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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  Xterra World Championship Edition - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By yellow x - June 24 - 10:00 am

  This is a great all around SUV. It gives enough space for cargo or people with out being excessive. The V6 gives it get up and go power when needed. It handles the highways well and off road even better.

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  A true world-class midsize competitor. - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By DanJCUCern - June 24 - 10:00 am

  When preparing to graduate from college and deciding which car to purchase as my first brand-new car, I considered the Passat, Maxima and Camry in addition to the Altima. At first I was not sure if I wanted to get the Altima. After being persuaded to take it for a test drive, I fell in love with it. The 4 cylinder engine has impressive accelleration and fuel economy. The seats are comfortable and everything is well-placed. For the price, it could not be beat.

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  go get one - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By IL0VEIT - June 23 - 2:53 pm

  I bought my 2005 Nissan altima last month for only $4500 from a private owner.... It had 157,000 miles on the odometer, but it still has a value of $10,000-its a 2.5sl with all the extras.. It has a Bose sound system, spoiler, leather, heated seats, sunroof... The whole package and I love it, its very powerful and the air and heat works perfect, I would definitely recommend someone to purchase a altima

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  Hats off to the Nissan Titan - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By Brian Yoder - June 23 - 2:36 pm

  This truck is unbelievable! The power, looks, handling, interior, exterior, chrome, and the stereo rocks. I test drove all other makes and models, and none came close to the Titan. I recommend the Titan if you are looking for a large truck. The price and the quality you get makes it even more appealing. I suggest black with chrome wheels, and chrome step sides.

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  Now this is a truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Eddie - June 23 - 12:43 pm

  This is one of the best trucks i have owned.The power is awesome you can realy feel the torque it puts out. Steering is tight handles like a dream and stops on a dime.Seats are comfy with great support.Stereo is the only bad thing in the Frontier.New Hu fixed that.

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  Titanic Titan - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By JJ ARRIOLA - June 22 - 1:46 pm

  This truck is awesome. Crisp and responsive handling. The engine has some serious factory juice. This is not a toy...The interior is very ergonomic and just makes sense. I would say that the only missing touch would be rear quarter windows that lower ala F-150.

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  my baby - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By rachial - June 22 - 9:43 am

  die hard toyota fan...wanted a camry, too much money! I love my altima. there is nothing i would change about my car. great ride comfortable, stylish, great gas milage, and very dependable. looking forward to the next five years! MAYBE MORE

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  Love my Altima - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By sam - June 22 - 2:13 am

  Here in Canada the model is an SL. This car has outstanding fuel economy, I recently achieved 42mpg (imp. gal.)to and from work. This weekend we traveled through the Laurentian mountains and got 38mpg. This car is way better than a Camry and its lousy shifting transmission, fit and finish the Altima beats it hands down. Anyone shopping for a midsize should put this car on the list, youll be pleasantly surprised.

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  commuter car - 2015 Nissan Leaf
  By EddieInUtah - June 21 - 11:35 pm

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  Best crewcab on the market - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Texas Truck - June 20 - 9:53 pm

  I have owned Ford, Dodge, and Chevrolet and the Nissan Titan is by far the best overall crewcab I have purchased. Great power and acceleration, easily pulls my travel trailer (6500 lbs) and handles well on the highway. The large interior is great for the family on long trips. Only issue is a high-pitched whine from the engine, noticed only after taking the truck to a discount oil change facility, though no problems noticed. Bought it because I liked the look, power, and functionality. Also, I was sick of the pompous jerks at the domestic dealerships who act as if I should be lucky to be in their showroom.