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:

• 

  3.5 SE with CVT - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By toomuchcar - September 1 - 8:13 am

  This is my first Nissan and my first CVT (other than a snowmobile). I had planned to get the Accord after trading in my Toyota Corolla since cutting my commuting distance. After researching and driving many different cars, I went for the base 3.5 SE for looks, features and I was impressed with the engine and CVT. After about 1000 miles, I can say the car is great, and I have no regrets. I would buy the same car again.

• 

  My New Nissan Sentra - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By s. wells - September 1 - 5:26 am

  My new Nissan Sentra replaced a 20 year old Nissan Sentra so in the beginning I really loved this car. After a few months I noticed the seats are a little too thin and I can feel the motor under the seat when using the automatic windows. Also, the suspension is the same as my old car. It seems the shock absorbing system hasnt changed in 20 years. The car can be very tiring on a drive exceeding a couple of hours. The windows film and are hard to clean. Nissan says this is normal when the car sits in the sun. I finally found a product that will clean the windows and they will not film for a couple of months,

• 

  Made the Right Choice! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Mike - September 1 - 12:46 am

  I shopped around for the past 8 months, trying to decide between the Camry SE V6, Accord EX V6, or the Altima 3.5 SE Sedan. I ran the numbers, test drove all three and made it a point to get opinions from owners of each of them. From all of my research, I finally purchased the Altima the other day and can say that I have made the right choice! This car is amazing, CVT is smooth as silk, engine has loads of power, interior quality is top notch and so far I am getting excellent gas mileage.

• 

  Great All-Around Truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By jaynovak - August 31 - 11:13 pm

  Have driven exclusively Nissan Cars and Trucks since 1987, as have my 2 sons. Never had any problems with them. This 4.0 6 speed has awesome power and load capacities. I was driving 25 miles to work on rural roads and getting 24 mpg at 60-70 mph. Now retired and drive in town, and still get 22 mpg. 2 hints for mileage, drive easily when you accelerate and use a good grade of gas. I was getting 20 mpg using a discount gas, but switched to shell and get steady 22+, using regular.

• 

  Great Car - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By myaltima - August 31 - 2:00 am

  This is a peppy little car. We have not had a single complaint about it. We bought this car 2 months after purchasing a Maxima to replace my wifes ailing 4 year old Saturn with relatively low miles. I drive it at times and find no problems with get up and go after driving the Maxima. I truly adore this car and am comfortable with my wife and 21 month old daughter in it in and around town. Safe and reliable.

• 

  GREAT CAR - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By JOEM87 - August 31 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR HAS IT ALL, I JUST TRADED IN MY 02 LEXUS IS300 AND THIS CAR IS SO MUCH MORE FOR THE MONEY aLSO MUCH BETTER IN THE SNOW

• 

  asdasd - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By mike bullock - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Excellent value, fun to drive, lots of room, better than expected on gas, nice styling, smooth ride, excellent brakes

• 

  Awful Options Packaging - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Smart Money - August 31 - 2:00 am

  There I was all set to plop down hard money for the new Murano SL AWD. The car handled like a smart sedan and had the styling and utility of the very best out there. However, when it came to ordering the only option I wanted (leather seats) I was introduced to an options requirement that ran the charge for the leather seats to over four grand. Porsche doesnt even get away with this much of gouge! I actually had to order a sun roof just to get leather.

• 

  Denise - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Neesie - August 31 - 2:00 am

  I love my Missan Murano. This is my first SUV and I am so glad that I bought the Murano. The first week or so that I had it, I could not go anywhere without someone asking me about it. It handles like a car and is so much fun to drive. It is very comfortable to drive and handles very well.

• 

  The "real" four door sports car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By J. Scott - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Nissan has finally hit the mark! This is a true sports sedan. Im 66" tall, and I can completely stretch my legs in the driver front seat!. This car is a true joy to drive, and a real sleeper. I had no idea just how quick this car was until I got behind the wheel. It rides very well, and handles better than my 99 Mustang GT. I recommend this car to anyone.