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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  Great Truck - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Grace - September 19 - 3:43 am

  This is a really great truck. The 6 cyl gets great gas mileage-20mpg with a mix of city and highway. It has lots of storage compartments under the rear seat and you have to love the sprayed bed. The turning radius takes some getting used to. It has all the basic features one would need on a truck, plus more. We were fortunate to get model without the tacky roof rack although I wouldnt mind the running boards (Im 52).

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  Edmunds Review is WAYYYY off the Mark! AMAZING CAR! - 2012 Nissan Sentra
  By nissancvt - September 18 - 3:22 pm

  I got a Sentra SR Special Edition (GPS, Bluetooth, Sunroof). The review that Edmunds gave this car was completely wrong. First of all, this car drives COMPLETELY Quiet and Serene. Its quiet and the Nissan CVT Transmission (Best transmission on the planet, hands down) was smooth and made no "groaning" noise at all and was serene. The reviews are correct that it does make a "clunk" sound at 30 MPH, but this only happens once when its warming up because its and ABS system check. Honestly this is the nicest car Ive even driven, the interior is well designed and comfortable, its very roomy in the front and back, and the MPG is great, 29 MPG overall. Way nicer than Honda and Toyota.

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  It is what I wanted - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Carnut - September 18 - 12:53 pm

  The comfort, visibility and storage are all lacking. That said, its a sports car! I expected what I got and I love it. I have had mine a month and I still love it. It is very difficult to get in and out of. You need to be in good shape. It goes like a rocket, it is probably the hottest car I have owned.

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  Abby....Altima - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Sugar02 - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my 1997 Nissan as my first car, and she is so beautiful. My Altima runs great, and you can bearly even tell when she is running, shes so quiet. The brakes work great, and I love the hub caps, even if they are only plastic. I would totally recommend buying a nissan, they are totally reliable cars and great for a college student like myself.

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  Street Racer - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Mark F - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Spec V because I needed a 4-door car to transport the wife and kid, needed a low payment and good fuel economy, yet still wanted to autocross on the weekends. The Spec V does it all very nicely thank you. Room for the family and it also powers around the pylons like crazy. No complaints.

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  Ecellent - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Justin White - September 18 - 2:00 am

  this car has given me no problems what so ever

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  Best SUV Ive ever owned - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By kwyoon - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I read reviews and eagerly awaited its arrival. Needless to say, I fell in love with it when I first saw/drove it so I bought one of the first ones in town. Other than shopping around for the best price, I have had no other regrets. Its the most car-like mid-size SUV IMO.

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  Best car Ive purchased to date. - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Abdi - September 18 - 2:00 am

  If you dont like your cars boring. Get the SE

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  WOW - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By KeeponpatH - September 18 - 1:43 am

  I have taken over my uncles car who drives a lot, now I got this car at 300,000 miles. Now its at 330,000 miles, and it still runs great. Replaced starter, need to replace alternator now, and other stuff like brakes and such. It still gives the people "wow.." when I tell them how much mileage is on the car.

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  Wow! Car - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Maxima Fever - September 17 - 2:53 pm

  Yes, thats right wow! The best thing I can tell you about the new Maxima is to get yours fast!