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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  Its the little things... - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By SlipperyMax - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Overall I have been very pleased with my Max. The 6 speed is great (a little notchy). Sound system is good enough. Really like the lumbar support. This is all good as long as you dont wreck it. The tires are TERRIBLE. They have zero traction in wet weather. Dont even try the snow. For $30k, I want a better paint job. I guess they figure youll wreck it in the rain/snow, then have to paint it anyway.

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  Great Car - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By jawme - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever driven. Its big enough for my family of 4, but at the same time it doest make ya look like a soccer mom.

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  Good car, great price - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By NJ34 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Price wise, its a lot of car for the money. Could not ask for a better ride ... very smooth. I work at a car dealership (not nissan) and can appreciate a great car. This is it.

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  First Time Nissan Buyer - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Speedyredh - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Love it. This is the first time I have ever bought a Nissan product and its great. Couldnt ask for a better car for the money. I previously drove a Intrepid and loved that car but this handles much better than that car and it is fun to drive. The only flaw I find is that on a windy day the car is a little lighter than I am used to and doesnt handle as well as a heavier car.

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  FUN SEDAN - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By SMILIN TOM - January 13 - 10:00 am

  MINE IS A 2005 THE FIRST SOLD IN KERN COUNTY CA. IT IS A BLAST TO DRIVE. THE ONLY DOWN SIDE IS THE CLOCK IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE DUE TO PLACEMENT ANGLE. THE POWER IS FANTASTIC IT IS JUST FUN TO DRIVE. OURS IS BURNISHED PEWTER AND A BEARTY. THANKS BUY ONE NOT THE FOUR BUY THE SIX BANGER CAUSE IT DOES BANG.

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  Great value for a used car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Mark in Texas - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I was very surprised with the torque of the 3.5L v-6 w/ the 5 speed manual trans. it is really fun to drive, but it is hard to keep it under 80 on the fwy as I commute 60 mi. per day I am getting about 26 mpg and that is not being gentle with the accelerator either. Great car!

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  The best - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Ebpimpette04 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I think this experience is like none other. Its awesome!

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  Favorite customer - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Sara - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I have fully enjoyed the van. We travel alot and it is very comfortable and features are excelent for long trips or everyday. An incrediable van for todays familys.

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  Love my Murano! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By prissyinms - January 13 - 10:00 am

  All I can say is WOW! This is a fun to drive practial everyday run around town or were going on vacation vechile. Gas milage could be a little better but that probably has something to do with that it is so fun to drive I am always going! Roomy, comfortable, user friendly driver instruments, good visual ability while driving. No sissy vechile, has lots of get up and go. Great sound system! Love the dual climate control. And the back seats fold flat for hauling stuff. The cargo area is actually very roomy and extremely adaquate for most anyone.

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  Size Makes a Difference! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Lance Kelley - January 13 - 10:00 am

  What a truck, everyone that has seen it loves it. A great truck with an SUV Flare. I compared Ford, Dodge, GMC, Chevy, and Toyota with the TITAN, nothing came close. Chris Son was great to deal with at Browns Sterling, VA Nissan.