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 Purchase - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Joel Smith - May 7 - 3:53 pm

  Probably the best car weve purchased. Great handling in mountain roads and plenty of power to pass on a grade. Love the changes in the interior over the 2005. Quiet ride. This is a must drive for someone who wants the height of a SUV but not the bulk of the large SUV

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  Excellent Purchase - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By kcee2 - May 7 - 11:47 am

  Love my purchase! Aesthetically pleasing interior for the price, exceeding expectations. The instrument panel is easy to read and the layout is relaxed and comfortable. Because of the remote starter, Im okay without heated/cooled seats. The 7 in monitor/navigation screen is pretty awesome and so is the zero-gravity seating. Its all really cool, including the performance. In fact, my sedan actially drives better (to me) than the 2012 and 2013 coupe version, which I drove exclusively the last two years.

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  Awesome Machine... - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Pranav - May 7 - 8:43 am

  This car is amazing. I had to go with a family sedan, but did not want to sacrfice on the fun factor.... this car fits the bill. I would highly recomend taking a look at this car if you need a 4 door sedan but still like to have some good "drives"

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  Love it! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By MjWel - May 7 - 4:20 am

  My favorite part is that its a definite head turner. I had never seen one until I saw it on the show room floor. I fell in love, so did my husband. This car has great handling and awesome horsepower. The body is sleek, nothing like the regular Nissan Altima.

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  Surprised to love this so much! - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By Mrs Bessey - May 7 - 12:23 am

  I had a 1998 Nissan sentra as my first car and have had it until this year. When looking for a new car I adamantly refused a new sentra because mine was small and had always only mildly pleased me...Well, that was until I looked at the new Sentras up close. WAY bigger, WAY nicer, and a BLAST to drive. This car doesnt even -feel- like a sentra after driving my 98 for so long. I am completely in love with it. The fuel efficiency is amazing and the cars sleek design combined with size inside make this car a wonderful one for me, hubby, and the someday babies. :)

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  Great Truck - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Al - May 7 - 12:20 am

  This one great truck! Previous Ford owner, and this truck will out perform the Ranger hands down. The the power is incredible. The six speed tranny boosts the fuel economy to 21-23. the other manufacturers better get it together if they are going to keep up with Nissan on this one!

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  Mixed - 2012 Nissan Armada
  By prmama40 - May 5 - 5:33 am

  I have had my Armada now for a few months now. I suffer from back and hip problems, so comfort was a big deciding factor for me. I love it, it is comfortable and super spacious. The only complaint I have is that the voice recognition is not very accurate. It can be frustrating at times trying to get it to recognize street names and cities. Since I now have 2 back surgeries, the automatic 3rd row buttons are great as tail gate button. My second complaint is the GAS milage, wait the lack of it!! Its killing me....

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  Performance, Style and Value - 2010 Nissan 370Z
  By GAF - May 5 - 3:50 am

  The 370Z roadster has an incredible combination of performance style and value. A great road car, the roadster (convertible) version of the 370Z w/o the sport package is relatively smooth and much quieter than the coupe. The standard 18 inch wheels are also quieter than the 19" rays. The car handles securely and the interior room is large for a 2 seater. The driving position is as comfortable as most sedans.

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  My Red Cube - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Bari - May 4 - 3:36 pm

  I found this car to be so much fun to drive. I have only had it 2 weeks, but love it. I am 52" and with the seat all the way up, I can see the front hood. I get stopped all the time. It is great on the highway and very nimble. I like that the rear door opens like a door. Being 62 years old, I have never enjoyed a car more. It is all that I need.

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  great car - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By woodman - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 4 nissan and have never had a major problem, I put 260,000 on my last Maxima with out a single problem.