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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  Awesome Driving Machine - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By usmc31 - March 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my first sports car. I upgraded from an Accord sedan to the Z (big difference!!!!!). Let me tell you, this machine performs above my expectations. After researching and following the progress througout since its release, I decided to acquire one so far I like the car. I actually find excuses to just go out and drive it around the block. Overall, its a great package. It appears the "Total Quality Management" process Nissan uses has helped them put out a great performance automobile.

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  PRO-4X - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By kipster85 - March 3 - 3:21 am

  This is my first truck, first "straight-from-the-factory" purchase, and first Nissan. 8k miles & 8 months later, Im very happy overall with this vehicle. I naturally looked towards the Tacoma first since my buddy had one, but the price was steep. I then test drove the PRO-4X and I was highly impressed with the ride quality and handling both on and off road. The mpg does hurt if you drive in a slow speed town, but not too bad for highway travel. Ive done everything with this truck except towing and mudding, and it runs beautifully.

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  If purchasing new truck check out Nissan - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By G. Miller - March 2 - 10:10 pm

  Had a 2004 Dakota and was going to purchase a 2006 Dakota until on a whim I decided to test drive a Nissan. Never looked back. The Dakota Has more room, however the Nissan is quick and nimble, corners real well and gets better gas milage, and the Nissan V-6 has more horsepower than the Dodge 4.7 liter V-8 I owned a Nissan hardbody I purchased new in 1997 and it was a nice truck but it dosent even begin to compare with my new Nissan.

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  NOT HAPPY AT ALL!! - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By NOT HAPPY AT ALL! - March 2 - 4:46 pm

  I had a Nissan Altima for three years and loved it. My lease was up and unfortunately decided to by this Sentra. Needless to say, I am not happy at all. I have had four sets of struts in this "brand new car." This vehicle handles just horrible in rain/ice/snow. Sways all over the road. I have put new tires on this vehicle only after 20,000 miles thinking that was the issue, to no avail. I will never buy another Sentra. I have finally made the decision to get rid of this vehicle. It is clearly not made for the midwest. Nissan better make some much needed stability work!

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  Great truck for the money - 2009 Nissan Armada
  By Brian - March 2 - 11:43 am

  I never thought I would buy a "full size" SUV, but the Armada is an awesome truck. Great quality, great ride/acceleration. My wife who is 411 has no trouble driving, thanks to power adjustable pedals and rearview camera. We got a great deal since we were coming off a lease on our Pathfinder. We bought the Armada instead of leasing again.

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  Sentras are Fun and Reliable.... - 1998 Nissan Sentra
  By jereski - March 2 - 10:00 am

  The Nissan Sentra is a great car. Even though it is a smaller vehicle, it has plenty of room to spare. The 1.6 liter engine is peppy, but very economical. Torque is great for a small car like this, and handling is very good. The base model with a stick shift is definetly the way to go. Dont get the heavier slower automatic....

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  My beautiful Nissan - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By aidanrm - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I had done alot of research before purchasing my 2003 LE and all signs pointed to it being the best SUV in its class. After one test drive I was hooked. The interior is extremely classy w/ heated leather seats, 6 disc in dash cd player and climate control. The audio controls on the driver steering wheel are extremely appreciated. It also has reclining back seats which will have all my friends wanting to take long trips in my car. The pickup on this vehicle is amazing. It handles bumpy roads and turns with graceful ease. Outside noise is also very limited.

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  I love Pathfinder - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By AJIT SINGH - March 2 - 10:00 am

  This is an amzing vehicle. Go for it without thinking twice.

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  Awesome LARGE SUV - 2010 Nissan Armada
  By bruiser - March 2 - 9:20 am

  I did a lot of looking and research on SUVs before buying. Like another reviewer, I did not like that GM required a bailout and my prior GM SUV failed to impress. The 2010 Aramda caught my eye at a car show at the Texas State Fair. AWESOME TRUCK. Total price 37.7 k out the door for the Ttanium package w/DVD which includes leather and a lot of other upgrades over the base model. I got the Nissan cash incentives. This SUV has Blue Tooth for phones, Ipod jack, DVD player with wireless headphones, backup sensors and camera, road computer, and lots of storage. The acceleration, steering feel,handling, and braking are impressive considering the weight of the vehicle. Its awesome!

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  car - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By bart - March 2 - 8:06 am

  i had no problems with car. good on gas. peppy little car with good pickup