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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  LOVE My Truck!!!!! - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Bundomomof3 - April 14 - 1:30 am

  We bought this truck after having a chevy for 4 years. We had nothing but problem after problem with the chevy. The nissan is great! Fun to drive, fast acceleration. I have 3 kids and 1 car seat and 2 booster seats that fit perfectly in the back. The kids have enough leg room. I am pleasantly surprised about how comfortable this truck really is. I would recommend this truck to everyone. LOVE it, LOVE it, LOVE it!!!!!!!!

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  GREAT CAR! - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Krystal - April 13 - 5:30 pm

  I love this car! I was undecided between the Altima and the Malibu and after test driving both of these cars I fell in love with the Altima! It has so much more room and it drives so much smoother then the Malibu! Im so pleased with my final decision! Also, you can also use the Altima as a standard or an automatic vehicle. I dont know how to drive a standard but my boyfriend loves that we have that extra feature in the car! The push start button is amazing because when I leave work my hands are always so full so Ive always had to dig for my keys and now I dont have to! This is a really amazing car and Im so pleased that I chose the NISSAN ALTIMA!

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  wonderful musclecar - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Todd Chamlee - April 13 - 2:00 am

  The armada is a super vehicle from setting you back in your seat on takeoff, to handling curves similar to a sportcar.The features are also awesome from heated seats to automatic hatch to backup sensors.Overall one sweet SUV!

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  better then camry - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By altima admirer - April 13 - 2:00 am

  i really enjoy this car. i find it handles better then my old camry. the exterior noise isnt as big of a problem reviewers give it. a whole lot of car for $ after a trade and rebate!

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  AWSOME - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By GONSO - April 13 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE THIS MINIVAN!!! IT IS SO FUN TO DRIVE.

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  Great Car - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Gary - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Smooth, responsive and faster than you would expect from a 2.5L. It gets optimal coasting mpg at any speed because of the CVT. The CVT is the heart of the performance and MPG of this car.

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  Love it so far - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Busted Yuppie - April 12 - 7:23 pm

  Traded in a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder LE for this Mo and we love it! Very nicely detailed inside and out, handles much better than my Pathfinder. Definitely better gas mileage than the PF even though the Murano seems to be more peppy. Must be the extra HP for this year. We drove the 2007 and the 09 is a much better car: more power, smoother CVT, noticeably quieter and handled better too. Back seats are mucho better than the PF too--hated them on the PF for being so uncomfortable. Im glad that Nissan didnt cave in and put in a 3rd row seat to mess up the back cargo area. Good on them for holding their ground. Buy it--you wont be disappointed!

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  2001 GLE Nissan Maxima - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By tecato - April 12 - 5:56 pm

  This is the 3rd nissan maxima that i own and i cannot say anything bad about the MAxima. A lot of power. Reliable, etc. Ill not change for another make or model....

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  No complaints after nearly three years - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By tomsan - April 12 - 2:22 pm

  We have had our 2009 NAH since June 2009. The on-board computer for mileage runs high, as many have noted. I just completed tallying my mileage after recording miles and gallons at each fill-up. After 24,000 miles, I have averaged 34.74 mpg, through all seasons, right in line with EPA estimates. With gas here at $4.20/gallon, Im feeling fine. Overall, it runs like any gas-powered car. The shift from gas to electric is very mild and not an issue. The rest of the car is quite fine: good comfort, good power, good feeling of safety. Yes, the trunk is a bit small but thats the price for a hybrid. And I LOVE the fact that it goes into electric at the VERY long stoplights where I live.

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  Class leading reliability. - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Jay108 - April 11 - 10:00 am

  This truck is absolutely a pleasure to drive. Recently pick-up the SE 4WD W/sunroof and Bose stereo system. Class leading Reliability and excellent fit and finish.