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, best bang for the buck - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Donna - January 6 - 10:03 pm

  Feature for feature, compared to honda & toyota, best in value. Nice redesign with plenty of features.

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  What a change - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Robert J - January 6 - 1:16 pm

  I went from a large GM sedan that was a drivers dream. I thought it was time for something new, breaking away. Well, my new Nissan is every bit of anything I could hope for. The car is quick, positive steering and in general fun to drive. The manual shift is okay but I would prefer the standard H pattern. The car earns nice comments where ever I go...usually associated with the words "mid-life crisis." Great plaything and the fold down back seats are a nice bonus. Over all this car is a value for the dollar.

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  still miss this car - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By mrwill808 - January 6 - 2:00 am

  I leased this car in April 98 it was a loaded GLE, as a graduation gift. Since then until late Oct. 01, this was 1 of the most reliable cars ever. Everyone I knew loved my car, some even drove it. Small troubles in 99 w/ a bad battery at 22K and later around 29K the cd/cass. unit went bad. Also had 2 accidents in Spring & Winter 00, despite those the car still drove like new. I was on top of maintenance & cleaning like crazy and had compliments that it looked and ran like new. Got rid of it in late 01 since the lease was up.

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  One of East Tennessees First - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By ghoppe7064 - January 6 - 2:00 am

  I believe that I am one of the first buyers in E TN on 10-10-03. The miles are estimated for the first year. The dealership was first rate and the salesman Scott B was great in showing me the features. The second day we took a trip to the Lindville Falls wilderness area with 20 miles of tough, watersoaked roads. It took it without complaint. It handles as well as the Tourage by VW. But pulls around 9100# and weighs 7000#. Totally solid. Everyone of my friends with Denalis,etc. are impressed. Ill give it a 10. GPH

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  Loving my Nissan! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By LMVR - January 6 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is wonderful! We love it!

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  Nissan SE AWD - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By yagbol - January 6 - 2:00 am

  The best of all the cars/SUVs I have owned and driven.

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  Awesome Murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Richies Murano - January 6 - 2:00 am

  I test drove Volswagon Taureg, Hyundi Santa Fe, Volvo XC-90. Murano was more stable, better gas mileage, better looking, better ride, and less expensive than every other vehicle except the Santa Fe(note to get a loaded out Santa Fe, you must pay close to $28,000). I paid 32000 with remote start, sunroof, Bose 6 CD player, custom calfskin.

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  This Roadster Rules - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By xntrix - January 6 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car, fun to drive, best bang for the buck

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  Ive owned it for only 3 months - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Robert D. Hardison - January 6 - 2:00 am

  After only 3 months of owning and almost 9000 miles all I can rate is the highest number. I average 22mpg city and 26-28 on long trips/air conditioning. Everything on it is as perfect as can be and I could never improve on anything. Road noise is very quiet also.

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  04 Maxima worth the wait! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By WendyRu - January 6 - 2:00 am

  I have been researching this car since Nissan teased me with their mailings featuring the new body style. Like I told the salesman - he did not have to "sell" me the car. I wanted it the moment I sat in it.