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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  Power, comfort and fun - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Coppertone - May 31 - 4:46 am

  I have had my SL AWD (liquid copper with black interior) for about 3 weeks an still love it. The drive is agile but still very comfortable thanks to the superb seats. The engine is large and very powerful and combined with the CVT outaccellerates just about any other SUV in the $40K price range. Great sound from the Bose system. Averaged 20.8 mpg in first 1000 miles in 50:50 city:highway driving.

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  Beautiful Car - Roomy, Stylish, Reliable - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By MC2006 - May 30 - 5:16 pm

  This is a great car. I love the handling and power it has for a sedan. Very quiet inside (very little to no outside noise). Roomy and comfortable with lots of storage compartments. Nice interior. Bought it used in 07 and have had no problems. Also, I get very good mileage to the gallon.

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  Great value - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By social worker vince - May 29 - 2:06 pm

  I purchased my 2004 from a rental company and it already had 25000 mi on before I got it. 5000 miles later it still runs like new. Much quieter and much better fuel econ (27-28 mpg) than the Sable I got rid of.

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  my opinion - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By vap - May 29 - 2:00 am

  This car gets more fun every time I drive it.

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  The BEST car for the money! - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By RGC - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I love my Maxima! I test drove every car I could around the $6-7,000 range and NOTHING performed as well. My criteria: 1) Price ($6-7000), 2) High Reliability and Safety ratings from Consumer reports, etc. 3) 4-Door sedan with a comfortable, stylish interior, and 4) THE BEST RACE CAR FEEL FOR THE MONEY. I succeed better then I could have imagined. Im not wealthy (26 years old) but for the money there is nothing that can beat my Maxima. I gave this review all 10s with the understanding that you only have $6,500 to spend. Let the speeding ticket I got the second day I owned this car be a testament to its performance! Good Luck!

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  Most reliable car Ive ever driven - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By spetxep - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I did not choose to purchase this car, but it has more than served its purpose and Ive never had any problems with it.

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  Great commuting or first car!!! - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Tazzin2 - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I love the great gas mileage. I have not had any problems with my car at all. Its 4 years old with ~50K miles and still going strong!! I got the sunroof and the 10-CD changer. Its soooo fun to drive and all 3 kids want it!! I just bought an expensive SUV with the plan of selling this Sentra and I keep fighting with myself about keeping it!! I cant make up my mind!! The only 2 things I would change to make it perfect are the tires and one of the cup-holders is not usable if you have anything plugged into the power outlet. Love this car.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By C. Hernandez - May 29 - 2:00 am

  This is the best SUV Ive driven, wont drive any thing else but a NISSAN they are great vehicles.

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  Good so far - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By supshaw - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Ive the Armada LE RWD for two weeks now, and Im very happy with it. You wouldnt believe the looks it gets. Quick, nimble and sure in city and highway driving. It is SO big.

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  Exciting for less - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By William - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I think that this car is an excellent deal if you goal is to find a fun ride for an economical price. It is not a particularly comfortable car and very few people could sit in the backseat. But if you are looking for driving pleasure for cheap this is it. I paid 15,800 after rebate and negotiations.