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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  Awesome - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By CgBlondie - February 14 - 10:00 am

  All around great car. Best car for the value to price ratio. It bothers me, and is the first time I ever purchase a Japanese car..previously owned American, and one German car. But, I am very happy with the purchase knowing that somehow, some American family made some money in this transaction.

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  Im in love with my Altima! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By NJ Girl - February 14 - 10:00 am

  When I sat in the showroom car I "assumed" I was in a Maxima (I was then driving a 95 Max)...my husband quickly informed me it was the Altima. I could not believe the roominess and the comfort of the interior. THEN we went for the test drive and I knew I was buying the showroom model that very day..and I did! I will never regret my decision. It is an absolutely fabulous car. Nissan has really outdone themselves with the 3.5 SR V6!

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  Like the Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Byranlady - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Very sharp looking car and good performance overall, would recommend as a good family car. Lots of room and large trunk area.

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  My brothers - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By rachel - February 14 - 8:43 am

  My brother is the one that owns the Nissan Titan. I was in texas one time when I wrecked my car (I live in Oklahoma) and I had no way how to get my husband and daughter back home. Then My brother said him and his wife could take us.All 5 of us in that truck, I thought it would be uncomfortable but it wasnt. It was QUITE comfortable!! I would recommend that truck to anyone!Since our car was totaled my husband bought a Nissan Titan and I LOVE it!!! And

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  Honda Accord Owner for 15 yrs. - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By wright1308 - February 14 - 8:43 am

  I have owned 5 Honda Accords over the last 15 years. I was about ready to buy another when I test drove the Altima. Immediately I could feel the difference. The Hondas are very smooth, reliaable and actually boring. I found the Altima fun to drive. I like the car more every day even though Ive only had it for a month. The leather seats seem more comfortable than the Accord and I like the home link. Hats off to Nissan for finally making a car that I feel is comparable and even better than my reliable, plain Hondas.

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  Transmission sudden death! - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By spirittwo - February 13 - 6:36 pm

  I bought a brand new 2009 cube, sl, 1.8 cvt, auto, with the intention of having a little fun and no maintenance headaches. At 15,000 miles, the transmission gives out! Coming out of a MiniCooper. Boy, do I miss the no hassles maintenance and service from Mini! The Cube is easy to drive, handles well, very roomy and comfortable, but I would not recommend it for its high-maintenance needs and this very major problem. Just unlucky? I dont know. Tried to search the web for others with similar problem, but found little info. Hmm.

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  performance - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Vickie Tubner - February 13 - 5:50 pm

  This has been a exceptional good car. I havent had any major problems and the vehicle has close to 120 thousands miles.

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  Maximum for this Maxima - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By Frank Moon - February 13 - 1:53 am

  I have been a repeat customer of MLady for about the last eight years or so for both mine and my wifes vehicles. Theyve always been fair and respectful in our negotiations and that certainly did not change last night. Very satisfied with our lease deal last evening with the Maxima Platinum edition. I came in to acquire the gun metallic SR midnight edition but ended up leaving with the Platinum edition listed for 2K more but for the same deal because they had just sold the SR midnight. The sales guys are awesome!

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  Greatest Car - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Rhonda - February 12 - 11:33 pm

  Not only does this car look great it is fun to drive. Plenty of get up and go. Has all the advantages of an SUV without the poor gas milage.

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  I love this car! - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By jt041196 - February 12 - 8:17 pm

  I got my license in August 2013 and I immediately began shopping for a used car, when I found this one for $4000 at a used car dealership with only 93,522 miles on it! I was sold! Since then Ive gotten it up to 95,993 miles and its been my mobile best friend since I purchased it, and Ive been lucky enough to jazz it up with new air fresheners, a New York Yankees license plate frame, sports decals and fun bumper stickers.