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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  Excellent Car for the Price - 2008 Nissan 350Z
  By Grand Touring - December 20 - 9:16 pm

  Ive had my car for about 3 months now and have enjoyed every minute of it. Ive been waiting for several year to get it and it was worth the wait. This was the design I wanted, so I had to go after it before the redesign hits next year. The 6M is very smooth and easy to use. All the interior controls and navigation system are easily accessible and easy to use. The seats are very comfortable, although a little snug compared to a regular passenger car. The head and legroom are excellent. The car is a blast to drive and the exhaust note is very cool.

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  Toaster... Who cares! Ill take the laughs! - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By lauraleiwhit - December 20 - 6:37 am

  I have laughed at all "toaster" cars since they came out. The low mileage and price were the only thing that even made me sit in it. But one trip around the block sold me. Smooth ride, responsive steering and acceleration. I laughed at the dash carpet and tossed it in the trunk, but the eye-pleasing interior is sweet and the most comfortable ever! My comment before buying was "Well I dont have to look at the outside and the inside is awesome." So far... 26.8 mpg city only. CVT tranny is great. If I have a lighter touch on acceleration I get quicker response... flooring it isnt the best idea. The toaster has won me over... I love it!

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  the ultimate in affordable sports cars - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By zUltimateDrivingMach - December 19 - 10:00 am

  The ultimate in affordable sports car. It is definitely fun to drive, especially around corners and on open highways. I found myself doing what you dont normally do on the road, if you know what I mean! I would definitely recommend it. You should check out Superior Nissan in Puente Hills, CA, my sales guys name was Ratana or RC.

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  Ziggys GXE - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Ziggys GXE - December 19 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Sentra and I went back and bought a second one for a reason. My first one 94 was the most reliable car I have every owned. I bought it used with 7000 miles drove it very hard and very often for 7 years. When totaled at 170000 miles it was a true loss. It started Every Time and Anytime. I have driven it as much as 16 hours straight and it was always ready for more. I have driven it in every weather condition and it had always performed very well.

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  Xtremely Xcellent Dudes - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By unfiltered - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about my Xterra. From inside out it fits my lifestyle like a glove. Bodyglove that is! I test drove the Vue the Crv,Rav4,sorento as well as the escape and they were all ok, but dont take them camping unless its in a hotel parking lot. Thanks Nissan this is the first Vehicle I feel good about buying...MCP IN NC

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  A treat to own! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By thequeen - December 19 - 10:00 am

  After test driving and researching several "crossover" SUVs, we bought the Murano. Both my husband and I enjoy the roomy interior and easy to reach controls. The engine feels as powerful as larger engines in more expensive SUVs. The adjustable drivers seat and pedals make it easy for both my tall husband and I to drive. The sunroof is a great feature not available on some other makes we tested. It is smooth and quiet on the road. An added bonus, my handicapped dad finds it easy to get in and out of. This vehicle is a pleasure to drive and own.

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  awesome - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Evalee - December 19 - 10:00 am

  All I know is this car is so cool. It will make all of your friends jealous. I love this car!

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  stand out from the pack - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By altima fan - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for 2 weeks now and I love it. I cant wait until it hits 1200 miles so I can really open it up. I have the black interior. If you scotchguard the seats and carpet you can avoid the lint problem. I noticed a bad seam on the door panel. The dealership has already ordered a replacement door and it will be replaced next week. The car is very roomy, great looking, and so fun to drive. I dont even get mad when I send in my 360 a month.

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  My Nissan Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By FDCROSS3853 - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive sporty sedan. Lots of bang for the buck. A large upgrade from pervious model years.

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  Drive it to belive it! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Lalu Patel - December 19 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Nissan Maxima that I have owned and I have to tell you that the Maxima keeps getting better and better.