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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  Glad I bought it - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By shelbydog9 - August 27 - 11:39 am

  I bought my 2009 Nissan Altima new. I was looking for a new car and went to a local car show, where they had many cars of the type I was looking for (sedans). I’m 6’5” tall, my first concern was whether I fit or not. Either not enough head room or not enough leg room eliminated 90% of the cars. Price range, basic features, comfort narrowed it down to this car. I chose the bigger engine for more control and better handling. I have almost 60,000 miles on it now and I still love the car. I did have a problem with the front windshield cracking within the first month; they replaced it without any problem. This car has been well worth my investment.

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  STAY AWAY FORM THIS VEHICLE - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By sunflowergrl - August 27 - 10:00 am

  I have filed a BBB suit against Nissan, that is how many problems I have had with this vehicle. In the garage more than on the road. Maybe it will be better when they get all the bugs worked out, but I got stuck with a Lemon that they dont want back!!!!

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  Beware - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By williampaul45 - August 27 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the vehicle after driving the SL. The handling is totally different on the SE. Its been in the shop 3 times as you brakes pull to the left. It had the basic radio which has a real tinney sound to it. I think thetires ( goodyears) were not designed for the car.having an Ols Intriguefor 5 years with the same tires the Olds handled much better. In a corner it the front ends leans into it making the car handle very funny.

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  Ill ready to SELL... - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Tommie J - August 27 - 10:00 am

  ...my BRAND NEW Altima w/ the power and BOSE package. It was a mistake saving a few dollars. I should of bought a Toyota Camry, like I wanted originally. The body lines of the Altima is nicer, in my opinion. Thats about it! After about 3 weeks, Im sick of this Altima! NO power seat for the passenger seat. Camry has power seat for the passenger. Dail controls are out of date. The horn sound on the keyless entry system reminds me of Cheap domestic cars! Engine sounds kinda loud when you step on the accelerator. The BOSE audio system on my Altima has the worst sound that Ive ever listen too on a car audio system. The window fogs, if you dont have the AC on.

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  Better and Better - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By Marty - August 27 - 9:56 am

  Just traded in our 04 Quest SL for an 07 Quest SL. Our 04 had 34,000 miles on it and never once had to be returned to the dealership, other than for routine maint. Weve only had the 07 for a week so there isnt a lot about reliabilty to report yet, We are most impressed with the power/smoothness of the 3.5L engine and 5 speed auto transmission. This 07 seems even more refined than the 04 in fit/finish. We were glad to see the addition of left side sliding door and traditional location for speedometer over steering wheel.

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  Bad CVT Transmission - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By neddnee - August 26 - 11:14 pm

  Unfortunately, my 2010 Rogue has begun to give me problems when driving up hill. I lose power and the car does not accelerate even when I have my pedal to the floor. The local Nissan dealership had my car all day and their conclusion for my problem was that the cars safety mechanism turns on so the transmission wont overheat. Well I guess thats fine except for when Im driving in 75-80 mph traffic and my car suddenly loses power. Thats not really safe. I really hope that this problem is resolved and these cars are recalled.

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  Love. - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By DebZ - August 26 - 8:13 pm

  Dont even think about driving it if you arent planning to buy it. Because once you drive it...youll fall in love. Its so quick, sleek, and sexy I knew we have to buy it. Weve had no problems in our first year of ownership, only pure joy and admiration for such a beautiful machine. My husband and I are both 6 tall and are comfortable as can be. If youre interested in hauling a bunch of stuff around, this car is not for you, but I take it weekly to get groceries and its perfect. We did store it over the winter as it doesnt do well on Snow, but it handles like a champ in rain. Its a sportscar, so dont expect a sedan ride...its low to the ground and bumpy. But...worth it!

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  looks - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By ed - August 26 - 7:03 am

  i enjoy it so far fun to drive and people love its looks

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  Above average - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Steve J - August 25 - 11:10 pm

  I looked for a year for a car I could fit in at 65", 225 pounds and with my limited budget. In the end, flipped a coin and went with resale value. Not nearly as much fun to drive as my 99 Accent, but its nice to sit high so I dont have to change lanes for every truck that comes by. Top heavy car, tons of interior space, crappy speakers, looks cute, good color, good price. Havent gotten used to the 6 speed yet, I have to shift down to third or fourth on all the corners, sluggish first year.

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  I love my Altima 3.5 - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By clarkd - August 25 - 3:06 pm

  I have put 3,700 miles on my car in 2 months. I enjoy the CVT but I love the power of the 3.5 (270hp). You accelerate so fast you are speeding before you know it. The ride is a little rough but the steering is very precise and I love the sport tuned suspension. From the paint job to the dual tray center console, this car is first class.