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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  Not a Bad Car - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By OK car - January 10 - 9:26 pm

  Have had gas issues,were it wouldnt take gas,just spit it back out.Bought my car with 22 miles on it, and so far so good. It is a 2004 and has 54,000 miles on it.So far just the gas issues and it does take 2-3 times to start most of the time. It is a reliable car,drove back and forth from Pa to Vegas and it is great. Very good on gas.

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  50k I still like it. - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By MMT - January 10 - 4:30 pm

  Bought the car new. It had a strange squeak in front end, dealership eventually found and fixed it. I have had absolutely no mechanical issues w/ the car. I love the power of the 2.5L for the size of the car. I love that it has a big-car-feel when driving but has some economy aspects such as gas mileage. The ride is a little mushy w/ 4 adults, good w/ 2. Interior plastic could be of better quality but, for my experience w/ this car, the engine, size, comfort, fuel economy and price make it more affordable than the accord (which I test drove and found it rode as stiff and bumpy and my sportbike; gut jarring). I am going to sell it because its just that time, but I will miss it very much

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  Rolling Thunder.... - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By titanloving - January 10 - 11:28 am

  My wife and I just purchased a 2006 crew cab LE Titan. Never really liked the styling of the domestic trucks and the Toyotas pricing steered me away. Even on a used Tundra with 100k miles people are asking $20 grand!! Ridiculous. A new truck being out of our price range I looked high and low for a used truck with the options I wanted with low miles and price that wasnt bad. We found it!! My truck has less than 39K miles and is fully loaded and we paid less than $20k! The captains chairs, sound system and interior styling is awesome. Truck rides great and has a little growl too with only stock exhaust. Love the chrome all around, especially the bold front. Driving is true enjoyment

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  Armada-my first big unit. - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Raul - January 10 - 9:53 am

  After driving my Odyssey for many years....I bought my first SUV, and so far has been I am very satisfied with it. I research through everyones comments on the car, and selected LE fully loaded, NAV, DVD the works. So far, all systems are working as it was designed. Pro-excellent exterior and interior design. My kids loves the DVD, while I can listen to my music. NAV - love it with all of its functionality. Cons- MPG, but its expected for a big SUV.

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  Excellent car - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By thanatos - January 10 - 6:36 am

  Driving is excellent, can not complain. I have owned different brands it has met expectations. Would recommend.

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  Love the Armada! - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By nctravellinman - January 9 - 9:40 pm

  I travel a lot in my job, and wanted a safe vehicle. The ride is amazingly quiet and smooth. The power liftgate is just too cool. Bluetooth works better than any of my previous models, including Motorola factory bluetooth. Voice recognition can control heat / cool, radio, and phone. First adequately sized A/C Ive had on a vehicle in a long time. Backup camera and ultrasonic sensors really help parking, along with the power folding mirrors. Radio has great sensitivity and clarity (I like talk radio on AM), but Bose system severely lacks fidelity.

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  Bang for your Buck! - 2010 Nissan Armada
  By Niccole - January 9 - 8:43 pm

  Im coming from a 2007 Nissan Pathfinder and decided to upgrade to a larger SUV. I originally looked at the GMC Yukon but found for the price and rebate, the Armada was a better choice. As everyone has noted, the only complaint is the gas mileage. I also find that since its a V8, it has more of a truck feel; which, Im adjusting to. Ive seen better navigational systems, but Im adjusting. Overall, for the price, I believe I made the best choice!

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  great car - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By steven - January 9 - 10:36 am

  Love this car. This is my third nissan (sentra, and 200sx) and Im glad I stuck with them. Having owned 2 others, I know how reliable and problem free they are. With the altima, you add to that styling, power, and exceptional comfort and room. But, at a much better price than a camry or accord. the CVT is amazing. It allows for a noticeable boost in power even at high speeds, but will also employ engine braking on steep slopes. The interior looks as if, well, nissan finally figured out how to design a car interior. And the "intelligent key" is quite impressive. Kind of makes the act of fumbling around for keys seem primitive.

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  Its just a great car! - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Guy18 - January 9 - 10:00 am

  This has been and continues to be the most dependable vehicle I have ever owned...and I have owned alot. I purchased this car pre-owned at my dealers recommendation. He did me a great service! If you need a great vehicle, this is it!! I have not spent a dime on this car except for oil changes and brakes. Id get another one in a heartbeat!

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  GoQuest - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By johndm - January 9 - 10:00 am

  We have waited for over three years to get the quest in a blue with lether int. and finaly they came out with one. It handles great and has all the room for us and the grnadchildren. They love the dual DVD and being able to see it from the second and third row seats with no fighting as to who will set by the DVD screen. I would recommend this minivan to everyone. It has a larger area for storage even with all seats up than any of the other vans its size, and we checked all of them before getting this one.