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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  Best looking hybrid - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Eric - November 25 - 10:23 am

  After recently purchasing my altima hybrid i knew i had made a great investment. Not only does it drive fantastic but i know it is also a good looking car unlike other hybrids. Most powerful hybrid i drove.

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  really liked the van - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By questowner - November 25 - 10:00 am

  It has all the bells and whistles you can think of. Love the way you can work 2 audios at the same time.....when kids are watching "Shrek" for the nth time, give them the headphones to use and you can enjoy your favorite CD....love that feature.

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  My Golden Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Linda Pardue - November 25 - 10:00 am

  I have driven Lincolns and Caddys. This Van drive and handles better. For a Large vehicle, when inside it seems like you are in a small RV. Easy handling and turing. MANY compliments on this Van. I like not seeing the hood from the drivers side making it easier to park. The total inside has the ability to walk from the front to the third row. Even has hooks thru-out for those alful plastic grocery bags.

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  Great car, some drawbacks - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By wgmcp - November 25 - 10:00 am

  Good looking peppy car/suv. Interior is very comfortable and everything is easy to get at. Gas mileage is nowhere near that advertised, but then again, no car ever is. The power drivers seat tends to move slightly when you re-enter the car and first sit down. The front a/c adapter is tough to plug into. Theres also a front storage area under the radio that is tough to get at. Youll also forgot you put anything there. Its fun to drive, handles well and provides good visibility, except through the small rear windows.

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  Review of the Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Paul W. - November 25 - 10:00 am

  I was all set on a Lexus car and saw the Titan on the road. I had to go check it out and quickly changed my mind to buy a truck. I have never owned a truck before, but this rides far different than any truck I have ever driven in. Overall a great vehicle.

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  2004 Nissan Xterra - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By wendy - November 25 - 6:46 am

  I love my Xterra. It has been very dependable, drives great and the look is awesome. My gas mileage is not great, but having a SUV you have to expect that.

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  Why go American? - 2010 Nissan Titan
  By C.Spencer - November 24 - 10:53 pm

  The 2010 Nissan pro 4x is a dream to drive. The locking differential works really well. Plenty of power under the hood, I test drove a 2010 Dodge about 1 hour before I got my Titan, the Dodge doesnt compare with speed or power. The captains chairs make the driving experience much more fun on the open road. The Nissan turns shorter then the Dodge as well. No matter how you drive the truck 17 mpg is all your gonna get on the highway. The Titan is always ready to through you back into your seat. The tow mode works really well when towing campers and trailers. The trailer break set up works really well. Just a great truck no matter how you look at it

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  Excellent compitition for thr big three - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Mac - November 24 - 3:40 pm

  The big three have something to worry about. My 2005 Nissan Titan LE cost less than the same equiped Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-Series, or Dodge Ram Pickup and I feel its a better built truck.

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  MY first car review - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By 1.8 S - November 24 - 11:43 am

  I love it!, I t is so much fun to drive and the turning radius is amazing! i love it! Easy to park and a blast to drive!

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  From a Max to a Murano - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Jim7689 - November 24 - 8:30 am

  I just turned in my 04 Maxima SL for a Murano SL with all the goodies. Seats are great, drive is smooth and does not roll like some other SUVs. Turns much sharper that my Max did, real nice for pulling into my garage. I actuaaly get better gas mileage than I got on my Maxima. I travel for business and Im sure this will meet all of my needs.