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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  Goodbye Ford - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Derek - November 26 - 5:50 am

  Having owned an F-150 for the past 11 years I decided to try the Nissan and after one test drive decided it was time to switch. The roominess, power, roar of the engine,(if you want totally quiet, buy a luxury car), its great to put the foot down and hear that roar but then quiet when normal driving, no wind noise. Getting 15 MPG driving around Houston. Get the optional Bed Package that has the compartment on the left rear side of the bed and back-up sensors.

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  1Quick grocery getter - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By whambino - November 26 - 2:00 am

  We traded a full sized conversion van for the Armada- we are used to larger vehicles. Did not want the extra expense of 4 wheel drive-thank you Nissan for a 4x2. We love the looks,comfort and all the standards that are options on other suvs. This suv handles like a sports car compared to the old van. Im sure a lot of Mustang and Camaro owners are going to be surprised when they are not pulling to far away from my suv at the stoplights.

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  I love my new purchase! - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By GirlyGirl - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car last week! So far I love everything about it and love driving it!! Car looks like I paid alot more for it than what I did. I bought the convenience package w/ mine and love the extras I got! If you are going to get this car, pay a little more for the foglights, alloy tires, & sunroof. Youll enjoy the extras on the convenience package

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  Sentra Buyers go for the SE-R Spec V - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By T. A. F. - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Purchased my molton silver Nissan SE-R Spec V on Friday 01/23/04. I love this car !!! For those of you looking for a car in this price range, you owe it to yourself to atleast test drive this car. The more I drive it, the more I like it. Puts a grin on my face every time. Fun to drive.

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  wont regret... - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By ROJO - November 26 - 2:00 am

  its a nice SUV to drive. Good looking, smooth, and CVT. you can also add all kinds of options to the car.

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  FUN IN THE MUD - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By BTBART - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I have only owned my truck for a couple of weks, however the first time I rode in it I knew it was something different. I have been a dedicated GM man, but after the transmission problems I have experienced from gm trucks I thought I would try something different. This truck is powerfull, nimble and tough in the mud, espically the OFF Road pkg. The first night I took it to the local mud pit and tried to sick it. After learning to turn off the VDC it was almost unstoppable. Both of my two friends were very impressed, that is saying a lot since one owns a lifted fullsize dodge and the other a lifted F-150.

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  quite pleased - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By smabes - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Aside from a few little odds and ends that I would improve, I feel as though the car has lives up to its name and has proven itself worthy out in the woods. I tow things with it, carry canoes and kayaks with it, although this is sometimes difficult as the height of the car is a bit high, and have had lots of fun 4-wheeling around in the woods and getting around town when 9 inches of snow falls in a day and the city doesnt feel like plowing. Overall, I dont feel bad about getting it dirty or even a little scratched up...as long as I have a good adventure to go along with it...and thats what I think the Xterra is all about

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  Exactly as expected. - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By Tsunami - November 25 - 8:56 pm

  This is my 2nd nissan pick-up. Had last one for 8 years with no major problems. The bench seat was wearing me out before I could wear the truck out. I love this truck and it is much improved over my older 96. The four wheel drive goes terrific in the snow up here in New England! Im 58" and have plenty of room in the truck, I think though that a large person might be cramped. A friend of mine was looking at a Dodge, I steered him towards the Nissan and he loves his truck as well. I fully expect to drive this truck for atleast 10 to 15 years.

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  Need more options - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Qnsguy - November 25 - 7:56 pm

  I bought the SL AWD a week ago, like the power for the 4 cyl. I have Murano before and I love this one is smaller and less money.

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  Awesome SUV - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Chase - November 25 - 5:13 pm

  Great SUV, if youre buying an SUV expect to get and pay for the gas mileage of an SUV (17 mpg avg). Rides smooth, excellent steering, most comfortable seats front and rear, good utility, 4 wheel drive can plow through anything, gusto V6, Bose sound system is tuned perfectly- sound is great, soft touch plastics, great safe SUV. I have experienced a couple rattles up on the dash but very minor, 02 sensors went out at 75000 ($400), and the muffler (catback, everything) replaced at 65000 miles because it failed on me ($500). otherwise, great vehicle - look into it.