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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  No Problems - Reliable - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By J Goodwin - March 15 - 12:03 pm

  Bought in spring 06 with 30K miles. I shortly thereafter had to change the intake manifold gasket, but then have had no problems at all. Ive since doubled the miles, and it still runs great. Nice car. Ive had no braking problems w/o anti-lock. Maybe they should slow down. Good deal for a good car.

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  WOW! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By JD - March 13 - 10:43 pm

  Nissan really stepped up to the plate and hit a home run. This car is awesome! Why buy a fifty grand euro car when you get more for your buck with this beauty. I almost bought a M35X. The Maxima was good enough for me to reconsider the extra 12 grand I would have spent.

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  Simply the Best Car in its Class - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Mr. + Mrs. Smith - March 13 - 9:53 pm

  The Altima 3.5 SE coupe is simply the best car in every aspect. the build quality,the many well thought out features,its performance, smooth ride, awesome handling,looks and especially the great value really make this car an easy choice. Nissan thought of everything in designing and building this fantastic car. The engine has been rated as one of the top ten engines in the world for the past 14 years ! The CVT automatic transmission is regarded as the best transmission in the Auto industry. A warning to Honda + Toyota: you had better step up your game and quit relying on your reputation because you getting left far behind!

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  Fun economical compact pickup - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Rob Dollen - March 11 - 10:00 am

  There is a fair amount of power in this 4 cylinder.

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  best car - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By MikeWiser2 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  built well. very few repairs if any. comfortable. hugs the road. smooth drive. pretty. presentable. roomy.

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  Nissan Pathfinder - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Russ0887 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Great all-around vehicle! Love to drive it!

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  Love this SUV - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By cmontoya - March 11 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is tight. This truck does not lack power even though its a 4 cylinder. Its geared for low end power so its not too much fun in stop & go but Ive proven it can climb hills with ease. Excellent control in snow without 4x4 also. I was already rear ended and slambed into the car infront of me. The car behind went under and only damaged the bumper. This truck is SAFE! I owned a Nissan truck before this with the same 2.4 motor for 12 years. 198,000 miles and it was a performer with no problems. Sold it to a friend and he loves it.

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  3500 mile review - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By clbisbee - March 11 - 10:00 am

  After 3500 miles the Murano is still fun to drive. Great for long trips up 101. Environmental controls are the best, sound system is good and ride is very quiet. Still draws stares from strangers and 9 out of 10 think it looks great.

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  Unbelievable - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By johnny6 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  This car is spectacular, so far. Although, I have only had this car for one day, I would venture to say that I am in for a fun few years of driving. The torque steer is a bit to get used to, but seriously we are talking about a car that has 245 horse power and 246 foot pounds of torque. This car is an fing monster. Every nissan I have ever owned or driven has been high quality and this car is no exception. Highly recommended !

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  Not the Altima, at all!!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Chad in Atl - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Its funny to read reviews about "the Maxima is just an expensive Altima." These reviews are obviously done by those comparing based on the specs on the internet. I drove both today and there is a world of difference. The Altima is much like my 99 Maxima (just traded) with a little engine and amenities improvement. The Maxima is a stellar "near-luxury" vehicle that will compare more to BMW, Audi (6s), Lexus, etc. Much more attention to detail was paid to the Maxima on interior and exterior styling. It is truly shocking how much better this car is from any car I have ever owned. The power is phenominal! More than the 5.0 of my youth. (cont. below)