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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  A blast! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Mark Mayes - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Loved the abdundance of thrust and power throughout the rev range. The engine was sweet. The torque steer was kind of scarey though especially when the roads were damp and one had to tred lightly as a result. The manual stick was vague and made rowing the gearbox somewhat a chore and I had trouble making smooth changes .The build quality was chintzy and cheap especially the interior with the manual boot and cup holder needing replacement before 8000miles. At 9000miles the clutch gave out and needed replacement.

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  Excellent third-time buyer. - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By fred - May 2 - 10:00 am

  My 3rd Altima and am devoted. Has power like nothing before. Very comfortable to drive.

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  nissan altima 2003 - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By lisa1972 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  i love this car, i have a 5 speed manual and i have only had the car since march 2003 and the leather in the stick shift got a tear in it, besides that i am happy with it. can you suggest how to get it fixed?

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  traded my lexus gs300 - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Raven - May 2 - 3:06 am

  it was time to trade and i was tired of paying all the money out for gas, so my wife already owns a 06 nissan quest,and loves driving it more than my lexus, so i went to check out the new sentra and was blown away by it compared to the 06 model. i have clocked 38 miles to gallon at 65 miles an hour--but to 75 and got around 34-love it.

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  I love nissans - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By 05thumpinpathy - May 2 - 1:46 am

  i actually have not one bad thing to say about this truck...i have owned it since march of 05 and havent had one prob. yet i have gotten nothing but compliments on it and continue to get them daily...i wouldnt drive anything else after owning a nissan...i have done so much modifications to it and the sound system was also upgraded...very easily may i add... but the stock bose system is def. a fav...

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  Great SUV with minor issues - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By towens - May 2 - 12:10 am

  Traded in an 08 Toyota Rav4 and we only had it for 2 days but my wife and I are very pleased with it. The leather, xm radio, ride, performance and handling are great. The optional navigation is cool and hides easily. There is a few items that well have to get used to such as no automatic headlights, accessories dont automatically shut off when you turn the vehicle off, unusual placement of the tire jack. We also noticed that the trip computer is faded and will need to be returned for a replacement.

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  Not Recommended - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By mjf - May 2 - 12:03 am

  Bought this vehicle in November of 2009 to replace a Mazda 3. We were looking for something bigger. We got bigger, but not better. Not impressed with the interior. The air vents are horrible. They dont blow where you want them to and not much air comes out of them. The amber interior lighting is not impressive. Really old fashioned. The alternator just went out at 44,000 miles. Had to get that replaced. Not happy about that. Have to use premium gas or car shakes. Not happy about that. Premium gas is expensive, plus the tank size is massive, and it drinks gas. We should have kept our Mazda 3. Regret the decision to get a Nissan maxima. Probably wont ever buy a Nissan again.

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  this car is 5 stars - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By senojdr2 - May 1 - 3:50 pm

  For the price this car wont be equaled, any time soon. I have tested mileage, and got 32.5 city, 33.5 with both. I am sure of even higher mileage on highway. Any one looking for great quality comfort ride wont be disappointed! The sedan I now drive is the overall best car I have ever owned. I am 75, and have seen my share of cars. Try and buy.

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  Love my Murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By H Smith - May 1 - 3:43 pm

  Dynomite vehicle. Refined like the high- priced German Brands. Great long distance cruser. No regrets.

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  Joy To Drive and Own 4Cyl Drives Like V6 - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Jason - May 1 - 3:10 pm

  I have now owned this vehicle for approximately 1 year and my experience has been fully satisfactory. I cannot think of a better sedan that offers this much power, style, great handling - all at a reasonable price! ENGINE: This vehicle handles like a V6 sedan, but uses gas like a 4CYL. It still surprises me that this 4CYL CVT engine can produce 175HP with powerful torque, and gets about 27MPG combined city highway driving - translates to about 530 miles to 20GAL tank (600MI all highway). HANDLING: When taking tight curves on the road, I have no fear to take them even faster, as the steering is responsive and accurate. >>> Extremely happy with my first purchase of any car! Highly recommended.