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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  Ive owned the rest. now I got the BEST - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By smoke20 - February 11 - 6:06 pm

  When I went looking for a new truck, I decided I needed a crew cab because of my kids. Well being a die hard GMC person thats where I went 1st. Prices for a 2 wheel drive four door were crazy!!! To make a long story short I tried every full size truck on the market. I was about to purchase a 2006 dodge with a hemi, when a friend suggested nissan. I was not looking for a Japanese vehicle I told him. Well after he convinced me to test drive a TITAN I bought the truck the same day. My deep water blue TITAN is the best truck I have ever owned Nissan got this one right!

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  Love it! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Jake - February 11 - 4:46 pm

  I recently purchased the SL edition and I have to say I love it! Fun to drive, alot of pep (fast), so many interior options but most of all comfort. Great handling and good on gas. Not your typical sedan thats for sure. I also own a 1998 Maxima that has a ton of miles but, runs like the day I bought it. I definetly recommend Maximas they always have more to offer then comparable sedans and are the most reliable of any other car I have owned including Honda.

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  LEAF exceeds our expectations! - 2011 Nissan Leaf
  By doeskin - February 10 - 2:12 pm

  Took delivery about a week ago; the car is wonderful, very well engineered, fun to drive; range exceeds their promises; Blink charging station is very user friendly and fun to use; comfortable seats ... we sold our Lexus RX350 since taking delivery because it would probably just sit in the garage. You will not be disappointed!

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  2002 Nissan Sentra - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Fulla - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving this car for the past eight months and Im totally satisfied with this car. No problems, looks great and handles very well. Id recommend this car to anyone, I intend to hand it down to my teenage son eventually and almost hate the thought of giving it up.

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  Love it - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Dennis - February 10 - 3:33 am

  I have owned Pathfinders in the past and I would have to say that Nissan really out did themselves this time. I feel that the 2006 Pathfinder really is the best they have come out with. Way to go Nissan.

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  Exceeds my expectations - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By happy camper - February 10 - 1:10 am

  This car is a blast to drive. The MPG on the first tank was 36.5 for over 300 miles, both city and highway driving (Nissan promised 34 mpg combined). The design of the inside and outside of the car is wonderful. My only complaint is that we did not buy this car earlier. We purchased this car with every toy possible.

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  Very Surprising - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By kevininco - February 9 - 8:36 pm

  I have had the Rogue for 2 weeks now and absolutely love it! I was really wanting an Audi Q5 but could not get the payments to work. I had a lease with Nissan for a Frontier and they took it 3 months early. I have test driven before the basic model hence why not excited to get this. The got me a fully loaded Rogue with leather and everything. The SL is such a difference. I live in the mountains so right off the dealership was from denver to Aspen. It handles great at low speeds and tightens up at higher. really fun with all the technology in there too. I love it and is so much fun inside and out.

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  After one month - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Raybo - February 8 - 1:40 pm

  After one month and 4000 miles I am very happy with my Maxima. This car handles comparably to my 2002 Maxima, which I traded in with 215,000 miles. I have had no problems with anything at this point, just like my old one.

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  quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Stacey116 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  My family loves the Nissan Quest. Its very roomy, comfortable, and easy to move around in. It rides quiet and smoothly.

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  Great Improvements - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Cali97 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Just acquired a new 2004 SE 3.5 and absolutely love it. Traded in 2001 Maxima and the improvements in the 2004 are sensational. Lots of room, great interior and exterior design and it has unbelievable acceleration. Great looking and fun to drive. Much more automobile for the money than comparable cars I looked at all the competitors and the Maxima was the winner hands down. You are making a mistake if you dont test drive one before you buy. Has so many bells and whistles at this price level it amazes me - heated seats, heated steering wheel, halogen lights, 18" wheels,auto set seats and steering wheel plus many more.