| Versa ▷ | from $11,990 |
| Sentra ▷ | from $15,990 |
| cube ▷ | from $16,900 |
| Juke ▷ | from $19,170 |
| Rogue Select ▷ | from $20,040 |
| Altima ▷ | from $22,170 |
| Rogue ▷ | from $22,790 |
| Xterra ▷ | from $23,390 |
| Quest ▷ | from $26,220 |
| Murano ▷ | from $28,530 |
| Pathfinder ▷ | from $29,110 |
| 370Z ▷ | from $29,990 |
| Maxima ▷ | from $31,290 |
| NV Passenger ▷ | from $32,320 |
| Armada ▷ | from $37,590 |
| GT-R ▷ | from $101,770 |
Nissan began as the Kwaishinsha Motor Car Works in 1911. The first car they produced was an acronym of the investors’ family names: DAT. Eventually, they used this as their business name, adding “son” (Datson) when they produced a smaller car.
In 1928, Yoshisuke Aikawa created a holding company named Nihon Sangyo (or Nissan). One of its holdings was Tobata Casting. By 1933, DAT merged with Tobata Casting, and Nissan renamed it, “Nissan Motor Company.” Then, Nissan Motor licensed Austen Sevens automobiles and began to build them. This was one of many alliances Nissan formed with other car manufacturers, such as Ford (1989-1992), Volkswagon (1984-1990), Alfa Romeo (1983-1987), GM (various since 1989), and Renault (since 1999).
In 1958, Nissan entered American markets. The 1959 Bluebird became one of the most popular cars Nissan offered. Nissan merged with the Prince Motor Company in 1966. By the 70s, Nissan shifted its focus to the sportier Z-line. Nissan developed its luxury brand – Infiniti – in the 80s. In the 90s, the Sentra and Altima were Nissan’s most successful models. Currently, Nissan has merged under Renault.
Nissan ranks fourteenth in overall brand perception, but it is improving. The most successful cars are their Altima, Sentra, and Maxima. Some other popular models are the Juke, Rogue, Versa, Cube, Leaf (all-electric), 370Z, Quest (minivan), and Murano (SUV).
Although Nissan is a Japanese brand, they have traditionally focused on the V6 market creating both compact and mid-sized, luxury cars. They, however, recently became forerunners in the crossover market and, with the introduction of the Leaf, entered the all-electric car market.
Renault’s CEO is the head of Nissan with a mixed 5-person Board of Directors. Beneath them are twenty vice-presidents, managing officers, and managing directors, including those in charge of regional units such as the one for North America.
In 2013, Nissan increased its global industry volume by 5.6%. Their total market share was 6.2%. They sold 1.3 million units in the United Sates and increased their U.S. market share to 8.2%
Last updated in May 2014. All prices were taken from the manufacturer's website. They're typically suggested retail prices (MSRPs) excluding tax, delivery, title, registration, license, dealer fees and optional equipment.
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