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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  Sandras Altima - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Sandra - December 26 - 12:06 pm

  Before I saw the 2008 Altima, my mind was set on a Camry, but after seeing and reading about the Altima, my mind changed. I had to have an Altima. I look forward to driving it each day. I love the keyless entry, keyless start and the CVT transmission. No digging in my purse for the key!! I have so much fun driving it.The gas mileage is awesome. Bottom line, I love my Altima!

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  I love my Altima - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By tulip23 - December 26 - 1:43 am

  It was time for me to get a new car and I could not be happier that I chose to get an Altima! I also considered a Mazda3, the new Honda CRV and the Camry and Accord. The Altima was the perfect combination for me. It is a roomy car with great amenities, but also has styling that I like. It looks a little sportier than some of the competitors.

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  WOW! Great car for the money - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Dero210 - December 25 - 8:23 pm

  Well, I traded my 05 GTO for the keys of an 07 Nissan Altima due to a baby on the way and all I can say is WOW. The interior is very roomy with a lot of head and leg room and a great amount of places to stash your extra belongings (wallet, mp3, cell phone). Even though the power is not comparable to a 6.0L v8 GTO, it was way more then I ever expected from a 3.5L V6. My first vehicle was an old Maxima and Nissan really makes some reliable cars. Combine that with some nice interior and head turning stlye and you have one great car.

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  I will never own anything but a Maxima! - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By My Buttercup - December 25 - 5:36 am

  Her name is Buttercup and she can pass anyone. My Maxima was given to me by my son in 03. She had 93,000 miles on her when I got her. Since then she has reliably gotten me up and down the East coast and to jobs no less than 50 miles round trip. The only thing I have had to do for my Maxima is battery, tires, starter, and oil change, I hit a deer with this car but this cars reliability, handling, and of course my driving, prevented a catastrophe. Whenever she needs something, she tells me, and as long as I listen, were both OK. After 30 years of driving, I will never own another car! Theres nothing better!

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  Love this truck - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Chris - December 25 - 12:20 am

  This is my third Nissan. This is the best truck ever. Gas mileage is not that great, (but wait). I started with Halvoline 10w 30 oil and was getting about 13 mpg around town. My first oil change I went to Valvoline 10w 30 DuraBlend and now I am getting 16.9 mpg city and about 18 mpgs on the intersate. I would have never believed this, but I tried it and it works.

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  Search Is Over - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By RogueBeliever - December 24 - 3:33 am

  Got the Gotham Gray with the premium package, splash guard, carpet. Love the ride, great brakes, comfortable seats and sounds! it definitely rocks. Paddle shifter is pretty cool too, adds zest to your driving. showed it to a couple of friends and thought it was an Infinity suv. They also loved the interior quality... luxurious at its class. Really happy with this purchase!

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  i have owned 3, let me be the judge! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By reaperhooks - December 23 - 10:51 pm

  i just bought my 3rd Ser spec v today. and there is a reason i have owned 2 spec vs prior to this and the reason is simple, the cars are amazing for the cost. i know you will read alot of bad reviews here and a bunch of fake hype but you cant find another car to out perform or outlast a Spec v for 4000$-5000$ period. unless you wanna risk buying a lemon. i owned a 2002 spec v, a 2005 spec v and now just bought a 2003 spec v and have NEVER had any issues aside from the fuel pump Recall they had which was FREE. best car for the price and a great car to start learning how to tune on, super easy to find your way around the engine. change the oil and tires and itll last you 250k miles NP

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  The perfect mix - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Cesar - December 23 - 7:33 pm

  We bought the 2008 Pathfinder having in mind we travel to Mexico at least once a year and we needed a vehicle reliable on seriously hard roads. This one didnt disappoint. Its off road ability its outstanding. Plenty of power for anybody and decent fuel economy. On the city, it delivers a quiet and smooth drive. With nearly 16000 miles on it, I havent had the so much mentioned rough down shift issue other users reported. For me, its the perfect mix.

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  Great Car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Vincent Giannotti - December 23 - 7:26 pm

  I own a 2003 Nissan Maxima SE with the Titanium Package which I purchased new in April 2003. It currently has 65,000 miles and is still solid as a rock. The VQ35 3.5L V6 is amazing - great power and torque. Ive added the following: custom grille, Viper remote start system and Injen cold air intake. I plan to add hi-flow exhaust and upgrade to 18" wheels. It has never been back to the dealership even once for any problems. I also own three American cars, including a Cadillac, but none of them can match the quality of the Maxima. I wouldnt part with it for anything!

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  Nissan Maxima SE - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By white98se - December 23 - 11:00 am

  Very functional, roomy performance sedan. Good road manners on freeway or windy country roads. SE suspension gives road feel without the rough sports car ride. Dependable never fails to start. Easily "modable" for the enthusist that wishes to squeeze a few more horses from the very well built 3.0L V6 Fine for 4 adults. 3 small kids will fit in the back if they get along ... Ample trunk room. A joy to drive on the daily commute or sunday run through the country.