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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  Fits just right - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By Jason - October 18 - 4:10 am

  Just got this truck after spending the past 5 years driving an Explorer Sport, and I have to say, theres a world of difference. Was challenging finding the PRO-4X in 4wd, but Im glad I held out for the PRO-4X. Not needing a full size truck, but desiring tough off-rode performance, and comfort, the PRO-4x fits my needs perfectly. The ride is much better than my Explorers, with the 8-way adjustable (and heated) seats being the most comfortable Ive experienced personally. I drove 5 hours in it the day I bought it, and never got "tired of the saddle." The Rockford Fosgate sound system is top notch, and the Crew Cab gives me ample room to haul the kids around comfortably.

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  Nice (Car/Truck Thing) - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By CCD - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Love the new Murano. Only have had it for a few days so far I have no complaints nicest vehicle I have ever owned. Nav. system great. Feels like driving a Maxima but having a great view of the road. This vehicle should be called an UUV - Urban Utility Vehicle a brand new segment!!!

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  Un-bundle the fun - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By redawgleader - October 17 - 10:00 am

  13,000 km of tough weather roads, & Mr. MO still makes my ol heart race. Take me for another drive! I LOVE this thing. It has Sooo much cachet. And smokin fast in the passing lane. Only problem...EVERY time I stop for gas, hafta do a pump-side interview with the wannaowns who plan to buy one too, someday. Ah, such is the price of living with celebrity.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By RonSteinbach - October 17 - 10:00 am

  This car has it all! It is a hotrod, i.e., faster than most cars on the street. It is a luxury car. It is totally fun to drive, and it is an economy car (27 to 31 mpg on the highway). You can pay up to twice as much for very little more, but why? At 90 mph the car is rock solid in feel. I would highly recommend buying the SE model with the 5-speed automatic transmission. This transmission can shift much faster than any human can. If you insist on shifting, the automatic transmission has a manual shift mode. This car will place a perpetual smile on any enthusiasts face!

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  Take it for a test drive. - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By T-Bone - October 17 - 2:00 am

  The Nissan Sentra LE compares quite favorably to ever other car I test drove (Protege, Civic, Corolla, Elantra, Jetta). The 165 HP engine is at the top of the class and is mated very well with the automatic transmission. Handling is relatively tight - though perhaps not as tight as the Protege. Interior velour cloth is a nice touch and the stereo stystem is truly wonderful (180 watt with 7 speakers). I bought this car on the last day of March as incentives were to expire (they may well have come back by the time you read this).

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  Fun, Fun - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Nissan Convert - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive got 3,000 miles on the car so far and it is been perfect so far. The acceleration and handling are great. The upgraded Fosgate stereo sounds great too!

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  Best performance for the money. - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By littlesue - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I drove the acura TL-type S and it could not compete. This thing is phenominal. It drives like a sports car with the comfort of a sedan and the ourstanding reliability that is synonumus with Nissan. And much cheaper than type-S. Nothing out there competes with it.

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  Fantastic Value - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By gen6lover - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Nissan hit it on the money with this one. The design and performance sold me on this car. I was looking at an Altima and Im glad I waited. For a price difference of less than $1,500 you get a much better interior and many more features than a similiarly equipped Altima 3.5SE. Skyview roof is perfect for us 63" tall drivers who cant loose the headroom of a conventional sunroof.

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  the max - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Jaw28Jaw - October 17 - 2:00 am

  love the look and feel. thinks it is more expensive than it is! a great value in this economy

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  Went with an Altima SE v6 - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Wills - October 16 - 5:16 pm

  After 2 months of searching and test driving, I ended up with an Altima SE. I drove; Camry, TL, G35x & Accord and by far the Altima was my favorite. Its sporty and has everything I wanted in a car. Please know it does drive somewhat like a sports car, so if you want a smooth ride go for the Accord or Camry. This car is the whole package, from the redesigned exterior to the dash and interior, I just really like the way it looks for a 4dr sedan.