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Nissan as a company began trading way back in the 1930s, as a spin-off of Japanese company Tobata Casting - its automobile parts division - and the Nissan name was used from those early beginnings. The company grew from these modest roots to become one of the 50 largest international corporations and the third largest in Japan. Nissan's vehicles are now instantly recognised worldwide, their success having been propelled by the intelligence of individual designs coupled with Nissan's understanding of its markets.

Nissan believe their customers should buy their cars because their style and functionality reflect who they are as individuals, and they firmly believe they have a model to suit everyone. With this in mind they have targeted niches for generations, creating some of the most versatile and meticulously designed cars on our roads. As we delve into their extensive portfolio, we can appreciate those subtle ways in which Nissan have catered for us, whether it be by mixing concepts like sporting flair with versatility, or inventing clever ergonomics, or somehow managing to pack space for four children and a dog into what looks no larger than a family saloon.

Datsun Z cars
Up until 1986, Nissan sold a selection of their vehicles under the Datsun name, and there are still a few of those old Datsun classics to be found today on the second hand market, including the classic Datsun Z cars which rose to prominence in the 1970s. The range began with the 240Z, on to the 260Z, the 280Z and the 300Z up to the current 350Z, a sports car with truly breathtaking aerodynamics, reincarnated from the legendary early classic 240z. This really is a car Nissan sportscar enthusiasts have been waiting for since the 1990s; a car that turns heads and generates smiles, not just from those who see and hear it go by, but especially those in the driving seat.

If you're in the market for a used Nissan, chances are you may have owned one before, perhaps even learned to drive in one. Alternatively you may have heard what great value they are on the second hand market. Whatever the reason, you certainly have a wide choice on offer in every category, and with the recent budget announcement that cars registered before 2001 are not taxed on Co2 emissions, right now might be a great time to invest in an older car, especially if a large engine size is at the top of your priorities.

Sunny
Take the Nissan Sunny for instance: originally produced under the Datsun name, it was one of the products that gained Nissan a real foothold in the UK. Never designed to blow you away with stunning looks or avant-garde technology, the Sunny was simply a good honest no-frills car, but there is a lot to be said for getting from A to B comfortably, safely and reliably. The models introduced in 1991, with their multi-valve engines, were a distinct improvement on the previous releases. They score high on manouvrability, are easy to park with their ultra-light steering, and consumption is around 40
miles per gallon, making these no-nonsense classics not only value for money but economical too.

Almera
The Sunny was replaced by the Almera in 1995. Conservative in its styling, like the Sunny it was never designed with great looks in mind, but beneath its modest exterior there was a solid, first-class chassis guaranteeing the well-established Nissan ability to deliver in terms of performance and precise road holding. Its comfortable interior is well equipped and spacious, particularly in the earlier pre-2000 models, with some ingenious little storage ideas to make it extra versatile. The newer version released in 2003 introduced some great new features including new engines and improved suspension, as well as a revamped interior, brought up to date using superior quality materials. The latest Almeras were built at Nissan's new UK based manufacturing facility in Sunderland which opened in 1986 with production of the classic Bluebird, and which is one of the most modern car manufacturing sites in Europe.

Micra
The Micra - the first Japanese car to win the prestigious European Car of the Year award - was another one of the first models to be launched in Sunderland in the early 1990s and its manufacture continues today. This agile little hatchback became an overnight and lasting success, as a practical, reliable, nifty supermini that is easy and fun to drive, and economical to run. It's a well-equipped model with lots of clever storage ideas designed to make life easier en route. There are certainly a lot of Micras around on the second hand market so buyers can afford to be choosy about condition and price, and the fact that they hold their value so well pitches the Micra among the best value used cars you can buy today.

Qashquai
One model that Nissan has certainly given us something to think about recently is their new Qashquai, built to replace the Almera hatchback. Another winning product from the Sunderland team, it is the first model to have been entirely designed, developed and manufactured in the UK, so you can be sure with a Qashquai that you are investing in the best of British yet still being able to trust in that unbeatable Japanese reliability. Named after a tribe of Iranian mountain nomads, the Qashquai is a versatile blend of concepts - it is difficult to decide whether it is in fact a four-wheel drive, a sports utlity vehicle, or a
stylish - albeit large - family hatchback. But the Qashquai certainly delivers in terms of performance and versatility. As for off-road abilities, it was not conceived with cross country antics in mind, but its abilities in this area are greatly enhanced if it has been optioned with the unique four-wheel-drive system that Nissan call 'All-Mode'.

The 4x4s
With 50 years experience in the 4x4 market, Nissan's ability to create top off-roaders is certainly not to be underrated. Not only that, Nissan has gained their strong reputation for the strength, ability and reliability of their 4x4s to handle the toughest terrain in some of the harshest environments in the world. The legendary reliability is carried through in the latest models - The Navarra, the Pathfinder and the Patrol; workhorses that can take all the punishment the average driver is ever likely to dish out, and still come back laughing. Take the Patrol's worldwide reputation for performance - it has certainly proved its muscle in the many triumphs it has celebrated at the punishing Dakar rally, thanks to its impressive power and spirit of
adventure. The Patrol has proven itself so well over the years that it is even the UN's vehicle of choice for the third world.

With triumphs at the Dakar rally, Car of the year Awards galore and its V6 engines being listed on "Ward's 10 Best Engines" for 12 consecutive years, there is no ground for doubting the performance and reliability of a Nissan. Although never famed for their stunning exteriors, these cars are solid and will give you make excellent driving companions for years to come. When we also take into account their excellent NCAP safety scores, choosing a Nissan turns out to be a decision made with the head, but with dash of the heart thrown in for free. And with so many models in the range, perhaps it's time to find out what Nissan can do for you.