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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  Love this car!! - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By copilotdaisy - November 19 - 11:40 am

  I bought my new Sentra as my 1st new car purchase. I love the performance, interior, and the great value this car was. I would definitely recommend this car for anyone.

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  Love My SUV - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Bill - November 18 - 9:43 am

  Before I purchased my Murano, I was at the Lexus dealership about to purchase a Lexus GS 330 (my dream car). I decided on the Murano because the Lexus had no utility value. The Lexus RX 330 was a nice alternative however its styling was a bit girlish for me. The Murano provided me everthing I wanted (and more) in a car with the added utility value of a small truck. The Murano rides, handles and is more comfortable the many cars that I have owned in the past. The Bose sound system is execellent. The cabin is spacious and gobbles up whatever you put into it. I would not trade my Murano for anything else.

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  So many pluses, but that road noise - 2010 Nissan 370Z
  By Carol - November 17 - 9:00 pm

  I traded out of my Mercedes SLK350 to the 370Z and really like the Z much more. The Z is more of a sports car and is exciting to drive. Has MORE features and more interior room. I actually dont smash things behind the seat when I move it back. And I think the interior quality is greater in the Z. Definitely better, more attractive and comfortable seats. And now with the tilt down dash, I can have my steering wheel down and actually see my speedometer. The windows go all the way down and the cup holders dont dangle your drink over the electronics panel of radio and heat/ac. Nice. And this car really has some power and pick-up. Still on my first tank of gas so well have to see about that.

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  nice car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Princess 2005 - November 17 - 7:00 pm

  good car!!!!!

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  Love my Armada - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By 92TripleBlack - November 17 - 5:26 pm

  I love my Armada. I have put it through the paces, carrying 9 adults, long road trips, boat launches, mild off road, etc. Never been anything but reliable & fast;faster than my friends BMW, Acura MDX, & Hemi Jeep GC. In sum, best of the field. Compared it to Denali, Navigator, Escalade, H2, Expedition, LX 470 & Sequoia. Wouldnt trade for any listed even if you included $10K cash. First 3 have many problems including bad head gaskets, brake issues, etc. Ford/Lincoln is a dog for performance & not as comfortable. Like the Tundra vs. Titan/F150, Sequoia/LX470 are Mid-size, not full size SUVs. Slower, low tow ratings, old design, 15% smaller, & grouped w/Durango, Merc, Explorer & Jeep GC.

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  Whoosh! Manuverability & Speed - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Raven - November 17 - 3:26 pm

  Test drove the Altima 3.5 SE on a whim one afternoon; two weeks later we own one! Fabulous handling and acceleration. Nimble, quick and agile - combines rack & pinion steering with 270 horses summoned by the incredibly responsive CVT! We put 300 miles on it in the first 24 hours we owned it just for pure fun. Drives like its on rails, even in the rain. Too easy to look down, realize youre north of 80! We drive V6 cars (and a V8 truck) ranging from 185 to 235 hp but nothing has the jack-rabbit acceleration of 3.5 SE 270 horses.

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  Worth Every Penny - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By aloha659 - November 17 - 1:16 pm

  For 53 years I viewed a car as nothing but something to get me where I needed to go. That changed the minute I saw that Daytona Blue 350Z roadster in a parking lot and knew I had to have one. I love my car!! Its fast and flashy and makes me smile everytime I drive it. Life is too short to drive ugly cars!

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  I love my altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Bill Elder - November 17 - 11:03 am

  This is the first car Ive bought new and I absolutely love it. Its fun to drive, quiet, good on the highway and in traffic. The only complaint I have is the gas pedal is a little touchy and its easy to go fast.

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  95 Maxima Se - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Hoobledooble - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for 2 years. it has 156,000 mile on it and is running strong. its got a very roomy interior with a very nice 200watt stock Bose audio system. this car can keep up with cars with 50+ horsepower advantages weighing in at only 2895 lbs for the 5 speed version. this car keeps up with my friends 260 hp cura 3.2 Cl Type S. theres almost nothing that could persuade me to get rid of this car. Ill drive it til it dies

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  Awesome Car!!! - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By Tenisrunner05 - November 17 - 2:00 am

  This car is the best car I have ever driven. This is my first car and I am going to keep for a very long time. Very fun to drive. Very smooth ride and no complaints.