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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  Still loving my car! - 2011 Nissan Altima
  By lilmiss34 - May 19 - 6:25 pm

  I have now had my 2011 Altima SL w/ convenience plus package and Bose system for just over 5 months and 5200 miles and am still very happy with it! I am averaging about 29-30MPG total (I still ride highway about 65% of the time) between highway and city. People still compliment me all the time on the quality of the sound system. Handles well (even in sudden flooding rain), ride is smooth and comfortable.

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  Love the Murano - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By rdon0548 - May 19 - 11:40 am

  My 2005 Nissan Murano has a great engine, especially with the 245 hp and the transmission using belts rather than gears. It is as smooth as silk. The rear visibility took a little getting used to, but it is ok. The dash controls took some work to understand. I love the copper color. We just like the truck, no ifs, ands, or buts.

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  Very surprised - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Happy - May 19 - 3:43 am

  I have driven many high end SUVs, from Porsche to Land rovers and this SUV is right up there with them. Sure the Murano may not be as fast or handle as well, but it is not slacking either. It drives like a car! Very comfortable! The Tech is very intuitive, much better than what the germans have to offer. The Ipod integration is simple, and the Bose sound system is amazing! This has true "keyless entry," never have to remove it from my pocket! Bottom line is the price, you get so much for so little, good job, very satisfied!

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  worth it! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By james,rachel yennie - May 18 - 10:00 am

  Hell of a Ride worth every cent that we pay

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  my armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By atlfalconer - May 18 - 10:00 am

  this vehicle is a giant. It is fun to drive, gereat for the family and well worth the money. Its too bad it took this long for Nissan to realize it could compete in this market. They deserve more market share than they have. I love it.

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  Great first car to own - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By tati - May 18 - 10:00 am

  This car wants to go! You can defintiely feel the power of the SE-Rs engine. It handles great and the car feels really solid. Plus at this price, its a great car especially if youre a first time buyer.

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  A good bargain - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Jim Sloan - May 18 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 Sentra is a very reliable car that is reasonably priced, it handles great, there are no factory defects, at highway speeds it accelerates quickly and is easy to drive. I have driven other japenese cars and the Nissan is equal in all ways to them. I highly recomend this car.

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  TITAN HOLDS STRONG - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By TAMMY - May 18 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS A GREAT FULL SIZE TRUCK WITH PLENTY OF ROOM TO HOLD 5 COMFORTABLY. HOLDS ALOT OF WEIGHT IN THE BACK AND CAN PULL ALOT OF WEIGHT. NICE BODY AND INTERIOR. LOVE THE STEREO CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL. PAYMENTS ARE STEEP HOWEVER BUT WORTH THE MONEY. DEFINATELY AN ATTENTION GETTER. VERY RELIABLE AND SAFE.

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  My Extreme Driving Machine - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Meatball - May 18 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned a 2004 for 36 months and the handling as well as speed exceed expectations for an auto in this price range. Interior is roomy, while avoiding stodginess and sound system successfully drives the full range of sound at any volume. On a scale of 1- 10, Id rate my Extreme Driving Machine a 20!! There is nothing to dislike. Once drivers are aware and manage the unfortunate torque steer, the car is very forgiving!! The Maxima is fun to drive, quick and even my 18 year old son wants to drive my Extreme Driving Machine . . . but I always refuse!!

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  Awsome Car!!! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By G-money - May 18 - 10:00 am

  Peviously I had a 2000 Maxima GLE which was great. This Altima is a great car. I had hasitations about going from a Maxima down to a Altima but, I no longer see it as going down. The Altima is very roomy, great fuel economy, and handles well. The 2.5S although a 4 cylinder has great power and pep. This is my first Altima and I am very happy. I had thought about a Camry but, the ride is better in the Altima and more pep. Super Black is a great color as well. For the price, this is the car!!!