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:

• 

  TitanFun - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By eman - January 13 - 12:26 pm

  Titan is an enjoy to drive and is a workhorse when hauling and caring stuff. I have hauled some really heavy stuff and it begged for more. My neighbor was really suprised when I picked a pallet of grass and the rear end didnt even squat even with back tires. He now wants one.

• 

  First Nissan - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Joe M. - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Bought Altima with sunroof, antilock brakes, side air bags, fog lights. Nice car. 600 miles on it and already running 28-30 MPG. The 4 cyl is ample power, I had my doubts. Save your money and get the 4 cyl.

• 

  First Japanese Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Goforit - January 13 - 10:00 am

  As a former American car owner riddled with serious probs with Fords and Buicks I decided to go import. This appears to be a excellent car. Handling is excellent, Power is scalding, Interior is wonderfully balanced between comfort and tech. This car has been truly engineered by some of the most talented people in the automotive industry. I hope this car will be worthy of a review like this 3-5 years from now.

• 

  Fun yet sophisticated - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Chris Smith - January 12 - 8:53 pm

  I bought my Maxima from the dealership I currently sell Nissans at. So far it has been a great car. I took it on a trip down south and it was probably the best trip Ive ever made of that distance. Its been very reliable so far as long as I keep up with the oil changes and what not.

• 

  Love my armada - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By DANA - January 12 - 7:10 am

  We love our new suv! We have took many trips in it since we bought it we have had it packed with people and luggage and had plenty of room. It is so comfortable just love the way it rides and drives. Me and my husband cant wait to drive it each time we go somewhere! It is so pretty! Thanks nissan

• 

  Very happy - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By neal - January 11 - 6:40 pm

  This car has exceeded my expectations so far. Its fun to drive and looks smart both on the inside and from the outside. Its quiet and was a great value, considering all of its standard features.

• 

  A great reliable vehicle. - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By saa - January 11 - 7:56 am

  I purchased my 05 Altima in Febraury and must say, I am simply satisftied. When driving the sedan the suspension is great (compared to the Sentra I previously owned) For the price you pay for the Altima, I believe you are getting you moneys worth. Before reaching empty I can travel approx.310 miles. In this day in age with gas prices raising, I think the mileage, and fuel economy is key to purchasing you vehicle. If I had the choice to purchase another car the Altima will be my choice!! (with the navigation system of course)

• 

  Its the Ultima - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By alainalane - January 11 - 5:52 am

  Just got this car and it is wonderful. Has a lot of get up and go, very spacious, tons of leg room, comfy seats, great interior. I could go on and on. The glove box is very deep, and theres tons of little compartments around the car to store your things. Its a fun car to drive.

• 

  Love It! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Amanda - January 10 - 9:36 pm

  Ive had my altima coupe for about a year now. LOVE IT. Havent had any problems with it. Drives really well,not good in the snow tho,but its also not built to drive in the snow. good sporty car,good or 2 people-4 is pushin it with space.

• 

  Concerns on door weatherstrips - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By harv8 - January 10 - 11:13 am

  I need to start by saying that I love the vehicle. Got it in December, platinum edition, red with black interior. I owned several Muranos before this and the pathfinder is better than the Murano in most areas. The one thing that confuses me is why Nissan did not recess the doors at the bottom or at least provide a threshold plate under the bottom of the doors. The outer weatherstrip seal on the bottom of the doors is huge and fitts loosely. This allows road salt and water to polute the door jambs. I hope Nissan can improve these seals.