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 Eco-Friendly Ride - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By newhampster - December 2 - 3:18 am

  Purchased a NAH in late 2009, and it just clocked 36,000 miles. It has been a great car. Although the MPG not quite as high as the Honda Civic previous car, the joy factor with this car is much higher. Very comfortable, solid handling, very peppy, and better in snow. Averaging about 35 MPG in NH summer and 31 MPG in winter -- EVT takes quite a while to activate in winter due to battery temperature sensor. Make sure there is a Nissan Hybrid authorized repair technician in your area; normal technicians are not allowed to work on NAHs.

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  Fantastic all around SUV! - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By Robert - December 2 - 12:16 am

  I recently bought a 2007 Xterra. I wanted the Xterra Off Road fully loaded for the year with the 6 speed manual trans. I love it! I needed a good SUV because my family and I are moving to Germany. So far here in Utah we have had numerous snow storms and it does well with the VDC on in 4x. I tested it in all modes. I did notice a huge improvement with the traction control on but I was not impressed with the tires. It should do better so I am going to buy Michelin LTX M/S. Other than that, I love to drive it and I am always in it. I have the Nismo cold air intake and I love that. The mileage could be better but it is an Off Road vehicle. I am very impressed with its ride. Great job Nissan!!

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  Best Car 2008 - Fast - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Sandy F - December 1 - 10:40 am

  Once I saw this car it took less than 48 hours to decide to buy and I have no regrets! Although not as comfortable as my Buick Century, its more fun to drive and lots better gas mileage. I wanted an affordable 2 door coupe and the Altima was it. Ive had this car about a month and no tickets yet although when I drive it I want to go really, really fast! Super car. Getting into the back seat is tricky but then again I didnt buy this car to use the back seat often. I did notice the blind spots but now that I own one they dont seem to be a big deal.

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  great truck - 2012 Nissan Titan
  By ron21975 - November 30 - 6:55 pm

  great truck fun to drive Ive owned three so far love them all

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  Interior rattles, but fun to drive - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By flex - November 30 - 4:16 pm

  This truck will blast you out of your seats with the power. Its amazing how much power you get out of an SUV of that size. Love the truck and would drive it all day. The only set back is the interior squeak/rattles..and the front brakes rotors. Everything else is on point with this truck. I got mine in November and have 4600 miles....worked on brakes once in December. Squeak/rattle coming out of doors could be annoying sometimes. Otherwise, this vehicle is perfect!!

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  Stabbin - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Governor - November 29 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. The horsepower is great. It gets to 100 in no time at all.

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  ooooohhhh Baaaaabbbyy!!!!!!!! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By ggriffin - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Well I spent a little time comparing. I read everyones review on this website. I test drove a "Limited" Toyota Highlander. I spent some time trying to rationlize the Toyota, but in my dreams every night kept coming back the black Murano with Cafe Latte leather interior. This car is not only beautiful, but the performance is amazing. I commute 100 miles a day and 30 miles of it is on a famous mountain highway in Northern California. I call it the 4 Lane Bobsled Run. Anyway, this car made me feel like the king of the road. Tires hug the road like glue. It went up and over the mountain and didnt break a sweat. And comfort...!

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  i love my ruby altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By kimberly - November 29 - 10:00 am

  ive had my altima for a year now and nothing but good has come from her. she is my neverending project that i drive everyday.

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  Love my new car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Wetbong - November 29 - 10:00 am

  So far so good. I picked it up yesterday after shopping around. You cant go wrong with this car. There is nothing out there with the stlye this car just oozes out. I went for the 6 speed manual transmission because, to me they are more fun to drive. The only semi confusing feature at first is the center control and data center. There are quite a number of buttons, but once you get the hang of it theyre nice to have.

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  lovely - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By bobsyouruncle - November 29 - 3:33 am

  its the best...get one! awesome acceleration and great handling in a car of its price/class. Its not a 540i of course, but its great for the price.