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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  a miata with a truck bed attached! - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By bpm - November 23 - 2:00 am

  This is a great truck. I have not had any problems. It is fast, fun to drive and handles great. the seats are very comfortable and the cd changer is really good. The only dislike so far is a few minor squeaks and rattles and the premium fuel requirement for the supercharger will cost you!

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  Extremely Satisfied - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By New Black SE - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Im a former Neon owner so this was a huge step up for me from what I was used to. I have less than 100 miles on it so I can only speak from limited experience. All 10s except for 2 9s: 1) Fun to Drive- very fun but I am extremely cascious being new to all this horsepower. 2)Fuel Economy- good gas mileage but shouldnt of made it require premium.

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By hu_guy - November 23 - 2:00 am

  This 2.5L engine feels more like a v6. Nice comfortable ride. Seat design rules.

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  Happy happy Wife And Husband - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Gotta A Happy Wife! - November 23 - 12:20 am

  My wife and I have driven our Rogue for over 6 months now and Ive never been happier about a purchase than I am about this one. I had owned a Jeep Wrangler before this that was terrible on gas and this was a pleasant change. I avg. around 30mpgs on the highway and around 25mpgs around town. You cant ask for anymore out of an SUV then that can you? Road trips are fun and more comfortable than ever! I love this car! I driven the Rav4 and the Honda CRV and neither can touch what my Rogue provides me.

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  Love my Big Baby Blue Buggy - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Pat Hightower - November 21 - 10:00 am

  We were searching for a mid-size mini-van that would seat 6 comfortably for travel. The Quest was the answer --and there was a baby blue in stock --my favorite color. Although I had just had my Honda serviced ($250) one hour before, when I saw the Quest and drove it, my mind was made up. I have not been disappointed! Have made several trips with daughter and family. Plenty of room for all and our luggage and portable refrigerator! My six year old grandson gave it the name B4 (see title of review.) In the past I have owned several cars, including a red Jaguar X12 convertible --and the B4 is still my favorite!

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  great car - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By wwlloyd - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Car is excellent. Handles well, transmission is smooth and easy. We have taken the car on several trips and really enjoyed the comfort and economical gas mileage. We live in a canyon which receives substantial snow in the winter. With the addition of snow tires, the Murano goes up the canyon without effort, even when there is a foot of new snow on the road.

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  Great car and fun to drive. - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By jckvista - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Very solid. Fun to drive. Very reliable. Only negative is front tire wear. Camber is set in to increase cornering ability.

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  4th Nissan - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By cmurphy - November 21 - 10:00 am

  This is our 4th Nissan and second Maxima. It seems each new model we purchase has become more reliable than the last. We just sold a 2001 Maxima,72000 miles, never required any dealer repair. I Just bought this one yesterday (2004 liquid silver SE) and had to test the now expected power to avoid another driver turning from the wrong lane! The Max performed like a dream. My emotional attachment to these cars is so bad that we no longer trade them in...they are sold to another Max fanatic who will give them a good retirement home :-) Yes...my husband IS threatening counseling.

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  Oustanding car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Marsh80 - November 21 - 10:00 am

  So you have read the poor reviews of this vehicle. These are inital quality that have all been resolved or handled under warranty by dealer. I have not experienced any of the quality issues since mine was built 5/04. Only quality issue I have is the interior scratches easily. This has been replaced for 05 and I can have my dealer replace mine under warranty. This car is very quick. Must check spedo because it goes up faster than you think. MPG avg 20 city, 29 HW. Sport suspension feels softer than some luxury cars. No mistaken identity. Stands out among many look- alike cars out there. Same engine as 350Z & as reliable as previous Nissan motors. Lots of fun

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  350Z Touring Edition - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Audrey Stowers - November 21 - 4:46 am

  This is the best car I have ever driven. Tight handling, convenient dash controls, excellent stereo system, and great body style. Always receive many compliments.