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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  Look No Further - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By maxima09 - June 27 - 2:43 am

  Coming off a S60, checked the choices but could not pass up the 09 Maxima. Lots more for the $$ compared to what the luxury brands offered. U can feel the 290 horses. Interior space much better then the luxury competition.

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  Almost Perfect - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By arvali - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I traded up from a 93 300ZX, and as perfect as I thought that car was, this one is even better. The power and handling are amazing, and the ride is not as rough as you might think. The brakes are awesome. The seats are excellent. Be warned, that for the 03 model year, most have front suspension problem. The front tires wear more on the inside, and get extremely loud after about 4,000 miles. Nissan will swap them from side to side at no charge, but the problem comes back.

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  best car in the world (cause I have one) - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By assyrianlove17 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I have a 97 Altima GXE and I would never sell it. I absolutly love it. I am about to put a Nissan SR20DET in it to make it even faster.

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  nissan did it again - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By anbasein - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I wouldnt have bought another minivan if given another opportunity.Style is very unique,unlike the other boring looking minivan.The ride is very fun and comfortable. Im very proud to own one.

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  Silver Slammer - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Movin Along - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Our first Nissan (silver/black leather) Looked at all other SUV and crossover vehicles, dollar for dollar the Murano cant be beat. If your looking for style(head turner), performance( quick and smooth), and quality(solid), this one is for you.

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  First to buy in USA - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Juanperez - June 27 - 2:00 am

  The minute I first saw the new Titan I knew that Nissan was serious about competing in the large truck market. I was lucky enough to to be the first to test drive it. The moment I heard the engine start, I knew that I was going to take it home. Nissan did their homework and delivered on everything they said this truck would be. The Power is awesome, the Ride is exceptional,and the Roominess is amazing. I was a Loyal F-150 owner,. This truck changes everthing

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  Overall, a fantastic car - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By mipsmaster - June 25 - 10:00 am

  The best part of my Maxima is that its so fun to drive compared to every other four-door out there. Get the five speed version if you dont have to deal with too much traffic - youll have tons of fun zipping around town. The other reason I bought this car is that it is extremely reliable, and from 35,000 to 85,000 it has needed no work - just routine maintenance. Too bad America cant seem to make fun, reliable vehicles affordable.

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  So far, so good - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By PaulS - June 25 - 10:00 am

  The 2.5 S is the most common model. It has an excellent blend of perfomance and practicality. The ride is very European in feel... not too mushy or firm.

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  armada - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By andrew - June 24 - 10:10 pm

  once we got into an car accident and the armada saved me and my family. and nothing even happoned to the armada. only a little scratch

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  Nice Little Car - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Bob22 - June 24 - 9:36 am

  This is the third Sentra I have owned. These are very reliable cars and the gas mileage is great. I get 36 MPG on the highway.