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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  Cars Like It: 0 - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Boots - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Simply the best car available for the money...heck the same would be true if it cost $5,000 more! It is tight, solid, fast, nimble, and sexy! Just shy of pure nirvana...paint is prone to marking up very easily and the Bridgestone Potenza tires are awful...Michelin Pilots will be on mine next week!

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  Excellent family/sports car. - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Ybelog - March 5 - 2:00 am

  This car is beautiful inside and out. Drives and handles like a dream. I cant wait to get inside this car every time I drive to and from work. The 3.5 V6 is smooth as silk and provides lots and lots of power. Inside the car is very spacious and comfortable, with plenty of storage compartments and a huge trunk. The gauges are perfectly placed and the standard stereo has plenty of base.

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  Best car I have owned - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Maui Bob - March 4 - 12:43 pm

  Mine is a 2003 and was the second sold at the dealer. Other than some minor issues, it has been perfect. Much roomier that it appears. Drive great and the gas milage is tons better than my old SUV (Old Bravada)

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  Ill keep her till she quits. - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By FrankB - March 3 - 10:00 am

  I bought my truck used with 500 miles with everything but leather. Its my main vehicle and my family car. Ive got 60k miles on it and havent had any problems. Ive taken it off the road a couple times and seems to do a decent job at it for a two wheel drive. Seems to go where you want it to in the slippery stuff. Tires like to spin on wet pavement by the way or maybe Ive just got a heavier foot. Havent spent much time in the back seats myself but had some heavier inlaws back there for a twelve hour trip with out to many complaints. Ive also had it about as full as you can get it cargo wise and dosent seem to effect the ride, acceleration or handling much.Go with the l. bed version.

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  WOW!!!!! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Biggun - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned several trucks and have never been really "Brand Loyal". I usually go with the best bang for my buck! But that may change unless the Ford, GM and Dodge designers do alot of work because none of them are even close to this truck!!! Fit and Finish are head and shoulders above the rest. Im sure by now that everyone has heard the reviews of the drive train! Nissian hit the first pitch out of the park with this one!!!!!!!!!

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  Good Choice - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Wooten - March 3 - 10:00 am

  The Titan is an excellent choice for an average truck user. The reliability rating is based on 4 months so this is not an adequate assessment. I enjoy the performance, cab size (crew cab), and the fact that my truck doesnt not look like ever other truck on the road.

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  love the car - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By tati girl - March 3 - 10:00 am

  this car for the can compete with any europen car. i have owned in the past 2 bmw vehicles. the maxima for the price brings much more features.

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  nissans rule - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By fred albert cabooski - March 3 - 10:00 am

  thats right i only have a 2.5 liter and it runs so smooth...OOOOOOOOOH it is by far the best car ive had

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  Absolute Perfection! - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Andy - March 2 - 4:23 am

  Previously owned a 2001 Sentra base model which was reliable, efficient, and somewhat boring. Gave it to my daughter in 2004 and she found it reliable, efficient and somewhat boring over past three years. Man, is the SE-R not boring. Terrific handling, acceleration, braking, comfy, stylish, and the 340 watt sound system takes me back to my youth! This road hugger sold me within about three minutes of the test drive. Toss in more than acceptable mileage, a sticker price that shames the snobby competitors - this beats any BMW or Accura hands down in my books - and I may be a Sentra devotee for life.

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  Fun to drive - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By sis levesque - March 1 - 8:13 am

  Love the gas mileage. Plenty of room interior. Fun car.