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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  GREAT Car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By NissanFan - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I just got my Altima used and its been great so far. Its fast and great on gas. Ive been getting 30+ mpg average. Car handles great, looks awesome, but interier could be a little nicer, but isnt too bad.

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  This Car Rocks !!!!!!! - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Kev45 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd Nissan Sentra, the first was a 99 SE Limited. My first test drive was great !! But this all ends there. My first test drive of the 2004 Spec V left me with the feeling of a rocket on wheels. Also mine is a wild color (Volcanic Orange) and gets head turns everywhere I go. So much power and so fun to drive, I wait only to get into the drivers seat again. The stereo is awsome (300 watt rockford fosgate with subwoofer). I can see why edmunds rates it as 1 of the top 10 car stereos in a car under $30,000.00

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  Cool minivan with a few quirks - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By mklavan - September 14 - 2:00 am

  My wife had to have the smoke/rouge with navi and dual dvd. Thumbs up for Nissans website for their "Search Inventory" feature. I found the exact match online without visiting every dealer within a 100 mile radius. I tried dealers "locate/trade" option four times with no luck. Overall I am satisfied because its about the price, too. $100 over invoice. We couldve saved more if we were flexible on the interior color.

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  Fun - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Bob Velba - September 14 - 2:00 am

  As an owner of 4 previous Nissan products, 3 Maximas and 1 Pathfinder,this is the best of the best.It is more comfortable than the Maxima and as versatile as the Pathfinder. It drives and handles like a dream.

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  FUN TO DRIVE - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By SKHAMMETT9 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  NICE TRUCK VERY FAST AND FUN TO DRIVE.FUEL MILEAGE COULD BE BETTER BUT NOT BAD FOR A V8 WITH 305HP.LOTS OF CUP HOLDERS.

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  Durable, Functional, and a Great Ride - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By kdeprey - September 14 - 2:00 am

  After test driving the Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, and sitting in a myriad of its competitors, I chose the Xterra for its durability, funtional interior, REAL 4X4, and masculine good looks. This is a truck and can be used like one, yet the ride is suprisingly smooth and comfortable. Something to note, the Tribute and Escape may seem to have "smoother, car- like rides", but in a world of Midwestern pot-holed streets, the Tribute and Escapes short wheelbase and compromised suspension leave the driver bouncing up and down constantly, in a choppy fashion. The Xterra soaks up bumps, distributing them through the solid truck frame.

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  great - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Tim nicholas - September 14 - 2:00 am

  Great truck for off roading, but it drives like a truck....great music system........

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  A Fantastic Car! - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By believenu - September 13 - 4:23 pm

  I think I am in love! This is my first Nissan purchase, and so far I LOVE it! I bought the 2.5 sl, basically the car is loaded minus the nav system, which I didnt really want. I am getting fantastic gas mileage, which is important! If you are in the market for a great car that isnt going to break the bank, make sure to check out the Altima, you wont be disappointed! =)

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  Never buy a Nissan - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By lordavot - September 13 - 9:36 am

  I bought the sixth generation 2005 Maxima when it was abt 49k miles. At abt 70k miles I starting experiencing transmission problems. shifting from park to drive, it jerks and it is really bad when the engine is warm. from drive to reverse or reverse to drive it does the same thing. The engine slips and the RPM races to 5 or 6 when you accelerate without any pick up. When I contacted Nissan they told me there is nothing they can do about it. Thousands of sixth generation maxima owners are having the same problem but nissan will not own up to their defect and recall and fix the problem. I am going back to TOYOTA. always faithful. NEVER AGAIN IN MY LIFE WILL I BUY A NISSAN PRODUCT.

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  Great Deal - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Cory - September 12 - 11:56 pm

  Driving Impressions: CVT is something well have to get used to, steering/suspension are a little tight, very good gas mileage, accel. is very good considering its a 4-cyclinder. Interior is decent, trunk space kinds folled me, didnt realize there was a hidden compartment at first. Vehicle was purchased for my wife, she likes it, even though she preferred the Scion.