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 great car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Tom - November 2 - 5:43 am

  This is a fabulous sports sedan. It was the last model year before the Maxima came out in the Altima body style. The acceleration was so smooth and effortless due to the 255hp engine. The ABS brakes and traction control system gave the car a 10+ in handling. Steered like a sports car. Because I am a low mileage driver, about 7500 mpy, the dealer offered me a great trade on a 2005 Altima, or I would still be driving it.

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  Throw away the radio - 2011 Nissan Xterra
  By mossman4 - November 1 - 1:59 pm

  Bad stereo, bad sound , No auxiliary jack, bad reception, disappointing.

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  Sweet Ride - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Perijt - November 1 - 6:20 am

  What a sweet ride! I just wish my wife would let me drive it more. I researched for weeks which car to buy, started out with Camry in mind and then moved on to Accord. In the end we decided to test drive an Altima just for the heck of it, not really having considered it in the beginning. We immediately fell in love with the smooth quiet ride, power off the line, smoothness of the CVT, and push-button start! After reading owner reviews of all three models, most of the Altima owners showed a genuine enthusiasm for their new cars. I can definitely say the same!

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  Great car. - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Lee - October 31 - 11:46 pm

  Love the car. It has been all I expected it to be. I like sitting very high and having the feeling of being in a large vehicle and getting the mpg of a smaller one. Fyi a previous reviewer, the rear seats do recline if you know how to pull a strap on the set bottom and push the back of the seat.

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  Lovin it - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By LWUANG - October 31 - 10:00 am

  wonderful truck, first and certainly not the last nissan truck. gets looks all the time.

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  Love My Car - 1999 Nissan Sentra
  By MistyLight - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I love my Nissan! I dont have any problems with it and its a blast to drive!!

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  Great first-time buyers car! - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By shifty - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This is the first car that Ive bought on my own. The Sentra SE is so reliable and sporty. I believe that I got so much for my money. This car is definitely a keeper. No regrets whatsoever!

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  FUN TO DRIVE AND LOOKS GREAT - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By BABOSA - October 31 - 10:00 am

  LETS SEE I LOCK AT THE HIGHLANDER,4RUNNER,ACURA,HONDA, BUT I USE TO OWN A ALTIMA LOVE NISSAN , DIDNT EVEN TEST DRIVEB THE PATHFINDER . LOOKE AT THE REVIEWS AND I FEEL IN LOVE. EVEN GOT A FRIEND TO BUY PATHFINDER.

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  AWESOME - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By NISSAN FAN - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THE SMOOTH RIDE AND THE BENEFIT OF THE VERSATILITY OF THE SIZE AND THE FOLDING SEATS. A LOT OF POWER. UNBEILEIVABLE.

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  Nissan Murano 2003 - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Pat1729 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Im enjoying this car more than the Mercedes, BMW, Cadillac and other more expensive cars Ive owned. Its a pleasure to drive. amy husband and I have had good luck with Nissans.