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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  2004 nissan sentra - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Tessa1010 - September 23 - 10:00 am

  The car is nice and comfortable to drive. Highway driving is good, limited outside noise when windows are up. Overall its a great car to use in town or drive a long distance to work. Gas miliage is great - this I love. Car hands great and a great front view. It would be sporter load with outside extras like wing and tint.

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  Quest-ED - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Quest-ED - September 23 - 10:00 am

  No I did not buy 1 yet! but getting my Maxima serviced at dealership I was put in Enterprise loaner, 2my surprise it was Quest 3.5S, bit excited to see the Quest bit disappoited for just S. I took it out for a long drive 380 miles to be exact in 2-days. As we are considering to replace our current 91- Previa w/any of tripplets (Sienna/Odyssey/Quest). Excellent HiSpeed handling, pickup the get-go, simply a Hi-Performance Mini-Van! The passanger side airbag ON/OFF feature with seat presure, G8 inguinity!

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  Say NO to Accord and Camry! Pick Altima! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Super Freak - September 23 - 10:00 am

  The design of the Altima is awesome verses Camry or Accord! Camry is a dime a dozen on the streets! Accord is too bland! Altima is the a head turner! The only complaint is the leather seats is a bit hard. I wish it was more softer leather. The 175hp 4 banger is a rocket! Smooth like a six and the fuel economy is super freaky good!! Also, disappointed in the "BOSE" system. Too hollow sounding for me. Cant adjust it for the rich sound that Im use too. Lexus RX has a more awesome sounding system and its not even a BOSE.

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  love everything but the brakes - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By dubld98 - September 23 - 7:26 am

  this vehicle is a joy to own and drive butr there is a problem with the brakes and I have had to have them replaced 3 times in 4 months so far. I hope they resolve the brake problem soon.

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  know what is important to you - 2013 Nissan Leaf
  By jas2012leaf - September 22 - 11:39 pm

  I lease a 2012 Leaf. It comes with no spare tire, a real drag. It is not a winter car for those who have trouble driving in snow. It needs winter tires for the front, and I dont know how much that will help. Using heat,wipers,defrost, and driving in snow lessens the range by 30%. I commute 26 miles uphill <1000 ft and Ive used 80% of the power to do it in winter on bad days. I use a 120volt space heater to warm the car first. Better range (126 mi/charge) 2016. Ad now is misleading . 126/106 isnt the range, but the mpg equivalent- comparing it to a gas car. Dont be fooled. Solar roof is available only overseas,not in usa yet. Decent second car, my 1st, but Im waiting to 2016 for next..

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  happy with my choice - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By john - September 21 - 8:49 am

  Edmunds doesnt like Murrano but I do, great car for the money, go sit in one and drive it before you decide on another SUV.

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  A great mini van that is fun to drive - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Jay Pee - September 20 - 11:13 pm

  Traded in a pt cruiser turbo gt and cant believe how refined the quest is compared to the pt. The quest has a smoother, quieter ride, more power, more room, better gas mileage, handles better, more standard "toys", less torque pull on the steering wheel, etc etc. I really enjoy driving the quest. It corners like a sports car. I added 2" oversize hubcaps and they are absolutely perfect for the quest. Gives it an entirely different look. Sportier than ever! Added a nissan nose mask and it fits perfectly and really protects the front of the quest. Next additions will be a less restrictive "homemade" cold air intake and a straight through glass pack muffler.

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  Great SUV - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By THEDOC - September 20 - 6:50 pm

  I have nothing but great luck with this car....it is built well, runs well and hardly ever breaks down. I have spent very little to keep it running and has never let me down. I have 221000 miles and it still runs great. I will never buy an American car again after owning a Nissan. Built well, runs well, and still looks contemporary.

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  Test drove them all - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Randy - September 20 - 11:50 am

  We drove 18 vehicles in our buying process and the Altima stood out front far byond the others. (many which were priced 3 to 5 thousand more. After driving the 4 cylinder then the 6 there was no doubt that the xtra hp was worth the money. however those on a tighter budget should not let that scare you because the 4 banger has all the pep that most would need. We wound up getting one with everything (including the Nissan after market option pkg.) The only things that I find so far that could be improved on is the radio display is difficult to read as well as the odometer computer functions for mpg,dte,mte and so on. Also the turnning radis is tight.

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  Outstanding Truck - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By formerloyalfordowner - September 20 - 10:40 am

  This truck is an excellent value. It is well thought out. Utilitrac system, outside tool compartment, sprayed on bedliner, message center, heated tow mirrors, are all nice things to have in a truck. Seats are comfortable. The ride is smooth. It handles better than many cars. Tows very well. The transmission shifts very smoothly. I have been getting 15 mpg around town and 17-18 on the highway, and 12-12.5 towing. Better payload than competitors. It tows 9100 true pounds. Looked high and low. This is the best value out there at the present time (IMO).