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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  Agrees with the "lemon" review - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By mirandayin - August 18 - 10:00 am

  With my new 2004 Quest, power window went “dead” after 1 month. Windshield Wiper - to date, replaced 3 times, still not “hugging” windshield. Air vents fell out during first week. Loose seat covers - after 2 months, fabric sagged as though they were used for years. Skirt under seat - left "hanging", improper installation. Radio Static on all AM stations Weather stripping comes off, occurs again even after new stripping installed. DVD pops in and out after engine shut off; a new dvd player was re-installed. Front windows rolled all way down on it’s own after I locked and left the vehicle.

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  I LOVE MY MURANO - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By slcunique - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I have never been happier with a new car! The only down side to it is its low gas mileage. But Ill live with that! I LOVE IT!!!!!

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  SC V6 Extended Box - GREAT BUY - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By trig55 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Great truck. Highly recommend it. Gas per mile is a little bad, but for a super charger who cares. I get a lot of people tell me what a great looking truck it is. I opted for the SC Crew Cab with all the options.

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  Lots of Looks - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Bruce & Nancy - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive,fantastic stereo,very comfortable,quiet.

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  Whoa! Im in love with a truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Tom Morrello - August 18 - 10:00 am

  After months of research I finally made my move and bought a new Titan. I must admit, I am blown away! It seems like Nissan thought of everything from Dana axls and big horse power to awesome interior features, placement and design. Mileage seems appropiate for a full size truck and if you dont like the tasteful exhaust note you need to change out of your wifes underpants. I love the tone and wouldnt care if it was even a tad louder. On the highway the cabin is pleasingly quiet.

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  off the hook - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By tim p. - August 18 - 10:00 am

  i really dont own one but i would like to because this ride is off the hook. i can snatch chains when the sun go down and head to the club and kick it. this is a reliabile car and it draws a lot of attention.

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  MY 03 ALTIMA REVIEW - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By SMLTWNGRL - August 18 - 10:00 am

  GREAT ACCELERATION FOR A 4CYL, VERY ROOMY, EVERYBODY COMPLIMENTS ON LOOKS INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR

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  Altima 2.5 S 2003 - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By hkb128 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Bought it used with 17000 miles, the S model, like the power the four cylinder has, no problems pulling out into traffic or passing at any speed, the power is there. Only complaint I have with it is the road noise. Youngest daughter wants it for college.

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  2004 Maxima After 8000 miles - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By DrivingMIssDonna - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I have had more close calls with vehicles pulling out in front of me with this car, (I think the liquid Silver color blends with the pavement). It also hydra planes (big wide 18" tires)on wet roads more than any car since my 1978 rabbit.

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  Good and Bad - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By loveless - August 18 - 10:00 am

  A nice car but the brakes on the 3.5L series are lacking.I have constantly had problems with the brakes since I hit 30,000 miles and they are under warranty. They have been fixed twice and a problem still is there. The dealer said they would fix it but they work for @ 2 weeks and the same old sound and feel come back.