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:

• 

  better then my 02 325i - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By werks - September 6 - 2:16 pm

  the altima is a sick car. 3.5se is faster than i thought it would be. gas milage is great 27 on the highway going 85. nice! handles like a dream. by far the best car ive ever owned, so far.

• 

  So far, so great! - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By sardar524 - September 5 - 1:00 pm

  After being a die-hard chevy owner for the past 22 years, we decided to give the Nissan Armada a try (we were also considering the Suburban and GMC Yukon). We needed to increase the traveling space provided by our 05 Silverado 3/4 ton Crew Cab while maintaining the ability to pull a 7k lbs horse trailer. When we viewed the Armada, we were very impressed with the exterior design. We also liked the size as compared to a Suburban, and the price of a fully-equipped Armada as compared to a Yukon Denali. It drives wonderfully, has an impressive turn radius and is very spacious in the 2nd and 3rd row.

• 

  Fantabulous Vehicle! - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Barbara Sharp - September 4 - 7:45 am

  This car drives like a dream. The power is superb and handling is wonderful. It is a bit difficult to get in and out due to the low seating; but I can deal with it. Wish it had a better/more USB and/or phone charger ports available in the front compartment and one or more in the back seat.

• 

  Blast to drive - 2016 Nissan 370Z
  By Bob - September 4 - 7:11 am

  My wife and I were looking to get back to our youth, we test drove multiple sports cars, (Frs, Brz, Mx-5 etc) but as soon as we drove this car, it was the car for us. We love the style being old Datsun 240 fans, performance, power, ride quality, comfort and price. We purchased a 2016 Magma sport tech. Everyone loves this color and style. I hear that the 370Z model is getting old and this may be, but dont overlook this car because of that. Its a proven sports car and a blast from the past to drive.

• 

  Good value, fun car - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By realhawker - September 4 - 6:00 am

  I was leaving my 2007 9-3 Saab, looking for something with more rear room, bigger trunk and a little more tech features. Looked at the Infiniti G37xS sedan, which was everything I wanted, except that I really wasnt in love with its exterior looks, and the rear seat was not that much roomier than my Saab. I also looked at the Hyundai Genesis, which was very interesting, but I just wasnt a fan of the center console, the pricing I was getting and the fact that I would be telling people I had a Hyundai for $500 a month. Maxima ended up being the best balance, although I would have preferred the 7sp and extra horsepower of the G37

• 

  Go With Six Cyl - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By 4isnotenuff - September 3 - 2:03 pm

  I got the SL package on my 2.5S and am only mildly content with the performance vs. options compromise I chose. Having only owned previous 8 cyl. cars (Last was a Continental), the change to 4cyl has been an adjustment to say the least. Ride is great, styling and value are better than Accd/Camry/Mazda6. Power is acceptable; but, wish I got the 6cyl. Still think the mileage for either is great.

• 

  wrath of the titans!!! - 2012 Nissan Titan
  By kirkallen5150 - September 3 - 12:35 am

  I just love my Titan, 2012 PRO-4X Galaxy Black CC all the bells and whistles. This is my second Titan. The truck is dependable, reliable, and to mention a good looking truck. yeah Nissan has not changed the body style in awhile. Who really cares, they probably was testing out to see who there "reliable customers" are for such an outstanding truck. And there is no truck or "vehicle" out there that is perfect! But my belief is that Nissan knows a few things about vehicles and know what they are doing. If you are reading this please believe me you will be very please once you test drive one, because after you test drive it you will take it home.

• 

  Still in looooooove with her!! - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By Shadowwolf70 - September 2 - 11:22 pm

  26000 Miles and still love this car,it’s like an infiniti for those on a budget!!

• 

  The Perfect Year of the TITAN - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By BRACEYOSELF777 - September 2 - 6:40 pm

  I purchased the 2006 base XE model TITAN with the Big Tow package. By far, this truck has had no problems. The previous years-like 04 rotor warping, or first year bugs- were not found in this truck. 27,000 miles and counting, this truck has had zero problems! The acceleration, handling, and reliability show that Nissan did their homework on this truck and broke the barrier of the 1/2 ton rut the Big Three have traditionally made. Styling keeps the truck distinct, 5 speed tranny knows which gear to shift to, the 5.6L V8 with its underrated 305hp gives a Hemi a kick in the pants, and the simplicity inside the truck doesnt make the truck boring-but not over done.

• 

  Awesome - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By Christie - September 2 - 5:43 pm

  Love the power, CVT transmission. Im a first time Maxima owner and Love it!! Very fun to drive and absolutely no complaints regarding the handling, power nor looks!! Only pesky issues is the view from rear view window and there are a couple of parts in the interior a little cheap and flimsy and the head rests are a bit too forward and after reading other reviews I now know its not just me having a little difficulty trying to park. Other than that the car is beautiful and cannot believe how fun it is to drive. way to go Nissan!