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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  This is the best car I have ever owned! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By P.N. - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had this car for a week and I already love this car. I have no complaints, the car handles and looks great. Every day people are telling me how great the car looks. I cant think of a car both American or Asian that is a better value. I was debating between a manaul and automatic transmision, Im very happy with the automatics performance. I would definitely recommend this vehicle.

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  Love the Murano - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By Leonid Shekhter - September 29 - 2:50 am

  Nice elegant car, pleasure to drive

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  Funmobile X - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By Ron E. - September 28 - 11:10 am

  Off Road model. I wanted a vehicle that could take a lickin and keep on tickin. The build quality is outstanding. The fuel economy is a little less than I expected. This is not a fancy fum fum vehicle but has all the off road extras available on other more expensive, and more than some vehicles. Easy and fun to drive. Serves well for the purpose I bought it for. Would certainly purchase again.

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  Great Car!!! - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By bigev - September 27 - 7:33 pm

  This car has been in my family since 98. Never had any serous problems knock wood. It is fully factory except for a k&n air filter. Gas mileage not 2 bad I get about 17 city on regular and about 28 highway. Engine is more than sufficient. Currently has 112,000 mi on it still almost as good as new. I would recommend this car to anyone in the used car market

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  It is what it is. - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Mr. Ed - September 27 - 4:31 am

  I have had mine six years. It has 160K on it. Other than what you would expect - a set of brakes and a serpentine belt. Not a single repair, just routine maintenance. It is a basic model, cheap interior, not overly comfortable but I knew that when I bought it. It is extremely reliable and it was not expensive. It has been paid off for years. I plan to drive it until it drops - I think that is going to be a long time. ..--About 2/3 of them are highway miles.

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By sullylc - September 26 - 8:03 pm

  This is our first midsize suv. This car is for my wife but I get a great joy driving it. Fuel economy is excellent in my opinion for the size motor and power. On a long trip I set cruise at different speeds for 1/2 hr at a time. 60 mph gave an average of 30 mpg while cruising on the back roads. At 80 mph on the interstate average mpg was 22.8. This will improve as the car gets broken in. Every thing about this car is excellent. It is very quite on the highway and comfortable for long trips. Safety in crash testing gave the Murano the highest rating of 9 midsize SUVs tested. Safety, looks, comfort, value, an unbeatable combination.

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  Monster - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Wedgebolt - September 26 - 10:00 am

  It was love at first sight. I test drove this vehicle and I knew I had to get one. After shopping around I got an excellent deal from Central Ave Nissan in Yonkers. We have 3 kids and they love riding in this truck. Rides smooth and accelarates quickly. But as expect gas mileage isnt that great. I love the low growl the car emits when driven.

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  ONE HAPPY CUSTOMER !!! - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Joseph A Gutowski - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is my very first non-USA name vehicle that I have owned.Also by far, this is the best car for the money that I had to spend. I test drove a KIA and Ford Focus,not even close to the looks and handling of my Sentra. Not only was the Sentra superior, the sales staff were outstanding. They helped me decide, not forced me to decide. Good Job Nissan!! J.A.G.

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  Great new van- love it so far!! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Jecky22 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  First off, I was NEVER EVER going to own a van over my dead body! Well... along came my son. With that said, we love our new van. We seriously considered the Sienna, but chose the Quest as it fit our age, style and function better. The "Maxima" and award winning V6 is great EXCEPT on the gas mileage. We have ranged from upper teens to lower 20s so far. The only problems we have had are: 1) small chips showing up in the front end paint (and we dont drive on gravel); and 2) filler piece for non-roof rack groove came loose on interstate (being replaced next week). Otherwise we love the van so far.

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  I love my truck! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By pciley - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned, bar none! Never again will I own a Chevy or Ford truck for the rest of my life!