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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  BEST CAR IN THE MARKET FOR 2002 - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Jose Guerrero - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I have had my car for 6 months and I love it. I love the performance I get from it. Even on a 4 cylender this car picks up speed fast.

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  Lots of luxury! - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Blake Tabackman - September 29 - 9:43 am

  This car has everthing! leather, power everything, Modern Drive Computer/Nav/Radio, heated seats, even a heated steering wheel, Telescoping wheel. Most cars that cost $20K more than this one dont offer all the features this bad boy has. Plus intergrated Bluetooth with steering wheel control.

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  Amazing road traction, great road and seat feel - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By Danny P - September 29 - 8:14 am

  This car is seriously awesome, Ive had my 2012 2.5S CVT since June of 16, and I have honestly no bad things to say about this ride. It picks up pretty nicely even though I have the 2.5 liter engine, I know how to listen to my engine and it runs decently fast. Comfortable front and back seats, awesome iPod integration, I got mine already equipped with a Bose speakers and the digital screen. The road and seat feel on the highway is super smooth when going really fast, and if you know how to make a car look good, this car cleans up nicely with a little front piece body kit and an exhaust system. I constantly am complemented on my car, love the Nissan family of cars, eventually want a Nismo 370 Z.

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  Almost perfect commuter car - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Oregon Commuter - September 29 - 1:36 am

  I wanted something better for my mixed commute of ~55 miles RT everyday. I wanted to spend $15K. I looked at what I could get in the used market - 3-4 year old Civic/Camry/Corolla/Accord, out of warranty, generic, and boring! (So THATS where all the Oldsmobile drivers went!) Tried the Versa, but it felt small and wobbly. Dealer urged me to try the Cube. Wife described it as "The ugliest car Ive ever seen." Drove it, went home and researched it, then bought it. Been driving it for almost 3 months now (5500 mi). Huge interior, surprisingly good handling & acceleration (no sports car). Looking for performance? Wrong choice. Looking for great point A to point B transport? You found it!

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  great truck - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By bernie kanzler - September 28 - 11:21 pm

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  Upgrade - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By lam - September 28 - 6:23 pm

  I traded in my Mercury Cougar for a Rogue and couldnt be happier. I had my eye on the CR-V, but once the Rogue came out, I was sold. I purchased the SL 2WD w/2WD package, which includes all the little things a 25 year-old would want (illuminating visor mirrors, audio controls on the steering wheel, etc). The 2WD is perfect for Southern Calif. The back window is pretty small, but my old Cougar had a giant spoiler which blocked all views so I really cant complain. Overall, I absolutely love this car (as do my friends!) and I think Nissan did a fantastic job creating a sleek looking crossover that appeals to the masses.

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  Still Undecided - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Gramma - September 27 - 9:13 pm

  Love the look and way it handles when driving however its a noisey car with whines & klunks when first starting & accelerating. I was told by the service dept the klunk noise was normal & the car was doing some sort of self-testing. Also within first 2 wks I had it back to service for the seat belt light which stayed on when seat belts were fastened. Im getting use to the "intelligent key" but not sure i really like it. Having had an suv previously getting use to the sedan will take some time, I guess.

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  The NEW POOR MANs Sports Car - 2008 Nissan 350Z
  By Memo Z To - September 25 - 6:53 pm

  I have had my Z for 2 months and so far its been a complete thrill to drive. Its fast, yet refined! It turns heads and gets attention. The powerful V6 really kicks and the baritone exhaust sounds melodious especially in higher RPMs. If you drive it smooth (which is VERY hard to do) you can get good mpg, but driving it like a true sports car can cause some frequent trips to the pump. The 6-speed transmission has great response on all 6 gears. All this for under 30K! Best deal out there!

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  Awsome SUV - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By peppershaker - September 24 - 3:00 pm

  I bought this used with the intention to buy a new Chevy SUV, but after owning an Altima for 8 years and putting 175000 miles with no problems. I had to test drive the Armada so we did and liked it much better than the Chevy Tahoe. I have three kids and they have all the room in the world to move around and we are getting ready to buy a new camper so the towing cap. was very important to us. We get about 15 miles to a gal in the city with the k&n filter in it . We love this SUV. If youre looking for a dependable truck this is it. We will drive this one for ten years and put 200000 miles before we need to buy another.

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  Wow this is a great car! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By RichL - September 24 - 6:00 am

  Traded my 08 Accord EX in on 09 Max SV and have had it for about three weeks and 1000 miles and wow what and upgrade, I cannot believe how nice this car is, the Accord isnt even in the same league. The performance is unbelievable, this thing is a rocket, ride is very quite, interior materials are very classy, seats are comfortable, good handling with the 18in wheels, and I am averaging 23.5 in mixed driving which I considering pretty good. I have gotten tons of compliments on the looks from neighbors to complete strangers. I still havent figured out all of the gadgets but this thing has lots of goodies. I would highly recommend buying one. You wont be disappointed.