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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  Beware the Catalytic Converter - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Anniee - May 27 - 6:36 am

  Originally car was great-looking and drove beautifully. Last year started to drive rough and didnt pass emissions. Had to pay $1200 to replace 4 valve cover gaskets. Was driving on major interstate at 60 MPH in the fast lane and the car suddenly stopped dead. Scariest moment of my life. The dealer is saying pay $1300 for catalytic converter. This apparently a HUGE problem with Nissan Altimas. Get yours checked before the 8 yr. 80,000 mandatory replacement expires, because Nissan wont replace if you are at 80,001. Disappointing at best and no longer have confidence in car.

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  Loaded 3.5 SE coupe - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Loaded 3.5 SE coupe - May 26 - 5:13 pm

  This is a great car. I enjoy driving it very much. I have owned many nissan models for the past 20 years and I was an employee for nissan for a short time. I love the car a lot however I find the interior material fit and finish chip quality. There are some annoying clicking sound comes from? Dashboard area where windshield meets the dashbord. Also time to time I hear cracking sound from the sunroof which is extremely annoying. The headliner on the back has came off a bit and looks like crap.

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  One of my favorite cars - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By R. Friedman - May 26 - 12:21 pm

  I purchased it used in 2005 for a decent price with relatively low mileage and all the bells and whistles. I drove it for 10 years with very little mechanical issues, including no issues with the coils that others have written about. I kept up the normal maintenance, used premium gasoline, and made sure to get regular oil changes. I really loved this car, I loved driving it, and was not looking forward to letting it go, but by 10/27/15 I was starting to think of getting a new vehicle as I was getting older and getting in and out of the car was getting more difficult, and putting 42 pound bags of cat litter in and out of the trunk was also becoming taxing. However, some moron in a Dodge Ram Truck took the name of his vehicle too literally, and t-boned my Maxi, totalling her out. Sad end to a very reliable and fun car that I was looking forward to passing on to someone who needed a car.

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  Neat Van - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By nubbinator - May 26 - 2:00 am

  This is a neat looking van. Lots of the "new extras" that families need. Only major complaint is that the fan for heating and AC is LOUD. Drives smooth, acceleration and power are sufficient. Center console takes some getting used to but I prefer it now over a traditional console.

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  Much better built than my 02 Ford F 150. - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By mike22 - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Awesome power and towing capability. It just seems like it is built better than my 2002 Ford F 150. I really like the 6 disc changer. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  pumpkin eater - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Pumpkin eater - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Have 19 inch wheels, The car is very noisy. Otherwise I love to drive it. I have 1300 miles on it and it is breaking in very nice. It burns out and really moves. Top speed is 82 so far, when I get 1500 I will open it up. There are no arm rests and I could use them. Seat is Okay, but could be better. Headlights are great. Im 69 and need them. Dont care for all the brake dust, the wheels are always dirty

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  Sweet Car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Snagles - May 26 - 2:00 am

  I had this car since the begin of last year and i found that this car is vary good. i would recommand this car to anyone that has money and would take my advise.

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  So far, so good! - 2012 Nissan Leaf
  By early_adopter - May 25 - 8:37 pm

  I just purchased a used, 2011 SL Leaf. Such a bargain; theyve taken a huge hit in depreciation so I was able to get one with only 4,900 miles for around $18,500. [non-permissible content removed]

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  Awesome Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By yam - May 25 - 6:00 pm

  I bought the car with 11mi on it and over a 3 day period put 200mi on it, i love the way it handles,and the hp and pick up for a 4 cyc. is awesome,i have a 02 mazda p5 but this car is just fun to drive everyday.Love the styling and convience in it. and the gas mileage is awesome too....24 in city and i have not yet seen how much i can get on highway...

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  Great Truck - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By edmercedes - May 25 - 3:10 pm

  Love the space, great improvement from the 04 ride, not as bumpy, a more plush drive. Still drives like an SUV but does not rattle as much as the earlier models. Great improvements on the panels and quality of materials. Being a previous owner of the 04 and 05 models I can assure you this is a great improvement. Love the ride. Love my truck!