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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  love this vehicle - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By andrew herkalo - June 28 - 11:06 am

  this van suits me very much. good handling. plenty of power. lots of room. good styling. family loves it too.

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  Nissan Driven - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By jpier - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Super car. I owned a Pontiac Grand Am prior to this vehicle. Nissan may have earned my business for every car I buy from here on.

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  Luxury-level sports sedan - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By One_Hand_Sound - June 28 - 10:00 am

  The build quality, smoothness, quietness and sheer power are on a luxury car level. I have two new Maximas, 7 months old now and with a total of 13000 miles between the two. Absolutely not one single problem with either car the whole time. How can they make such a complex machine so perfect?

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  First time Nissan Owner - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By bbpe01 - June 28 - 10:00 am

  So far so great. Dealership was good to work with and we made a great deal, better than Edmunds TMV estimate. Everything is great about the car, but it could use better insulation. Wind and road noise at highway speeds.

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  V-6 - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By bz - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Love the car. Its fast! Handles great! Looks Great! Stereo is great!

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  A FUN car to drive - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By ajgu - June 28 - 10:00 am

  It is much more than a sedan. If you cant afford an expensive sports car and you are married but still want some fun, buy this. I once unintentionly travel at 65 mph on a 40 mph curving ramp. i am not proud of it. My point is that this is more than a sedan

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  The 2016 Versa Sedan no Vice needed:) - 2016 Nissan Versa
  By Paula - June 27 - 9:16 am

  overall it a great starter car for credit repair its light on the road especially on windy days so i added 120lbs in my trunk which gave it stability other than that i love my 2016 Versa Sedan........ but my next car will be a NIssan Sentra only because im moving up lol or maybe i will stay with the Versa......

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  The 2016 Versa Sedan no Vice needed:) - 2016 Nissan Versa
  By Paula - June 27 - 9:03 am

  overall it a great starter car for credit repair its light on the road especially on windy days so i added 120lbs in my trunk which gave it stability other than that i love my 2016 Versa Sedan........ but my next car will be a NIssan Sentra only because im moving up lol or maybe i will stay with the Versa......

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  2007 Nissan Murano - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By DL - June 27 - 6:23 am

  I purchased a 2007 platinum AWD SL back in March of this year. The car was mainly for my wife, but as a guy, I must say I really enjoy driving it. The Murano has tons of passenger room and by simply folding down the seats you get a lot of cargo space. The CVT is also great, you cant even feel it shift. Ive read reports that say the Murano lacks performance, I would have to disagree. The CVT is both smooth and powerful... not a race car, but it can get out of its own way. The back up camera is a must and very helpful. We purchased the tour package that comes with everything from a sunroof/ HID lights to adjustable pedals. The interior is very stylish, but so is the outside.

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  Great car - 1999 Nissan Sentra
  By Agbhlhs - June 27 - 12:50 am

  I have had this car for 1 year and 5 months and have had only slight problems. I had to replace my struts and exhaust manifold gasket. I also had to replace the ac compressor after 100000 miles. Otherwise the car has been great. I will have to replace the cv boot. I love this car it has been great!!