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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  Proud to Own A Nissan Murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By seemeforts - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive really enjoyed the look, handling and ease of use with this vehicle. I enjoy everything from the rounded look of the car, to the smart styling inside. Everything is within easy reach for stereo use, to glove box. This is a very reliable mode of transportation, and Im proud to be a Nissan owner again.

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  Best Of The Pack - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Dan - June 18 - 7:50 am

  Just bought our second Altima 2.5 cvt 2008 had 2006 2.5 and loved it. The new body style beats Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Mitshu, VW etc.. This is one fun car with a sports car appeal! Buy the convenience pkg! Color winter frost. I am a truck guy and bought this for my wife I cant wait each time I get to drive it it is an absolute pleasure. For the money you get one heck of a car and features! Buy it and dont look back!

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  Surprising - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Bob K. - June 18 - 1:53 am

  I have been looking at autos of this style for the past month. Ive tested the Toyota Yaris, Chevy Aveo, Honda Fit, Kia Rio5, and the Hundai Elantra Touring. Some of them were a bit sportier in style and performance but mostly less than the Nissan. Roominess was and is a hands down to the Nissan. I absolutely despised the instrument layout in the Toyota I guess that I dont like having to look over for the speedo etc.. Price was also a factor with the Nissan hitting the right tone. For those who havent driven the Chevy Aveo be cautioned, if you have to make a left turn and even see oncoming traffic you will be better off to get out and push than to use the accelerator. So far very Happy!

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  Driving In Style and Comfort - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By JohnRags - June 17 - 3:00 pm

  The initial experience of renting a Maxima two months ago influenced my reason for buying one; albeit the exhilaration of driving what can only be described as a solid and sophisticated machine. The cabin aesthetics is reminiscent of my previous luxury car. I havent a single concern regarding what has been one the best car ownership experiences thus far! The redesigned Maxima is a finely tuned, attractive automobile that will likely cater to those with refined tastes.

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  Best SUV on Market - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By A. Ray Smith - June 17 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Pathfinder to take on summer vacation. Great performance on and off road. Very comfortable. Read ride on the SUV market. My wife has a disability, but the ride in this SUV is as good as a cars, with the room and versatility of an SUV.

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  room with zip - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By DCrane - June 17 - 10:00 am

  Planned to buy a Passat until I saw the first one of the new Altimas. Checked it out and was very impressed. The handling is incredible, changes lanes as fast as my race tuned Datsun 2000! And if you are over 6 feet tall, this is the sedan for you. More leg room front and back than my wifes Volvo. The car has some great, well thought out features normally found on more expensive models. The key fob that opens the windows remotely is a great feature I didnt give much thought to but use daily, and the Bose stereo has got to be heard! Be prepared to find onlookers gathered around the car when you come out of the grocery store.

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  Great - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Mike78543 - June 17 - 2:00 am

  great car

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  The new speedy - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By stxman - June 17 - 2:00 am

  The loaded GLE is not only a rival to the luxury kings of the road, the car is fast and powerful. With regard to the slight delay on the gas when the pedal is floored, the car is an all around rocket that grips, sticks and hauls!!!

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  XMAX - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By csrmax - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Having owned 3 Maxima SEs, I never thought I would consider buying an Altima. I was looking at the Acura TL Type S, Jaguar X type and pre-owned BMW 330 series.On a visit to my dealership, they had a silver/black leather on the floor,and I couldnt believe I was in a Nissan dealer!The Maxima was starting to look very dated,but the Altima grabbed my attention,especially after I spent a day driving it around. Needless to say, I now have a Silver/Black leather parked in my driveway,and feel that I received great value for 30K!

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  The Beast - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By The Beast - June 16 - 11:00 pm

  Traded in a f150 supercharged harley truck for this truck due to family size increasing. Was worried that I would miss all the horsepower that I had. Not so!! I love the power of my Armada and the stance. Had brake issues after about 15,000 (rotors too small on 1st year) dealer replaced with bigger rotors and we havent had any problems since. Only issue I really have is plastic center channel speaker cover on dash rattles and can get annoying. The gas mileage isnt the greatest but what do you expect with all that power and torque. I recently researched resale value and even with its superior options and bigger cabin the Armada still takes a backseat to the Sequio, which I think is wrong!