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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  best SUV in the price range - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By outerbanks man - July 29 - 10:00 am

  Reserched Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander and Pathfinder. Rebate and .9 financing separated the Pathfinder from the Highlander.

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  What a blast - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By d1rocket - July 29 - 10:00 am

  I can finally find my car in the lot. This thing has everything the Acura, the Beemer and the Mercedes have for about 8K less.

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  Do Your Homework Before Shopping !! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Erudite - July 29 - 10:00 am

  Buying a new car still requires mastering the "art of negotiation." The 2003 Altima clearly is several levels better than the 2001 it redesigned and replaced. Before buying a comparably price Honda or Toyota -- check out the Altima at your local Nissan dealer. The contemporary, up-to-datestyling and, above average comfort level are merit your consideration. Furthermore, youll appreciate the refined 175 horsepower 4 cyl. engine. The Altima is not underpowered compared to many other cars in its class. For under 20K the Altima is a worthy competitor in its class. Check it out !!

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  Bad Ass Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By C Walker - July 29 - 10:00 am

  The 04 Maxima SE 6M is truly a jewel to own. My first Maxima was a92 and I loved it. This one is 33% more powerful with a six speed and looks like a car that rivals the good looks of any car in its class. Many thanks to Nissan for the concept on this one.

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  Nissan makes a great car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Abstractor - July 29 - 10:00 am

  I really like the Nissan line. This is my 2nd Maxima, I have owned a Stnza and and Infiniti J30. The car handles well and is fun to drive.

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  My FUN car - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Larry B - July 29 - 9:23 am

  I am 55 years old, and always had a second car while a teen and into my late 20s! A go to school model, and a sporty car, including a GTO (1969) and a Cuda 1st one off the assemble line! Well, I took a hiatus and just got my new 2nd car....wow!! This car is pure dynamite. I live in South Florida, and when the temp is cool enough, I pull this baby out of the garage, and can drive all night with my now balding head enjoying the cool breezes. The radio is unbelievabe, the handling is great, and the ride is pure delight!!! The price was great, and the thrill is better than that!!

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  Sport Cross delivers Fun and Excitement in a unique package - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By timbrewolf - July 28 - 6:48 pm

  I love Dan Neils review in the WSJ of the Nissan Juke that it "looks like a Murano in larval stage", but owning one it feels like a combination of some of the best Nissan features from the lineup. The turbo direct injection works well with the CVT transmission to deliver impressive pull across the power range, while the unique styling will definitely turn some heads. The look can be polarizing, but it grows on most, and definitely separates the Juke from a sea of look-alike sedans and economy hatchbacks. Add on the top-notch build quality (especially in the SL additions), and technology in the engine and interior, and its the most fun Ive ever had in a car!

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  Best Suv i have ever driven!!! - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Christian - July 28 - 4:46 pm

  At first glance the rogues didnt really appeal to me, maybe because I always seen a base model one (s) around town. After going to the dealer and seeing an loaded up sl model I feel in love with this suv! After owning 10 suvs in the past and also being a wholesaler I have driven a lot of midsize suvs and honestly im my opinion this is truly amazing! It rides so Nice, corners like a Porsche, and gets gas mileage like a civic. I love it and would highly recommend it to anyone!

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  Money Well Spent - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By Brandy - July 28 - 6:50 am

  I purchased this vehicle the day after it was delivered to the lot - I just couldnt resist it! While the interior has improved when compared to the 350 model, there is still very little storage and extreme blind spots. 4 cupholders are really 1 considering you lose 1 if you want to plug in your phone or iPod and the 2 in the doors are too small to even hold a standard 16.9 FL OZ H2O bottle. But the space behind the seats is convenient for a purse, jacket, Kleenex, etc. I was able to pick up a friend at the airport with two good sized suitcases. The cockpit truly is driver friendly and it has all the conveniences of the newer vehicles in a much more exciting wrapper.

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  Armada 2010 - 2010 Nissan Armada
  By Bob - July 28 - 5:56 am

  We looked at this vehicle in 2006 and came close to buying it but bought the Murano instead. Decided to trade in Murano as we wanted more room for traveling. We are very impressed with it and the luxury feel. You barely feel the road or bumps underneath you. While we know gas mileage wont be terrific, the space and ride this gives is far worth a little extra gas. It turns and corners more like a small car than the large SUV it is. I am amazed at the turning radius. All the extras it comes with are great. The satellite nav is awesome and we LOVE the additional voice control. The bluetooth works great and the sound is really clear.I would highly recommend this vehicle. Awesome!