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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  Dont forget the Nissan - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By 1st x Frontier owner - February 8 - 8:03 pm

  I was only looking at the Tacoma and Ridgeline when the Frontier emerged as a darkhorse. Ive been very impressed all the way around. The "bang for your buck" factor played greatly into my decision. If youre looking at a new Tacoma, at least give the Frontier a test drive. Youll be glad that you did.

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  My thoughts - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By lazywaste - February 8 - 6:23 pm

  This is an awesome car, it rivals cars that cost 20-30,000 dollars more, trust me I drove them all. It needs a smoother ride and the drivers side blind spot to be fixed, in addition at 510" I feel as though I am too short for the car and as if I am below the sweet spot looking out. All told its a great car and with a few minor adjustments it would be great, Im very satisfied with it.

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  Brute power - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By "Nice One" - February 8 - 12:26 pm

  The Armada packs a punch. The 2004 Lincoln Navigator I drove last year was comfortable and stylish, but doesnt compare in the performance department. The Armada tows my bass boat through the Smoky Mountains with ease. Its first off the line at traffic lights. Handles well for such a giant. Entertainment system is tops.

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  Great Style and Bose sound system - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Rusty - February 8 - 6:40 am

  I bought the Altima new and have all the features of leather, sun roof, Bose sound (which is the best) ABS, side air bags, etc. I use it mostly for commuting and now have 105,000 miles on it. The mileage is great (28-30 mpg) for work and 32 mpg on longer trips. Ive only had one problem about 6 months ago it wouldnt start once in a while and would quit while slowing down for a light. Nissan sent out recall at the same time which fixed the problem. My only complaint would be the poor quality material of the seat which started cracking about a year after the warranty expired. Also the automatic shifting is like working a rubic cube.

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  Not the Soccer Mom Van - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By JClayton - February 8 - 5:46 am

  Excellent! Need I say more? I have always wanted and wished for a "Z" but with three children the momma van was it... finally, what I wanted! Drives like a dream, handles well, and at four yrs old, still has the reliability to back it all up. People stare. Great sports coupe for the money

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  EXCELLENT VEHICLE - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By JANICE - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE MY NISSAN. THIS TRUCK HAS NEVER LET ME DOWN.

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  Love it! - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By tomwgilljr - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Have had nothing to compalin about since I purchased my Altima, used, in April. Get 24mpg city/33mpg highway. Nothing but normal mantainance to dat

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  One of the best cars ever made! - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Victor/ChromeKing - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I have to say this is one of the best cars ever made, because i have had no problems what so ever. I fell in love the moment i lay my eyes on this car.This car has everything you could ask for and the engine is great.

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  Mini Muscle - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By sethy - February 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is just flat out fun, and with many practical qualities such as 4 doors, great head/leg room it really is a great bargain. I have had the car for 12,000 miles now, and I have taken advantage of many of the aftermarket parts available. The list includes intake, header, exhaust, air/fuel computer, Tein SS suspension, and now Nismo front and rear sway bars. I believe the money I saved on initial purchase has allowed me to buy aftermarket goodies that have put the car in another class in power & handling. One note: I wish I had bought the Spec-V only for the Limited Slip Differential.

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  Love my Maxima - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By dmwsky - February 7 - 10:00 am

  This car has great pickup, even at high speeds on the highway. I put 15,000 miles on this car the first 6 months I had it...and it rides like a dream, even at 110 miles per hour.