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:

• 

  Nice Small Car Overall - 2017 Nissan Sentra
  By Jane - February 25 - 4:23 pm

  I went from a 3.5 engine to a 1.8 so Im still trying to get used to it. I wish it had more power when I try to accelerate on the highway. Can be dangerous when your are entering freeway!!! Becareful! After all it is a small car. It gets you from point A to point B. Good for driving locally. Has an OK interior and really spacious for its size. I dislike the suspension!! U feel every bump really hard and loud! If you are driving in a smooth road you will enjoy it! About 34mpg...I will get LED lights on my SV. Sound system sucks. I hope I can get to upgrade that soon somehow. I hate the wheel covers something I didn really pay attention to until after should have gotten the rim wheels... Overall, I would recommend unless you have a heavy foot!

• 

  Good little car - worth a look - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By SentraOwner - February 25 - 1:00 pm

  I bought the 2.0 SL version. The CVT is silky smooth. The ride quality is on the soft side, and comfortable on all but the most pot-holed and patched roads. The car is also very quiet. You hear the engine during acceleration when its cold or when you need instant power, but wont hear it during general driving. Build quality is good - there were no obvious mistakes on my car, and the fit and finish of the materials is excellent. Steering is a little over-boosted, but responsive. The glove box is HUGE along with the trunk. The Sentra is worth considering if youre in the market for a small car, especially if youre looking for an up-market version with special features.

• 

  A Must test drive! - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Bob from PA - February 25 - 12:30 pm

  Had the Altima for about a week. CVT and the 4 cyl auto just fly! Great basic car with sporty performance. Better feel then Accord, Sonata, Camry. Lots of head room for a 61" guy. Still on first tank of gas (20 gal tank). Very quiet interior. Just a great car for the money!

• 

  Consumer Rating - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Rhonda - February 25 - 9:43 am

  I love the car. It rides and drives really well. The fuel economy is great.

• 

  1996 Nissan Maxima - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By J. Myers - February 25 - 2:00 am

  The car is a great value for the money. It has been extremely problem free.

• 

  OKay so far. - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By OKay Owner - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the Limite Edition New in 2001. I have not had anyproblems except for the rear drivers window would not go up, and a short time later, the drivers window did the same. Other than that, no problem gets good gas mileage. Have 4cyl, would like more pick up if i needed it, but good with what I have. Not sure I would get this car again, but I am still planning to keep it awhile.

• 

  new nissan pathfinder armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By steve kelly - February 25 - 2:00 am

  it is a very large vehicle but handles like a small vehicle. it seems like this vehicle was well thought out from safety features to the spacesiness inside i looked at alot of suvs and did my homework of what was important to me and the armada won hands down. we are very happy we purchased the armada.

• 

  Smooth Ride - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Cntrn9 - February 25 - 2:00 am

  The Sentra drives very smooth. The front seats are comfortable. It has a great stereo system. There are great colors to choose from. The exterior design is up-to-date and unique.

• 

  Great auto! - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By a324 - February 25 - 2:00 am

  This is a wonderful car and great fun to drive. I had a 1996 Sentra that was very reliable and I anticipate this one to be even better. It is roomy, comfortable, and solid. The price was excellent. The new color "inferno" is striking. It is a beautiful and impressive looking car.

• 

  Roberts review - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Robert Little - February 25 - 2:00 am

  So far real good,the car is fun to drive ,top down adds to fun. the car also feels solid and handling is supberb.