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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  Cant go wrong with a Maxima - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By SE driver - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Weve had this SE since new in 2000. Just change the oil and it needs nothing else. With under 40,000 miles so far we have not even made it to the first tune-up (100,000 miles). The only problem Ive had is brake rotor warpage at 30,000 miles. Had the rotors turned (for $10 each) and the problem was gone. The original Bridgestone tires should be replaced with better all-season tires for winter driving (like the Michelins). Believe me, you want the best rubber to take advantage of the power. This car is fun to drive and easily out- accelerates Accords and Camrys.

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  massive excellence - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By lauraboop - February 18 - 2:00 am

  The power under the hood tranfers to you as the driver and gives you this over whelming sense of one. This car is a car made for the "Gods" and Nissan definately made a car worth reproduction year after year. Very smooth ride with tons of style to spare its passengers.

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  Just love it - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By zoom_zoom - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Own in for about 3 weeks now. Just love it. Fun to drive, very roomy, very good milage(30-33 on highway, 23+ in city), leather is good, Bose audio is awesome. No need to say its sexiest looking car in that price-range.

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  `~Master of them all~` - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Lary - February 18 - 2:00 am

  The paint barely chips, (I have two kids and their bikes scratched my toyota camry 02 very badly). The kids dont argue in the back (because of all the extras). When I drive this minivan I do not feel like I am driving a old station wagon! In conclusion the 2003 Nissan Quest is a great buy, and my kids, my wife, and I love it.

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  breaking it in - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Triple K - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive car, with the looks to keep peoples heads turning. Ive noticed that there are two kinds of respect out there and this car has the show for both. Those that admire the looks and pay respect by not parking too close (Dont want to bump the doors)but have to walk around it after they park, and the ones that just have to try and race. Nice to know you have the option of giving them a race or just hanging back and looking good when its not worth wasting your time.

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  One Baaaaad Truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Randy Jackson - February 16 - 9:50 am

  When I first saw the Nissan Titan I fell in love, I knew I had to have one. When I seen the Horsepower it had I knew that it will soon be the Competition for Ford, Dodge and the others. So watch out Folks Nissan did it right this time.

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  Great little car - 2014 Nissan Versa Note
  By icecream3 - February 16 - 7:53 am

  We got our blue Versa Note on 7-12-13. I have to say we did a lot of research on this vehicle and others, Honda Fit, Hyundai Elantra, etc., what drove us to the new note was its claim on fuel economy. Well after driving it for almost 2 weeks now I can say that there fuel economy rating is pretty spot on, we are getting 34 in the city, and the few times that it has been on the highway we are getting 42 on the highway. I am quite impressed with that. It has a nice quite ride for a car of its size also. The exterior is stylish, but the interior is the same as the versa sedan which bland. But the controls are all easy to get to and work well, the back up camera is quite handy. Updates coming.

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  Great car at a great price - 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Alan - February 15 - 8:33 pm

  I purchased this car to replace my 2004 Toyota Prius. Now granted I gave up a few things, like space in the back (40 cubic feet in the Prius versus 10 in the Altima)and about 16 MPG on average (50 MPG with the Prius versus 34 in the Altima), but I gained a much more agile and quicker car, not to mention some added luxury. I purchased the 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid fully loaded and for 30k, youd be hard pressed to find a better deal elsewhere. The automotive press says that the car is noisy, but no more so than any other hybrid, though the regen brakes do make some noise more than the Prius does.

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  My "Mid life Crisis" purchase - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Colleen - February 15 - 7:06 am

  My 2005 Maxima SL is one sweet ride. Having just turned 40, and much desiring to dump the mini-van and associated stereotypes, I was thrilled to find a sedan that is roomy, with deluxe accomodations and that has plenty of "giddyup". From the premium Bose sound system to the heated steering wheel to the power moon roof to the programmable heated leather seats, this car is everything Id been searching for. It drives like a dream- -takes off like a shot when you need or want it to and behaves well otherwise. I did my homework and compared and test drove other sedans in this price range before buying and the Nissan rode more quietly and offered better options. I love this car!!!

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  Would buy again - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Arizona - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 30 miles on it, and it now has 112,000. Unfortunately, a rear end collision is forcing me to give up a car I would have kept forever!! Very reliable, and just the right size, this 5-speed manual GXE has served me well. I kept up the maintenance like clockwork, and for that I have never had an engine problem. I am now looking to buy another Nissan Sentra regardless of the negative reviews I continue to see.