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:

• 

  Gas Mileage and great looks, what else? - 1995 Nissan 200SX
  By Stretch - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I got my 200 sx about a month ago and only had one problem on it since--the alternator went out, but it was under waranty. Since then, I have had nothing but raves about the car. The mileage is awesome for my drives home from college and the moonroof is a must. I since have put in about $1200 dolllars in sound. The only thing I have complaints about is how slow it is when the ac is on. Will it ever get up to 60? Maybe pop a 2.2 or something in there. Its a good thing my car sounds good, bc it wont win any races.....

• 

  Reliable and Quick - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By el CAPiTAN! - January 24 - 10:00 am

  When you look at the Altima you never guess the amount of PEP thats inside of this car (my only regrets were that I didnt get a manual), I mean the acceleration is superb and the big 2.4L engine is great. So far its really reliable and nice. ITs a very fun car and I love burning little civics and celicas with it.

• 

  Sentra - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By lmdlm12 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Great car. 116mph. 40 mpg on highway. What more can u want?

• 

  Love my Nissan - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By Gooser987 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2000 GXE brand new off the lot in 01 with no miles on it. Its got great pickup-155 HP (w/o the a/c on) and a fund car to drive. Gets great gas mileage for all the driving I do.

• 

  Fun 3.5SE - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Great 3.5SE - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great car. Infinity performance and looks for a lot less. The V6 is incredibly smooth and powerful. Looks great, dual chrome exhaust, 17-inch wheels and sport suspension! Important to note, was T- boned and spun through an intersection 3-months after purchase (individual ran red-light), safety features, airbags performed admirably and walked away from accident. Great car!

• 

  Altima stole us away from Toyota - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By RonB - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Weve been a big Toyota supporter, but The Altima SE stole us away from a Camry. At first my wife was pretty skeptical of test driving an Altima(she was thinking of the previous model years, bland!). She was pretty set on a Camry. That all changed after driving an ALtima. The exterior is no contest, Altima SE is far superior. Altima SE has 50 extra horses and is extremely quiet. The ride is very smooth and comfortable. Camry beats Altima for interior quality, but not by much. Good gas mileage(27 mpg), with the only down side using premium fuel. To sum it up, Superior looks, more power, more room, switched us to Nissan (Still love my Tacoma).

• 

  My Murano - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Skylar - January 24 - 5:30 am

  I have enjoyed driving my Murano,great gas milage, over all performance is wonderful. Would recommend it to my friends

• 

  Great - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By faroglobal - January 24 - 4:23 am

  Terrific all round vehicle for the mountainous Western US. Performs well in snow and semi-desert conditions. Gas mileage is not terrific. Comfortable off road and excellent handling in all conditions. Replaced an excellent 1986 Toyota 4x4 Land Cruiser Diesel w/ 200,000 plus miles. I expect the same with this.

• 

  Exciting Love Afair - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Sergio - January 23 - 10:46 pm

  I fell in love with this little redhead on sight. The design is attractive, to me and to everybody around the car, even now 2 years later people look it over all the time. The powerfull V6 is a thrill every morning to drive to work and back.

• 

  Tried the rest- got the best! - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By t g - January 22 - 7:10 am

  Perfect. We love it, handles like a car, but performs like a larger truck. Had the GMC- hated it. Titan has many small comforts and accessories that make long trips comfy. Quiet on the road and handles off-road even better. Havent towed yet, but others have said it pulls better than Toyota or GM. We wont be trading it for years, unless Nissan out-does it- doubtful any time soon.