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 it! - 2007 Nissan Pathfinder
  By pbyeerts - June 19 - 4:56 pm

  Ive had my 07 Pathfinder for a week and already been on a 500 mile vacation with it. Great ride and good gas mileage for a vehicle this heavy and powerful. My favorite thing: this super rough and tough SUV drives very smooth, like a high quality sedan, no rough edges. Acceleration is super smooth and the ride is a dream. I feel great sitting high above everyone else, and am safe and snug with wraparound air bags. Pathfinder has some of the best safety measures in the auto industry. I also love turning between 2WD and 4WD to save on gas.

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  Great family sports car - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Keith - June 19 - 1:10 pm

  I was looking for a sporty car to as my personal driver. I wanted manual transmission and power. This car does not disappoint. It looks good, rides great, and fun to shift. Leather and heated seats come in hand in the Chicagoland area. I am not thinking of buying another Nissan for the family vehicle

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  Nissen Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By BJBabs - June 19 - 10:00 am

  This is the first time that I have bought a Nissen, but now that i have one i will contuine to. The Quest is easy to drive, handles the corners much better than the Windstar that i had, the pick up is more like a suv than a minivan. I love the interior.

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  Good drive - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By THP - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Prior to purchasing a Murano, I drove a Nissan Maxima, which I like for its sportiness. The Murano is smooth and sporty just like its Maxima/Altima crossover. If you like the Maxima/Altima feel but want something safer / bigger, this is the vehicle to own.

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  New to Nissan - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Randbo - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Weve had this car for two days and love it.

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  awesome ride!! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By stuckgeetar - June 19 - 10:00 am

  The car is great, all i have to say!!

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  2003 Nissan 350Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By jwlangky19 - June 19 - 10:00 am

  The car is amazing to drive and even better for a long road trip!

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  Overall...great car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By EdMan - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I always said that I would NEVER buy a new car. Ive looked at many other new cars just for the sake of looking but I HAD to have this one. I considered a used one but with the revamped interior and only a 2000 price difference I decided to get the new one. Of course I dont get to drive it much, its the wifes car :-) Cant really rate reliability considering it has 54 miles on it today.

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  Awesome 2005 Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By mntryswed - June 19 - 10:00 am

  NOthing has taken my breath away, every morning since purchasing my Altima, I get excited to get in and just turn t on.The Interior is comfortable and well appointed, me being 64 I glide easily in and out of the car and there is plenty of leg room for me but as well as a passenger behind me. The Altima is quick to respond on the on ramp of the freeway and glides smoothly by onlookers due to its sleek design. The is roadnoise but not alot, the radio makes up for it all and the dash board is very easy to figure out and all the controls are a fingers length away from the wheel.The Altima gets great reviews from this ex loyal Honda Owner.

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  Awesome Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By imani8610 - June 19 - 10:00 am

  This is just an awesome car, without the awesome car price.