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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  excellent car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By gadgeeets - September 3 - 10:00 am

  fun to drive,very quick

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  Owner - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By C. Bory - September 3 - 10:00 am

  I test drove 6 mid-size suvs,toyota highlander, honda pilot, the vw v6 unit,lexus 300, infinity v6 unit and the mitsubichi. For the money, performance, interior, exterior, quality and so far reliability, Nissan gets 110% job well done. The closes to the Murano was the Infinity v6, off course is the same platform.

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  04 Maxima SE Lewisburg,PA. - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Allison Corl - September 3 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car to drive. It handles confidently, and a pleasure to drive on winding highways. Power is very adequate, acceleration teriffic. Torque steer hasnt been a problem.

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  Awesome - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By eastncguy - September 3 - 10:00 am

  I used to hate driving...not anymore. Awesome car. Everyone looks and asks about it. Go for it. Worth the cash.

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  Love It - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By RoadRunner - September 2 - 2:23 am

  I drive 120 miles round-trip per day for work. I havent had any problems to date. I love it. My only complaint is that there is a vibration noise sometimes from the interior "plastics". Other than that, I dont feel like I"m driving an economy car.

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  Luxury for Less! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By U-LTIMA-TE!! - September 1 - 3:06 pm

  Just bought my brand new nissan altima 07 w/ cvt trans + sl package on 1/3/07. After over 10 weeks of intense research in this category...I finally made up my mind to go for this ultimate beauty! Top Reasons why: 1) cvt transmission - no stress over timing belts like the ones in toyota/honda 2) More of a car vs price you pay - intelligent key, push start engine, stylish front panel + lot roomier than toyota/honda & above all slick exterior design (makes me feel like Im driving G-35 OR Lexus IS) 3) Handling is very responsive...performance wise absolutely fantastic theres NO NEED for V6 engine.

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  200k and very pleased - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Dayton Brown - September 1 - 1:53 pm

  Purchased from a friend with approx 175000 in 06. She did a lot of interstate driving so the miles where high but the car was in great shape. The only major issue has been leaking valve cover gaskets, but nothing else of importance for the past 6 years (time weve owned it and previous owner) the car has an amazing amount of cabin space is very comfortable for me even in the back seats (Im 62") we average 27 to 29 mpg depending on how much in- town or highway driver.

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  I love this car - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Yuriy - September 1 - 1:20 pm

  I bought my Altima (3.5SL with technology package) in November of 2012. Now have about 20000 miles on it. During first 1.5 years used it mostly on express ways, then mostly on the streets. Current average fuel economy is about 27.3 miles per gallon. Since the day I bought it, did not have any problems (there were some manufacturer recalls, but they were kind of preventive actions). So, I love this car and are happy with it so far...

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  I love this car - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Amanda - September 1 - 11:40 am

  The Rogue is a wonderful vehicle. It meets most of my criteria for an suv, but its so much more fun to drive. Buy one today! It has tons of standard features that in other cars you must pay extra for. I love the stability bars in the front and rear that allow great cornering. I love the 170 HP too. Love it!

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  Over the Hill Driver - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Don Shelor - September 1 - 8:18 am

  I am considering buying a 2005 Titan SE Crew Cab 4X4. It is a 1 owner, FFV, 220,000 miles. It has had all service work done on it plus dual exhaust, bully bar, vent visors, new Falken Wild Country tires. The dealer is asking $8995 for this truck, so I am seriously considering it. I am a 65 year old male but I am a vehicle fanatic. I have had 106 vehicles since my 16th birthday, so this will be one in a long line of vehicles. All my kids are grown, so its just me and the wife. My son is into Off Roading and has a Toyota Tacoma Crew Cab. Lets hope any problems have been taken care of with this vehicle.