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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  Still Happy - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Post SP311 - June 27 - 7:50 pm

  My 2003 Murano SL is my forth Nissan/Datsun vehicle 24 years. It is by far my favorite. Granted it has the most creature comforts, but my satisfaction goes well beyond. After 3 years, no big surprises, and my dealership has taken good care of me.

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  shock & awe - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By wall&the goose - June 27 - 7:10 pm

  we found this maxima to have power when needed and also gives a smooth ride when your touring the highways. The car handles very well in icy conditions . its not a strictly sports car , but does hold its own getting onto a highway.

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  Great SUV - 2009 Nissan Pathfinder
  By saraivasitaly - June 27 - 4:53 pm

  Had it for about 2 months. Drives great and comfortable. Wife is 4 10", the standard power pedals and driver seat make sure she has no problems driving. Handles like a car, very smooth ride. Comes with more standard equipment than competition and priced lower than most. I love my Pathfinder and I dont regret my choice. Averaging 16MPG in city.

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  Youve got to try it! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Razjr1 - June 27 - 4:26 pm

  The 2005 Nissan Altima is by far the best vehicle Ive purchased in my 50 years of buying cars. This sports edition is not only extremely stylish, but also is outstanding in performance. I urge everyone to take a look at the Nissan line, test drive them, and dare to compare to other makes and models. Quality, Comfort, Excellence. All conspire to make your driving experience a great enjoyment!

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  family sports sedan - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By pa funk - June 27 - 10:00 am

  Bought it 2 years ago used with 30K miles, and it has been the best car Ive owned. It drives great, and is bombproof as far as reliability. Tight handling and, as it is loaded, a fairly plush ride. The Bose stereo is great!

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  I love my Exterra - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By afelix - June 27 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Xterra for only a few years and have hit over 100,000 miles (yea I drive alot). It has given me relativly little problems but the normal wear and tear fixes ( brakes, batteries and tires). I have taken long road trips and the gas milage, tho not ideal is not as bad as I would have thought. I can drive from LA to SJ on 1 tank of gas.

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  Great Car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Brdgwtr - June 27 - 10:00 am

  This car has been everything that I had hoped it would be when I bought it.

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  It is fun todrive. - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By tedpappas - June 27 - 10:00 am

  The styling is a "show stopper".The ease of putting the top up or down is the best that I have had in owning 8 ragtops. The gearbox is responsive and gets me to the "head of the pack" when acceleration is is important.Cornering is very good ,but doesnt have the road holding ability that I experience in my Merces SL.. All in all it is the most fun that I have had to drive since owning a MGTC in 1947!

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  An Awesome Car! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By WIDriver - June 27 - 10:00 am

  Fast, luxurious for the price, and VERY fun to drive. Pay the extra money for the 6 cylinder - it is so worth it.

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  The Cool Minivan - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By jas - June 27 - 7:46 am

  We just recently bought the new Nissan Quest after owning a Honda Passport and needing more room. I love it. I fought the whole minivan thing because I could never find one I actually liked looking at and riding in! The Quest is so different. It drives beautifully, very similar to my husbands Infiniti I30. It doesnt feel to me that Im driving a minivan and I actually am surprised when I turn around and see so much room. Plus it gives me the safety of the Odyssey without having the same car as most of the other moms in my sons carpool. All in all, Im thrilled. I have the room I want while still driving a car that is safe, reliable, and cool!