Nissan

Nissan has a reputation for producing high-quality, reliable vehicles, thanks to the company's commitment to craftsmanship. The automaker offers a diverse range of vehicles, including sporty coupes, family sedans, minivans, trucks, and SUVs.

Founded in 1933 as Jidosha Seico Co., Ltd, Nissan has a long history in the automotive industry. The company merged with another Japanese manufacturer in 1934 to become Nissan Motor Company, Ltd. In the postwar years, Nissan established a presence worldwide, including partnerships with the U.K.-based Austin Motor Co. and expansion into the United States, where the first Datsuns arrived in 1958.

In the 1960s, Nissan merged with Prince Motor Company, resulting in the creation of more luxury-focused vehicles. The '70s saw Datsun rise to popularity with the release of the 240Z sports car, while the '80s saw the launch of Nismo and the construction of a plant in Georgia. In 1981, Nissan dropped the Datsun name and began selling vehicles worldwide under the Nissan moniker.

The '90s were a mixed bag for Nissan, with some popular models like the 300ZX and Maxima, but other offerings that failed to capture the public's attention. The company's fortunes improved in the early 2000s, thanks in part to a partnership with Renault and the launch of new models like the Altima, 350Z, Armada, and Titan. Today, Nissan is known for producing a range of top-quality vehicles, including the Murano, GT-R, and Leaf.