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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  2004 Nissan Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Roy Young - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Comfortable, best towing in its class, good fuel economy for the size...Everything Nissans advertisements claim, we have found to be true. This is an extremely comfortable ride. The backseat leg and head room is amazing. Our salesman is 68" an even he was comfortable in the back! With the optional towing and off- road packages it is a fishermans dream. Maneuvering the boat ramp is much easier with the power and handling of a Titan. We test drove a Toyota Tundra and really liked it. Then we drove the Nissan Titan and knew we had found a better truck. Nissan really got it right with this one.

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  Best sport car on the market - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Brian Chaney - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I havent had it but for a couple of months, but Ive enjoyed every mile. However there are a few thing to change, such as the braking system, rear visibility, and the position of the blinkers & seat warmers. But other than that I beleive its the best thing Nissan has done in a while. You wont find anything better for the price, and I beleive its the best sports car on the market for 2004.

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  blast from the past - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By llteacher - May 4 - 10:00 am

  the track model is like being in an airplane cockpit. the power is great, and this car handles like a dream. it is fun to drive. the interior and exterior are nice. the car is everything i thought it would be. the track model is fast, quick, and good looking.

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  Deceptively Quick - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By cndrdan - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned a half a dozen Nissans, and have been pleased with them all, but my 2004 Maxima stands head and shoulders above its predecessors. A real attention getter style-wise and very fast off the line (especially for an automatic transmission). I LOVE IT !!

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  Surprise Power - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Beagleman - May 4 - 10:00 am

  The biggest surprise is how much power this car really has under the hood. Solid from the minute you step on the pedal. Great lines and the interior is much improved over 2004. Very comfortable in the front seats as well as in the back. A Great Buy!

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  Highly recommend - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By defabz - May 4 - 6:23 am

  I have 5,250 miles on my Sentra, and I absolutely love it. I had a 2006 Sentra, but there is no comparison. It is perfect for a small family, even when traveling. The back seat is quite comfortable. I was not getting a new car until one with leather and a sunroof was in my budget. Well, I got that plus blue tooth, upgraded stereo, keyless, and more. Gas mileage has been excellent - 30 when mostly in town, 35-38 on hwy. Gas mileage drops quickly if you drive aggressively, so I have had to really adjust to get the better efficiency. Final deciding factor - Nissan negotiates! I got it for $2,000 below dealer cost and in the color I wanted (transferred in).

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  You wont catch your granny in THIS one! - 2012 Nissan Sentra
  By brnxmike4 - May 3 - 7:05 pm

  Great car. Fun to drive. Abundant acceleration. Sharp handling. Ive embarrassed plenty of supposedly "better" cars at the stoplight, including the Acura Tsx, and Audi A4 1.8T. The rear seats dont fold in due to the trunk mounted V- brace, but this is a driver-oriented car so that shouldnt matter to the intended market. If you plan on driving in the snow at all, youll need to buy some all season tires, as the stock summer tires wont do much in the snow.

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  Awesme - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By KK - May 3 - 4:33 pm

  I love this truck. Wasnt planning on taking off-road, but this truck is amazing off-road. Have used the locker a number of times. Already made a bunch of modifications. Will fit 33" without trimming or lift.

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  Love this car!! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By AnotherMaxima - May 3 - 1:36 am

  This is one hot car. From the exterior design, to the interior comfort to the superb V6, this car delivers. Im averaging 24.8 MPG in combined city/hwy driving. Im averaging a shocking 27.3 on the hwy using the recommended 93 octane. The engine is tuned for nothing less than 93 octane fuel. I love the handling, the fit & finish are excellent. Take one for a ride. Then wait and do it again. Then decide for yourself. You wont be disappointed. Really.

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  just got it! - 2012 Nissan Juke
  By casidyjulian - May 3 - 12:26 am

  Ive had my juke 3 weeks now. I love it. Its fun to drive, and the AWD does work great on the snow. The only trouble Im having is Im only getting about 23 mpg, not 30. Which is the main reason I choose the car over others in its price range. Nissan cant be beat for reliability though. I recently sold my 10 year old Pathfinder and upon the inspection (the buyers wanted) it only needed a new air filter. I got 7 year bumper to bumper warranty, so if anything goes wrong Im covered.