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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  Stan Hymans Review of the 2005 Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Stan Hyman - July 8 - 12:30 pm

  Great handling and fun to drive! It looks like a sedan and handles like a sports car! Best vehicle I have ever owned!

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  Stan Hymans Review of the 2005 Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Stan Hyman - July 8 - 12:30 pm

  Great handling and fun to drive! It looks like a sedan and handles like a sports car! Best vehicle I have ever owned!

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  Powerful and Reliable - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Stumpy - July 8 - 8:50 am

  I have had this truck for two years and use it for everything commuting, mountain biking, skiing etc. Lots of power, great on and off road handling, excellent on snow and ice. The crew cab long bed is perfect; I can fit a crew of 4 with 2 dogs and 4 mountain bikes and travel in comfort to far away destinations. I drove all the other crew cab trucks and it came down to the Frontier and the Tacoma, I am very pleased to have chosen the Frontier.

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  Bought this after tons of research - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Hooper - July 7 - 7:10 pm

  Bought this after doing tons of research. Couldnt beat the value of what we got for our money. Would have preferred a Honda Ridgeline, but they just cost so much its silly. Drove lots of Toyota Tacomas, Ford Sport Tracs, and Frontiers. Nissan was the clear winner.

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  Love My Murano - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By J Marks - July 7 - 6:46 pm

  This is my first SUV. I had researched several crossovers, but this was the most comfortable. I have a lower back problem and the seat adjustments in the Murano were the best I had found. I drove this car from NY to DC and back twice since May and I was extremely comfortable both times. Also, there is an enormous amount of space for packing - I was able to fit all my sons items for college including a TV, a large trunk, computer equipment, clothes and several boxes. The radio is fabulous. The dealership in Smithtown is fair and accomdating.

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  Like riding on a silent magic carpet - 2013 Nissan Leaf
  By chuck allen - July 7 - 4:49 pm

  The Leaf is a terrific nearly silent comfortable pleasure to drive. Over 45 years Ive owned a lot of different models and brands and the Leaf is hands down the least expensive to operate. There is virtually no routine maintenance beyond tire rotations. No oil changes. No worry about changing spark plugs or exhaust parts. No engine noise. Driving carefully I could go half again as far as the rated 82 miles to over 125 miles before needing a charge. The downside side is trips beyond 80 miles requires careful planning. Charge points are expanding in availability. Update after nearly two years of ownership: I still love the Leaf. The nearly silent ride allows me to relax and listen to music as if Im at home even though Im driving down the highway in traffic. Maintenance costs are minimal. There are no oil changes. There is no internal combustion engine, exhaust, radiator to check and service. There is no transmission to go wrong. There is simply the pleasure of a quiet ride.

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  Nissan did a fantastic job - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By A Nissan Z lover! - July 7 - 5:36 am

  I have owned Porche 944s and a BMW Z3, and wouldnt trade my 2003 Nissan 350Z for anything else. This car is just a whole lot of fun and great at the price! It is a really classy car.

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  Buy it youll like it!! - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By Mark B - July 6 - 5:26 pm

  I absolutely love this van. I test drove the Toyota, and Honda top of the line vans and they all felt the same to me. But the customer service and truthfulness of the Nissan Employees tops my list. My 6 year old would rather take the minivan somewhere because its Cool. Its very comfortable on trips, and has a huge amount of storage space available.

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  Its a great SUV - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By shahabc - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I have loved this truck. It drives like a car.

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  WHAT VOLVO? - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By rRICH - July 6 - 2:00 am

  SUPER TRUCK. LOVE THE 4 DOORS. GREAT RUGED LOOK