gas!!

• 

  Excellent - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By klowery967 - August 13 - 10:06 pm

  Excellent overall interior and exterior stlying. Great performance of engine, smooth ride secondary and autobahn. Head turner in Europe.

• 

  Will keep it FOREVER - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Quest Queen - August 13 - 12:43 pm

  A family must have! A large family is all in and out in no time. Open all the doors and roll the windows down from your house with remote and let it cool out. Very spacious, easy to flip seats all down. It is truly a luxury van. Has such great pickup and horsepower. I have peace of mind knowing that my family is safe with so many safety features. The spare tire is very convenient to get to and the full size tire can be put back in easily. Feel like a queen driving it.

• 

  A 10+ car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By AlarmGy - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. It is the most fun to drive car Ive had in years. When I first saw it, I thought OK, it looks nice. But as soon as I drove it I knew I was going to buy it. Ive had the same reaction from everyone whos been behind the wheel. The ride is a little stiff, due to its sport suspension, but if you can get past that, youll really like this machine. It really is 10+.

• 

  Good performer - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By fstshrk - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Purchased car two weeks ago, fully loaded including dual screen DVD and navigation. Only problem is sliding door that has a rattle one out 10 bumps. No other initial quality or build issues. Drives smooth, cruises all day at 70-80 mph, getting around 22 mpg.

• 

  Blows Everything Else Out of the Water - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By LuvNissan - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I drove the F150, and the Silverado...Dealers would not budge on the price. I was willing to buy the F150 for 22K...The dealer offered 22.5k...Went, fell in love with and bought the Titan for 22.3k. 6 cd changer...nice stereo system...tint...pedal adjustment..cruise, outstanding compartments(6,7??). Vamity mirrors, sun visor extensions..ETC..I may have gotten extremely lucky with my deal, BUT I would have paid 2k more to get into this vehicle. Rides and looks like an SUV. Buy it. You will not be sorry. emial me at avalderas@austin.rr.com if u think im kidding. Serious truck. I love it....

• 

  My Max - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Jeffert - August 12 - 10:00 am

  This car has it all. I believe that the Maxima is a full size verson of the 350Z or better stated a 350Z for us older folks. Fun to drive, almost too fast, this car has style, handling, go and wonderful features for any gizmo goon! The design is the best in class!