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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  The Best Truck on the Road - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Timmy Titan - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This truck has power to pull a 36 ft trailer, and still do 70 miles per hour over a Major highway (hill)

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  Love the Power - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Joe Grech - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I like the performance from the 5.6L engine. The ride is good for a truck that can tow over 9000 pounds. The kids love the rear seat with there own radio controls and DVD. The track system in the bed makes you wonder why no one came out with this before.

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  The best sports car I have ever owned!!! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Shane Young - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive and great styling,fast and handles like a dream!! I traded a 2002 Ford thunderbird for my nissan,the thunderbird just didnt have the horse power and the style of the bird! The only compliant I have is I wish the seats were just more comfortable! The 350z touring convertiable is the best sports car !

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  zcar4me - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Greg Nichols - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Great car, a real head turner. Superior performance and handling. No regrets here!

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  The only car to own. - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Reddog48 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Maxima and it is the best. I love the pick up it has on the road and the new styling is superb. I receice a lot of comments from strangers about what a good looking car I own and it makes be proud. The best part about Maximas is there reliability.

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  Buy One! - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By Wild Eagle - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Its a fun tough off road vehicle that is incredibly reliable. Nissan really has their act together. Been in shop 2 times for rattles and blown speakers.. Went out and bought a sub woofer and no more speaker blow outs! Bought the new seat covers and interior looks lot more fun!! Very solid off road, front seats could be set higher for long distance driving. Need a/c vent for back seat. Gets hot in Arizona. Put extra window tint and is helping a lot. Gas mileage is pathetic for the lack of oower.. feels like a 4 cylinder..but still acceptable. I would buy another without a doubt!!

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  Hotttt Car - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By Owls27 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Hey, Im seventeen and just got one. Beatiful car, all compliments to nissan on this because all i do is get compliments. Its fun, nice handling, cd quality is nice, and its awesome. Not a race car, not a monster truck, so i dont know why people think that it should be faster and more powerful.

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  Satisfied Customer and Repeat buyer - 1999 Nissan Quest
  By Mary - March 18 - 10:00 am

  My experience was good. The van was very comfortable and reliable. Also, the 99 SE Quest was a first year model, so it was fun being one of the first out on the road. The problems I experienced were not out of the norm for a first year model and Nissan dealers were very good about resolving any issues I had. As a matter a fact, I just turned in my 99 SE Quest lease (Convenience & Leather package) for another one. Im now leasing a 2002 SE Quest lease (Comfort/Convience, Auto Diming mirror and Protection Package. Ill be back to report on that one too.

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  Maxima #3 - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Tom Hudson - March 18 - 10:00 am

  This is our 3rd Maxima and 2nd SE model. The styling is still fresh and actually looks better than the 2002 model. Ride comfort is wonderful, even on 1-driver 800+ mile trips. Exterior paint is almost like new. Power to spare but only when you ask for it. California emissions testing always shows this car to be at less than 5% of allowables. Service techs have trouble believing the numbers from a 7 yr old car. Good arrangement and room up front. Quite ample rear leg room for non-giants. If Nissan keeps making them, well continue to buy Maximas.

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  Good job for a first year - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By 1943211 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  The car has a few minor issues, but that is to be expected from a car in its first year of production. Overall it is a very good driving experience