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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  It works hard for the money! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By bigcody - January 16 - 10:20 pm

  Owner of this sweet altima for three months. The v-6 combines excellent power and decent fuel economy when mated to the CVT. The car looks more compact and muscular in person than in photos. Driving in city or highway is enjoyable with the smooth VQ engine and refined handling. the ride feels like a blend of comfort and sport and is well suited for the daily commute. The seats are comfortable and the ergonomics are excellent. Fast like a muscle car but more refined. Engine note suits the car well - quiet at idle, aggressive when pushed.

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  New Versa - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By vicesa - January 16 - 11:13 am

  Really happy with vehicle. S with power options. Steering is tight, performance there when you need it. Roomy interior.

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  Excellent vechile - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Tooltime - January 15 - 2:30 pm

  Very pleased with my purchase. Not only is it a very good looking vehicle it handles well and has alot of power. Interior is sharp fold down seats are a plus.Unlike american vehicles I know Nissan builds a vehicle that wont let you down.

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  GTO= Gas, Tires & Oil - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Jeff Green - January 15 - 11:06 am

  I owned this car for 9 years and had minimal trouble with the car. Performance was great, gas mileage is so-so.

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  NV200 - 2015 Nissan NV200
  By LEON COLF - January 15 - 5:37 am

  Although not the fastest van off the line, it has plenty of power and will reach highway speeds long before you get to the end of the on ramp. The cargo space has been enough for all the tools and equipment I have had to carry in my handyman jobs. Ride is to the plus side of OK and turning into tight spots has been a breeze. Visibility for changing lanes lacks, but the blind spot mirrors on each side help a lot, so learning to drive it is in order. The instrument panel is set up nicely and the steering wheel controls are easy and accessible. After the first thousand miles the gas mileage has been above the sticker of 24 and 25, getting 27.5 around town and 30 on the road even with some weight in the back. Overall I have been very happy with it and it has actually gone over my expectations for it. I test drove the Ford version and was not as impressed.

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  Bottom Line, This Car is Fun! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By BBinOC - January 14 - 4:30 am

  I purchased my Red 350Z Touring Model in January of 2004 and couldnt be happier. I fell in love with the body style when it was introduced at the LA Auto Show and couldnt wait for it to come out. The interior is comfortable and the controls are easily accessible. One of my friends says it is like sitting in a bullet, which is an apt description. The Z rides like a sports car, but that is why I bought it. It handles like a dream and is not only fast, it is quick and nimble, which is a necessity on LA freeways. On a recent trip to New Mexico I averaged 26.1 MPG and the drive was very comfortable. And, this car is definitely a head turner - one of the best looking cars on the road.

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  Mid-Life Crisis Relief - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By JADAMS1954 - January 13 - 11:30 pm

  Outstanding performance, lots of power, great ride. 3.5L deliveres G-force acceleration, great in turns. Two sitter with plenty of room. Storage compartments are out of reach is the only con I have against the car.

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  Wow! - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Darrell Jennings - January 13 - 7:03 pm

  Very simple. If you want to have fun, buy this car. Great gas milage and even better power. Sticks to the road like glue, and definately will flat out move. Excellent Bose sound system makes the experience even better.

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  2nd Nissan, still in love - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By gramps - January 13 - 10:00 am

  live in Kalamazoo, MI; purchased from MA. Its been as far as (MA,) NV and FL; of course never a problem. Actually, when I bought Nissan Sentra in 1990; Im now on my FOURTEENTH YEAR without any repairs thanks to Nissan. Enjoyable to drive, backseat riders like the comfort. Durable interior, running boards (pipes) that absorbed being T-boned, starts every winter, fast HOT heating system, decent gas mileage for SUV- just a great truck. I have stick-shift & 4WD; winter driving no problem. Tows like its not towing.

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  2004 Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By hobbitjjb - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Love the vehicle, handling and turning radius. Visibility is very good. We travel with 2 dogs and 2 chilren with room for everything and everybody