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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  People need to take better care of cars - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By thunder - October 9 - 7:23 pm

  When I bought the car it only had 55,000 miles on it. Now 2 years later it has 78,000 miles. I only had to change some wear and tear parts. With Nissan Sentra, like any other car, if you dont keep up on the maintenance the car wont perform or run properly. Little problems turn to bigger problems. If you keep having head gasket problems let up and quit horsing the damn car, and if you are having radio problems keep the volume down or get a hearing aid. Factory radios can only take so much power on any car not only Nissan.

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  Jaded - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By sdricke - October 9 - 7:03 pm

  My Sentra is an interesting car. I love driving it; handling and brake performance is very impressive. However, I had to have the keyless entry system replaced before I even drove it off the lot, I had to have a warranty repair to fix a leaking head gasket, the car takes a few cranks to start sometimes, and the belt squeels if it is ever humid or raining outside. Beyond those problems, the car is incredibly fun to drive, especially for a one-person commute, and gas mileage is remarkable. Overall, though, I cannot wait to get rid of the car, as I dont really trust the car to last a whole lot longer, something I wish I didnt have to say about Nissan.

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  AWESOME MURANO - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Frank Duve - October 9 - 4:20 pm

  Ive had this crossover about 4 months, & I love driving it. Its my first Nissan. This baby will move. I get good performance with regular, but even better with premium. The back-up camera, xm radio, auto rear lift-gate, leather seats, HID lights, driving position, & did I mention build-quality certainly makes this a luxury crossover. I bought it primarily for its unique style, & black on black color.

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  Very Happy with the car - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By nsentra - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I only bought this car as this was the only dealer that would give me credit.. but I am very happy with it. Starts well, the driver seat is so comftable I dont need a cushion like I do on many other cars I have driven, it looks good and its FAST - Iv done over 100 in it, very nippy with controlls well laid out altogether a pleasure to drive. The back seats look a little crapmed but I have actually never sat in it as a passenger and none of my passengers have really complained, so it cant be that bad.

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  I Love Mine! - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By tly3050 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  As soon as Nissan redesigned the Altima, I knew I had to have one. I love the interior space. Low grade parts on the interior are a little frustrating. I DO plan to trade up for a new 2005 model and I will probably never own another brand of car!

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  Zoom Zoom Zoom - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Margo - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car for its looks, dependability, and the V6. I have taken several long trips in my new Altima and find the drive very comfortable and enjoyable. When passing slower vehicles on the highway, this car can move! There is plenty of leg room in both the front and back seats. The trunk is also very spacious.

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  Overpriced!!! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Furrball - October 9 - 10:00 am

  A mediocre car, especially for the price. Like others, I had problems with the cars handling in wet weather. The interior cant get much cheaper, there are more recalls on this car than one can imagine, and the engine flooding and not starting was a major nuisance. Also, the power windows intermittently stop working. The dealership, like other Nissan owners have mentioned, is not very helpful. Oh, and if you need to replace a tire, good luck! They are a rare size that must be special-ordered unless you pay the dealers price to replace.

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  Rattle Trap - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Bad Jeff - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Passenger air bag vibrates sounds like blown speaker, been replaced w/new insulators, still no change maybe even worse. Wind noise from door is terrible. Long trip are not even an option take the truck, better ride and only sacriface about 8 to 10 mile to the gallon. Remember were talking v-8 compared to 4-cyl HMMM. Would take the 80 Honda Civic that I traded for it back anyday 40 mpg, and better/funner to drive!!! By the way only getting about 27 mpg on hwy!

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  2004 Nissan Murano Review - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By M W Ppool - October 9 - 10:00 am

  After looking at Lexus and BMW (crossover SUVs and sedans) to replace my old SUV, I became intrigued by the new Nissan Maxima. I was close to buying one when I mentioned to the salesperson that I was still debating going with an SUV, but really wanted more comfort and power. They steered me to the Murano and I have been in love ever since. The styling, interior design and comfort are exceptional, while the handling and acceleration make driving a pleasure. Even my two college age sons (one has a 4WD Ford F150 and the other a Honda Accord coupe) are very much enamored of my new Murano and are constantly "borrowing" it.

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  Altima 2003 S - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By A to the J - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I have absolutely no complaints. This is my second Altima. The first was a 2000 SE. My 2003 S is twice as comfortable, stylish, and fun to drive than my first for about the same price. My first Altima only needed the basic maintainance (oil change, tire rotation, etc.) while driving it for over 75,000 miles. I expect this one will be the same.