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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  Very Nice Little Entry Level Car for Pri - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By Simstim - March 28 - 10:43 pm

  I am quite pleased with this car. fun to drive, peppy,,, has acceleration if you need it, Clutch is a little soft or sensitive, Im used to Toyota Tercel 1997, with new clutch, so slightly different drive. the computer throttle cable has a 1 second lag in response to push of pedal or release so feels more like an automatic in that sense. first gear is really a short gear, almost too short, red lines in less than 1.5 seconds,,,, halfway through a turn from stop sign. Handles sporty compared to my old car. Lots of Interior room, especially adults in back. seats fold down flat really helps in cargo department. Stereo is actually acceptable and thats coming from a stereo freak!

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  Beautiful car, noisy ride - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Rose - March 28 - 10:06 am

  I love the look of the car. Its very roomy, and has alot of great features. Love the headlights, quad exhaust, telescope wheel and Nav system. However, I am very disappointed with road noise. You can hear and feel every crack in the road. My husbands pickup is a much quieter ride. Some people say they love the quiet, smooth ride. I dont have that. Is there something wrong with my car, or is it just me. I had a Lincoln Mark VIII which gave a very stiff ride, but MUCH quieter. Paid 26,000 for the Max, used, and 18,000 for the Lincoln when it was 2yrs old. For the money spent on the Max, I expected to ride a lot quieter.

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  Moes Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Mozell Cooper - March 27 - 1:10 am

  I love my Armada. It turns many heads, my family can ride with joy relaxing in comfort.

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  A Small Car with A Mighty Engine - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Jorge - March 26 - 4:30 pm

  Compared to all its other competitors in its class (the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, and Hyundai Accent) the Nissan Versa has a whopping 122 hp (comparing to the Honda Fit 106 horsepower, Toyota Yaris 106 hp, and Hyundai Accent 110 hp.) Also has good fuel economy. Its a bit small but what can you expect from a great car!

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  Great Car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Dan - March 26 - 2:20 am

  Ive had this car for a little over 3 years. It has been a great car. I change the oil every 3-4 K and it just keeps on going. I have never had anything major go with this car. You keep up with the regular maintenance and it keeps going strong. I hope to drive this car for many more years. Its traditional looks will always look cool.

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  Outstanding - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By kon - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Good body style, classy, fun to drive, good acceleration. smooth ride.

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  First Eveluations - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By hmhill - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Have been completly supriaed by the firm easy drive as compared to test drive of other vans and comparison to my other two cars--Chrysler Concord 97 and Ford Aerostar XLT Extended 92. Rides like a heavy/bigger car. Handled the Ozark Moutains extremely well for a 6 cylinder. Very little pull down on steap hills. Plenty of usuable space for pasangers and luggage. Initial impression love this van.

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  BETTER THAN FORD AND CHEVY - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By posh4 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  IN THE LAST YEAR I HAVE HAD A FORD F350 SUPERCREW 6.0 4X4 AND A CHEVY 2500HD DURAMAX 4X4 AND THE TITAN RIDES BETTER AND HANDLES BETTER.THE BEST IS THE FUEL ECONOMY. GO DRIVE ONE AT VICTORY NISSAN 757 436 4900 TELL THEM TIM POSH SENT YOU FOR A INVOICE DEAL

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  reliable car - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By BigPoppa - March 25 - 10:00 am

  so far so good with this model. Bought it used and performs great. I put about 100 miles a day on it and its been fun to drive. Good highway accelaration also.

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  A Pathy named Maxi - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Rosandro - March 25 - 10:00 am

  -Excellent ride and comfort -Lots of power -Rear seats are roomy -Interior and exterior design gets two thumbs up