History
Nissan merged with Prince Motor Company, a union that helped the manufacturer build luxury vehicles in the 1960s. Nissan began offering its first vehicle designed for the US market, the Datsun 510 Sedan. Datsun had exported more than one million vehicles by the end of the decade. Datsun's 240Z sports car became a huge hit in 1970s. Powered by an in-line six-cylinder engine, the Datsun's 240Z offered style and performance at an affordable price. By the end of 1970s, Nissan's vehicle exports exceeded the 10-million mark. In 1981, Nissan dropped the Datsun name and began selling vehicles under the Nissan name throughout the world. Nissan also brought its production to America by constructing a Tennessee-based plant. The early '90s saw Nissan rolling out fun-to-drive sedans, such as the Maxima, 300ZX and Sentra. A 1999 alliance with French automaker Renault helped to shore up the company's finances. Nissan redesigned Sentra and Altima and introduced new models, such as the Titan and Armada. Today, Nissan has more than 1,100 dealerships across the United States.

Expansion
Established and headquartered in Japan, Nissan is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world. Nissan is also one among the top three Asian rivals of the big three car brands in the US. Its extensive lineup of quality vehicles includes sporty coupes, sedans, minivans, SUVs and trucks. Nissan was launched in 1933 as the Jidosha Seico Co., Ltd. The following year, it merged with another Japanese automaker and the new company was named Nissan Motor Company, Ltd. In the beginning, Nissan marketed its vehicles under the Datsun brand. The first Datsun vehicles were built in 1934. After World War II, Nissan entered into a partnership with the UK-based Austin Motor Co. and established its presence in the United States. The Datsun cars entered America in 1958.

Models

2009 Nissan Versa
The 2009 Nissan Versa is available in four-door five-passenger hatchback and sedan body styles offering a good fuel economy, roomy interior with an adult-friendly backseat, comfortable ride and soft-touch interior surfaces.
2009 Nissan Altima
The 2009 Nissan Altima, five-passenger mid-size family sedan or coupe, blends the contemporary styling, athletic driving manners and a cozy cabin. The base models, for 2009, get a few more standard features like power mirrors and a trip computer. Dual-zone climate control with rear vents and a sun roof are optional features.
2009 Nissan Maxima
A high-quality, well-stocked entry-level mid-size luxury sedan available in S and SV trim levels, the Nissan Maxima has been completely redesigned for 2009. It offers luxury, performance and plenty of space.
2009 Nissan Rogue
The 2009 Nissan Rogue is a comfortable, convenient and fun-to-drive compact crossover SUV available in two trims (S and SL) with either front- or all-wheel drive. The SL trim gets some new optional features like speed-sensing door locks and a fold-down front passenger seat.
2009 Nissan Murano
The Nissan Murano is fully redesigned with evolutionary styling changes, upgraded cabin and key mechanical refinements for 2009. A a five-passenger midsize crossover SUV, the 2009 Nissan Murano comes in three trim levels: S, SL and LE with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive.
2009 Nissan Armada
The 2009 Nissan Armada is a large SUV offered in SE and LE trim levels with standard eight-passenger seating capacity. The LE trim gets heated front seats, Bluetooth connectivity and power-folding/auto-dimming outside mirrors as standard equipment.