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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  Good Car but requires maintenance - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By GoLonghorns - March 11 - 8:43 am

  I bought my Maxima brand new. I now have 89,000 miles. I have been very happy with this car but maintenance items are very expensive. Other than regularly scheduled maintenance, the struts and A/C has been replaced. The sunroof sometimes will not close. The car is very fast but the turning radius for this car is VERY wide.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By buzzluck - March 11 - 3:56 am

  This car drives like an expensive luxury car. Much better then the older models. They made a lot of improvements.

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  Great car so far - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Robert - March 10 - 6:33 am

  I purchased the car 4/11/08 and have almost 7000 miles on it already. The power is great (for a hybrid). So far I wish for a bigger trunk, but I knew that before I purchased it. Braking is top notch and I have never needed more power in passing or on hills. I drive mainly freeway to work and road trips. My gas mileage has been 30-32 mpg avg. I have seen as high as 37 mpg but like I said I drive pretty fast. I average 75-90 on the freeway. The car is very solid at all speeds but does very poorly up to speed with wind.

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  love it - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By des - March 10 - 4:36 am

  I just bought one for my wife and she loves it as do I. Its a great vehicle and you cant beat the price.

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  The 4 cyl gets the job done....... - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By BrianB - March 9 - 5:30 pm

  While the 6 cyl model packs a bigger punch, the 4 cyl is more than adequate for normal driving. In fact, you really have to keep an eye on the speedometer because you can easily pass 70-80 mph without even noticing.

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  Niisan Versa - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By versaS09 - March 9 - 11:23 am

  Ive owned this versa sedan Sport for about 7 months now, and its one of the best cars in every comparison from its class. I have test drove the other ones in its class and this is really the best. When I drive this car, I am 6.2ft and 260 pounds. This car dosent feel "cramped" when driving. The performace for this size car is excellent!! interior room is excellent!!! Overall this car is probally not gonna be traded in anytime soon! For any one who loves modifying, your gonna love it even more!! its even prewired for fog lights (SL and some S), and a rear spoiler!! come on, thats nice!! I was hesitent to buy a nissan, not knowing anything about them, but Im glad I did, and you would be too!!!

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  Best Car I Ever Owned - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Paddy - March 9 - 10:43 am

  Let me begin by saying you want fuel economy then buy a Honda Civic. Other than that this is the best car I ever owned! The styling, the comfort, quiet, ride, handling, performance, everything is tops. What car could top this?? Yes a BMW ... but for twice the price! I would recommend this car to anyone any day as the perfect car.

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  Best Ever - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By USMCRET - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I owned a Honda Odysse for 3 years. This is the best mini Van, in fact auto that I have ever owned.

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  Murano Review - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By amzetterower - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my Murano and I am enjoying every minute of it. I love the body style and the interior and the navigation system is great.

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  rating of 2004 xterra - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By hbaker - March 9 - 10:00 am

  this suv combines a rugged truck style with a suv size. the ride isnt build for comfort. rough bumpy ride as a truck would have.