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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  Great Car - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Arnold - January 20 - 10:50 pm

  Traded my 96 Maxima over the weekend. A bit sad. Bought it in 1999 used with 70,000 miles. 10 years later 198,000 miles. Still runs great with lot of power. The best V6 engine in its class! I will miss her.

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  We love it - 2002 Nissan Quest
  By tobyk - January 20 - 1:46 pm

  Has been awesome for our family. The folding/sliding back seat awesome

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  A great model for a keeper - 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By stan - January 20 - 1:43 pm

  As a previous driver of an 06,07,08 altima I thought it would be time to try the hybrid. I am glad I did! The car is peppier than I thought it would be, the ride quality is somewhat firmer than the other 2.5 sedans. The gas mileage indicates 37.1 mpg overall on the computer average which I have reset initially on fill up @purchase. The transition back and forth from gas/battery is very smooth, a quality I was waiting to experience after reading some reviews. I feel the car will hold its value and the price on memorial day was great. My first Nissan was an 86 maxima then a 2000 max before going to the altima in 06. Who knows I may keep this one awhile!

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  The Gentle Giant - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Super Picky! - January 19 - 3:40 pm

  After many hours of research. Narrowed my choices down to Jeep Liberty, Kia Sorento or Xterra. Edmonds comsumer reviews were a big part of my decision.Traded in my Hyundai mall crawler.When asked how does it drive? I respond: Its like driving a tank with good manners. In city driving it kind of rumbles along, but if you give it some gas, it goes into warp speed. My only complaint is the fold down front passenger seat. Very uncomfortable for me, its like a third of the seat is missing, but everyone else says they think its just fine. I highly recomend purchasing a print-out from Consomer Reports before going to the dealer. It took 4 hours, but we got the price we wanted.

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  G14 RJX - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Japs - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Tough,Relaible Confortable family cars, Falls inbetween compact & MidSize

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  You will love it. - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Brooklyn Born - January 17 - 3:00 pm

  This is the best full size SUV for the money. Great to drive, roomy, great looking, smooth and BIG. This vehicle really seats alot of people comfortably. Drive it and you too will love it.

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  05 Murano - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Dan D. - January 17 - 10:10 am

  We have been very pleased with our Murano. Does many , many things well and is fun to drive

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  Slick Car - Why pay more - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By rwdl60 - January 17 - 6:03 am

  Purchased the 3.5 SE Sports Package plus with Xenon lights, Sun-Moon Roof, Spoiler & Bose 6 disc 8 speaker system a month ago and all is well. Though about leather seats, but did not want the cold or hot buns. Very fast and response car. If a engine makes a car, youve got a winner here. Great exterior styling, have gotten several thumbs up. Interior is nice. I professionally installed a portable Nav system (upper glove box) along with a hand free Moto V600 phone, and now the Altima has just about as many features as any BMW 3, Acura TL, Audi A4, but thousands less. The car looks bigger than Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Passat, and is the sportiest of them all. Slick car.

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  1,200 mile update - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By JohnBuller - January 17 - 1:13 am

  After 1,200 miles this car continues to impress behind the wheel. Its the first car Ive owned in ages that I drive so I can. Look for an excuse to drive it. Came from a 2003 Maxma GLE, and dont miss the Max one bit. Altima doesnt feel as porky and ungainly as the more powerful Max. Fit and finish rival my friends C230, and car is solid. Quiet at 80, even with the roof open. All bells and whistles, and the 175HP 4 is great; both powerwise and economywise. Lots of pep; and 25 mpg city. Quiet, comfortable interior, heated leather seats, Bose Stereo complete package. Climate control excellent. Majestic Blue with Blond/wood interior v/elegant. Get the SL Package; you wont regret it.

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  Excellent choice - 2010 Nissan Murano
  By ihab - January 16 - 10:06 pm

  I had my murano for 3 months now. It has all the bells and whistles. Traded my 2006 pilot for the Murano. I do not regret the decision. Very well build interior. Premium materials. Excellent quality. My only complain so far is the GPS features are limited while driving. Most of the features can not be access while driving. So-so fuel economy. Limited voice commands compared to the Pilot