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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  Avid Nissan Fan - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Michelle - August 11 - 3:46 am

  Ive been a Maxima driver for years, Ive known people that have switched to Nissan after riding or driving my car. I think Nissans are very underrated. They are very relieable and dependable cars. I will never drive anything but a Nissan.

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  This is my second Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By DALE - August 11 - 2:06 am

  I purchased a second Nissan Altima last December replacing my 1997 that had been hit and totaled. The 2005 has improvements that show Nissan listens to its customers. The windows can be opened and closed without turning the engine on, the back seats fold down wider allowing larger items to fit into trunk, the trunk opens wider and lower, a larger "donut tire" is given, the key lock on trunk with sliding Nissan cover has been eliminated. My logo cover on key lock on my 1997 fell off long ago and all the other ones I have seen on other cars are broken also. They got rid of those plastic hub cabs that cracked and fell off. Plenty of compartments to hide stuff.

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  Simply love the Sentra. - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By Roger - August 11 - 1:00 am

  Just took delivery in mid-July, but very impressed so far. The Continuously Variable Transmission fascinated me and it is so far ahead of competitor offerings. Initial impressions are: dash and controls are well designed and positioned, the ride is as good or better than much larger and more expensive cars, ample storage compartments, quality is evident with exterior finish and interior upholstery, surprising amount of head and legroom, and the gas mileage is all that had been hoped. I have long been a GM owner, but now a Nissan convert. I never expected such value, quality, and amenities for the price. I wanted value and Nissan delivered. This is a second car, but now my favorite.

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  LOVE the Hatchback - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By Aussie Mom - August 10 - 3:26 pm

  We have been looking and comparing cars for a while. We decided to test drive the Nissan Versa Hatchback. We drove the base model and then the SL. The SL model is the way to go. Ours has everything except the moonroof and navigation. I am really spoiled with all the extras. It is so quiet, and rides wonderfully. I have to watch my speed, because it feels like you are not moving that fast. There is so much room. We have 2 Aussies and lots of stuff and this can carry it all. It feels and looks like it should cost more!

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  Amazing changes for 2009 - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By fletcher1 - August 10 - 5:06 am

  This is a vehicle on par with any Lexus, Infinity, BMW, or Mercedes. The price makes it a better option than any of the latter. It is extremely impressive from both a technology and performance perspective.I purchased an SV with the technology package and I now have a vehicle with better integrated technology than cars which cost up to $20,000 more. Why lease for prestige when you can own the real thing. This car could be the next Nissan classic along with the Z cars. Test drive one and you will get rid of your current so called "Luxury" car. Smooth acceleration, which blows the doors off of sports cars, while riding in the lap of luxury and technology is a winning combination.

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  Looks great...drives great... - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By lwebb - August 9 - 4:40 pm

  This car has one of the best looks on the road...even in Miami Beach it turns heads. For the money, nothing comes close- a joy to drive with its muscular response and tight handling-it even growls like a true sports car. Ive had my 2004 for a year and a half without any problems- it still feels like a new car. Its a great value and truly fun to drive, even in rush hour traffic.

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  Nissan Murano - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By vlad - August 9 - 12:00 pm

  I love this car its fun to drive and everything, but there is one problem it costs me a lot of money for gas. in the city the mileage is about 13-14 MPG and in the city highway and highways like Belt parkway its 16 mpg one time on i 95 i reached 32 mpg but i had to use cruise control on 50 mph

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  super - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By hamed - August 9 - 10:00 am

  great vehicle to drive,handles superbly on high speed,very comfy,very poerful engine,excellent interior and exterior design.

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  Lovn It! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By CBin - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had my Murano for 8 days but I am LOVN IT! I finally had to donate my 1987 Nissan Pulsar to Goodwill. Having that for 17 years and getting 217,000+ miles out of it convinced me to get another Nissan. Im spoiled already! Family, friends and co-workers love it also. Co-worker has a Durango which was priced the same as the Murano. She says I got a much better deal; I have more options/gadgets on mine than hers. Another friend has the Bose system in her Mazda RX-8. Hers does not sound nearly as good as mine!

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  Hemi Eater - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By MLBUMP - August 9 - 10:00 am

  This is the best truck you can buy for your money hands down! I test drove all other competetors and they didnt come close to Titans standards at all. The power is unbeliveable! I have dragged against both Ford and Dodge. No contest! Nissan has done an outstanding job on exterior design. Just looking at this thing sends shivers down the spines of Ford and Dodge owners. Interior design is well thought out and functional. Its very simple but the dash isnt supposed to win you over. It was love at first drive. The sound of the exhaust note and the responsiveness of the engine make this a must for anyone who knows trucks.