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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  Smooth, Powerful, Fun to Drive - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By mikescelly - May 3 - 4:53 pm

  This car is fun. Ive only been driving it a few days, but I cant get enough of it. The powerful 3.5 with 270hp is more than enough and the CVT handles the power so well, you literally do not feel a "shift", its amazing!

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  Sorry I left Nissan - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Altima_Guy - May 3 - 1:26 pm

  I was a loyal Nissan customer for years until a bad experience with a particular dealership. I had previously driven Altimas, but went outside the company and went with a competitors SUV. With gas prices being so unpredictable in the short and long term, I decided to go back to Nissan and get into an Altima to save some money. You get alot for your money with the Altima and Nissan has always been more straight-forward with their financing/leases than Honda who charges whatever they want for leasing ignoring their own great residual values. Im back with Nissan for good and Im looking forward to a predictable great experience with my new Altima.

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  Nissan gravity - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Jerry Dawson - May 2 - 9:19 am

  Very nice and comfortable

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  I Love this Car - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By slypr - May 1 - 2:00 am

  This is the sweetest car ever. Emperor of Japanese Imports right now. Even its immitation, the Inifiniti G35, doesnt come close.

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  Best Large Size SUV On The Market!!!! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By coconutz - May 1 - 2:00 am

  This SUV handles like a sports car. It has massive power and pick-up is amazing. If you like a truck to drive like a truck then this is NOT the truck for you. It feels and drives like a car, but the sound of the engine is intimidating, tough. This truck, both inside and out, pushes the SUV to a new level.

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  Love the 2004 Altima - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By The ANG - May 1 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car the other day and I love everthing about it. I had a 1994 Altima and never had a moments trouble. I just needed to upgrade.

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  Great first car - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By How Now - May 1 - 2:00 am

  I was debating between the Civic and the Altima, and the Altima ultimately won. Ive only driven my Altima for a week, but Ive had a ton of fun doing so. My only complaint is that the interior materials are pretty crappy and the lighter colors make it look like its constructed of PC casings. I decided on the black interior, so this shortcoming is not as noticeable. I cant comment on the road noise issue because I always have the radio/CD blasting.

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  The Un-minivan Minivan - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By hotfun96 - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven minivans before, but none like the Nissan Quest. Its unbelievably large inside, with outrageous innovations and safety features. The performance is nearly sportscar like (salesman told me it was a version of the 350Z engine...believe it!!). Most importantly, my wife doesnt mind driving it at all...actually thinks it looks cool!!! The glass roof panels are awesome, and the interior is laid out like a luxury jetliner!! Thanks Nissan!! Youve got some great products lately!

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  Best Minivan - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By olh7510 - May 1 - 2:00 am

  The options, Engine Power, styling, price and Factory Interest rate on the Nissan Van were the best of any Minivan we looked at.

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  The Wood Review - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Dale Wood - May 1 - 2:00 am

  This is our third Nissan Quest van, we previously owned a 1996 and a 2002 model, all were reliable and good sources of family transportation. However, the 2004 model blow both of these older models away!