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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  Great Car For A Great Price - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By KID TOKYO BRAND - December 19 - 8:30 am

  Right off the bat I noticed that The motor is very quiet and has great acceleration. The power you get with 33 MPG you cant really go wrong. The steering and handling has great response. All the controllers, knobs, switches, and whistles are very easy to use, they are easy to get to, and are easy to remember where they are located. Everything is great about this vehicle, even down to how solid the doors close.

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  1999 Nissan Maxima - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By ..."Boomer"... - December 19 - 12:50 am

  This is my second Maxima. The first one was a 1992 that got T-boned by a full sized pick-up truck. I was impressed by the structural integrity and believe it saved my life. There was no hesitation on another Maxima as a replacement vehicle. The car is the right size with good interior room and comfort. The engine is deceptively quick when accelerating hard and I do think of the car as a Japanese BMW in terms of performance, comfort, and handling. I rated the fuel economy as a ten because I switched to Mobil synthetic oil and filter and highway mileage went from a true factory rated 29 miles per gallon to 31. In town mileage remains at 24 on average. Want to use synthetic transmission oil too.

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  Excellent small car- Miss it so much! - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By kris - December 18 - 4:36 pm

  We bought our 01 Sentra as a young couple. Its design, size in its class and handling were the features that sold it. In 7 years of owning it, we have never worried about taking it for long trips. It holds its own on snowy and icy VT roads in winter with the right tires. Everything about this car was solid - the doors were heavy and tough as were the lid of the trunk and the hood. The mileage was a fuel sipping 35 mpg on the highway. It is a compact car and the room behind the driver can be a little less if the driver is tall, but that is true of all compact cars of 01. I have finally traded our Sentra in for a Quest as our family requirements have changed. This is a great Nissan product!

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  more for less - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By bluestreak - December 18 - 4:33 pm

  my driving experience has been pleaserable in this car. it has plenty of room for five adults and the engine sounds great.owning the car has been less of a fun factor, the brakes are less than perfect on the car it can benefit from better performance brakes as an option on the car.

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  I LOVE this car! - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By sirene916 - December 16 - 9:56 pm

  I bought my first Altima in 2005 before the hybrid model came out. I loved that car. It was stylish, roomy, and fun to drive. I had heard then that the Altima hybrid would be out in late 2006 or 2007, so I have been waiting all this time. I went to the dealer for service on my 2005 Altima, and decided to test drive the Altima hybrid. It was an easy decision to make the trade. The hybrid has all the familiar comforts of my old Altima but with the benefits of a hybrid... and the extras that come with the Convenience Package.

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  It is a Slice of Heaven! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Aquaman265 - December 16 - 8:13 pm

  Always wanted a convertible living in Sunny South Florida. Did my homework and went out and purchased a 2004 350Z. For the money, you cant beat it. As a former Lexus owner, the ride is nowhere near as smooth as the IS300 I had, but in handling, braking, speed and performance the 350Z wins easily. I am 100% satisfied and look forward everyday to cruising topless around South Florida.

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  Extremely Happy - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Kathy - December 16 - 1:56 pm

  I purchased this vehicle on 7/3 best buy great deal I couldnt be happier. I didnt start out looking at the Altima but I kind of stumbled upon it in my search and I am so glad I did. This car has so much class and style Im amazed at the performance. I purchased it in Navy Blue with the blond leather interior and I gotta tell you its a head turner.

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  Titanic Cruising in Open Water - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By brad - December 16 - 11:43 am

  Excellent truck; outstanding design. I use this truck for family outings, commuting to work and hauling a two horse trailer (est 5,000#). Excellent all-around performance.

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  First truck, last truck - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Erik - December 16 - 1:00 am

  Got back from a deployment and I got to purchase my first truck, I looked at the Ford, Chevy, and GMC first but fell in love with the Titan. Ive had It for about a week, two days ago I drove a thousand miles to get home for leave and I couldnt have been more comfortable.

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  Love My Murano - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Linda Campbell - December 16 - 12:36 am

  Although my Murano is a 2004, there doesnt seem to be too many technical, mechanical or cosmetic changes between the 2004-2005. I have never been so excited and thrilled with a vehicle before. I love the style, comfort and beauty of this car, not to mention the sporty features of a SUV. It rides like a luxury car and performs like a skatt rocket truck. What more could a 62 yr old Florida grandmother ask for?