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:

• 

  My New Altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Vannora Kim - May 30 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the 2002 Altima 2.5L S with the automatic transmission. I was torn about whether or not to spend the extra $3,500.00 and get the 3.5L V6. I have to say that I am very pleased so far with the 4 cylinder. It is very quick and surprisingly powerful. The new body style looks more elegant and is a very welcome change to last years dull body style. The only thing I think that Nissan could have done was spice up the interior a litlle more, or maybe its just me? Overall for the one month that I have had it I am very satisfied. Im one who tends to keep their car until its ready for the junkyard. Hopefully, Ill still feel the same about it in 7 to 10 years.

• 

  pretty cool - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By mistoova - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Purchased car a week ago (Apr 2002). So far, its great. Nice pickup for a 2.5 4 cyl. Rides smooth. Great handling. Has a nice sporty look to it. Quiet ride. Plenty of leg room. I should have purchased the Bose sound system. The factory installed system isnt that great. Too bad I didnt think about tinted windows when I went to the dealer. Overall, I think its a great buy.

• 

  good car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By g3aio - May 30 - 4:13 am

  Just bought this nissan back in may, so far its on its 2nd motor, the cat has been replaced, its been good so far, havent had any major mechanical problems yet, but will since i drive car til their run into the ground.

• 

  SUPER MAXIMA - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Supamaxima - May 30 - 2:00 am

  If you want a car that can beat any other stock car at any stop light this is the one for you. It can do it with the most comfortable interior, five speed trans(optional) and a 190hp V6 that comes standard. The only shortcoming of this car towards the camry and accord is the suspension. Its a little stiff, but it makes that up in the turns. This huge thing can take any tight corner with ease, and as every street racer knows stiffer suspension means more grip in turns. Ive driven the carmy and accord, those boats have nothing , no power, no acceleration, no handling, just a luxirious interior that makes the car seem more than it really is.

• 

  Great Car - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Brian Judd - May 30 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Maxima, I sold the previous one with over 200000 miles, this one is almost there!

• 

  Best car for the money - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By BigC49 - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Great power, good ride, and lots of features for the money. The sound system is excelent, fuel economy is not bad for a car with 255 hp. It has everything that I could expect for the price.

• 

  Fourth and last new Nissan - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By PKB - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Engine pings most of the time, and sometimes feels sluggish. Dealers have been NO help in resolving these issues. All Nissan Corp is willing to do is say that they "understand my frustration." Early on, "drive by wire" throttle would abruptly shut off under full acceleration, dropping engine to idle at the worst time. Dealer was familiar with this problem and installed a new throttle stop. 6 months later, I got a recall notice for a "potentially dangerous" defect with the throttle. It took them 6 mo to notify owners of a dangerous fault! Cheap rear beam axle thumps loudly when crossing speedbumps. Windshield creaks in its frame. Bose stereo sounds muddy. Disappointing!

• 

  Molten Lava Supercharger - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Jarrod - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Smoother ride than I thought it would be. Best looking SUV in my opinion. Seats look cheap, but are sporty and very comfortable. Plenty of room and back seat passengers can finally see the road as well as the front passengers can see it. Supercharged power is impressive. I was taking it easy on the hwy and looked down and was surprisingly driving at 80 mph.

• 

  What A Find - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Jim Smallman - May 30 - 1:30 am

  I read the cons of the Nissan Murano and cannot beleive what they are saying about the lack of power. It ts more than sufficient.

• 

  My 2nd TITAN - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By reservoirdog - May 30 - 1:23 am

  I had a 2005, kingcab 2x2 xe. Traded for a 2006 LE 4X4. I love this truck also! Ive been a Nissan certified tech since 1989 now been with Infiniti for 9 yrs. I know Nissan. The Titan, for the money, cannot be beaten.