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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  Wonderful for what it is - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Rick - April 2 - 7:56 am

  This is a great car. Stylish enough so you wont be embarrassed to admit you drive one, but also practical, good on gas (Ive noticed a few complaints about the MPG here but I can attest its really good if your own driving habits are efficient) and reasonably priced! The cargo area is deceptively large and therefore perfect for roadtripping, and its fuel efficient enough for both roadtrips and commuting (and its comfortable too, which is good in those instances where youre sitting in dead-stopped traffic in it!). A 62" friend of mine called the backseat "roomy."

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  I like my little car - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By PlatinumGLE - April 2 - 3:30 am

  After having a 98 Chevy Malibu for 2 years (First car) and repairing it at least once a month.. This little Altima is a great little car. I bought it with 50k for a steal, it is a Titanium Pearl Metallic GLE with every option but ABS. It was meant to be my college car but now i am trying to get it paid off by next year since i am now a Honda employee and have discounts. I have read complaints about the braking in wet weather, when you have a vehicle w/o ABS what do you expect? Brakes lock up when you hit them... My car stops fine.. It handles great with 16" rims, looks great with clear tail lights and tinted windows.. If you are wanting a 01 Altima.. I say GO for it!

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  Cant wait to get rid of this nightmare! - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By doppelv - April 1 - 8:13 pm

  I purchased my 2005 Sentra SE back in 2008, and the best decision I made was to get an extended warranty. Things break on this car that just shouldnt for the age and miles. My head gasket went out at 38K, my motor mounts all went out at 82K. Ive had sensors randomly fail, causing the car to stall on the highway. Overall, Im at the point where Im just expecting it to break again at any time. If I could afford a new car, this thing would be gone in a heartbeat. Its a money pit, pure and simple, and the nightmare doesnt appear to be ending any time soon.

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  Sips gas and comfy ride - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Fran - April 1 - 7:10 pm

  I love this car! I had a 2001 Altima GLE and traded it in for the hybrid. Purchased 10 days ago and traveled almost 1500 miles traveling from NYC to North Carolina and back. I averaged 41 MPG at highway speeds of 60-70. Coming home we hit a tremendous amount of traffic on US 95 and in the bumper-to-bumper traffic the car averaged 47 MPG. Besides the great gas mileage, the car rides quiet and smooth. After driving over 500 miles in a day, I still say: I love this car!! I have the basic model with no frills and with the 2.9% financing and the $2,350 tax credit, the purchase was a no- brainer.

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  Youve gotta know! - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By Dad w/3 kids - April 1 - 12:03 pm

  Coming out of a Nissan minivan I wanted to stay high up, w/room for 3 younger kids.With 86k miles not one problem. What a great experience and no money out of pocket. Being a car salesman myself and now going to a Nissan SUV. I do recommend for a used vehicle buyer. The back seat is smaller but overall handles very well.

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  Good & Bad - 1996 Nissan Altima
  By QMAN - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I had this car since 97 and i had no problem with it for the first 3 years and then alterantor went out twice, battery died twice, radiator leak, odometer stopped working, horn stopped working, dash light does not work. Last time i am buying a Nissan.

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  Bring it on. - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By RedWings - April 1 - 10:00 am

  To think I was waiting for the 2004 supercharged Monte Carlo. Damn, Im glad I do things spur of the moment. This has to be one of the sweetest non-european sports cars out there. I know we cant compare to Lambo or Ferrari, but pretty much anything else is fair game, especially in the price range. I just need to find a winter car so I can make this puppy last.

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  Good, little car - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By MichaelK - April 1 - 10:00 am

  This is the fourth Nissan Ive owned (83 Datsun 310gx, 95 Quest, 95 Sentra, 02 Sentra) and I am very pleased with this car. Im a shorter person and the car fits me like a glove. My friends who are taller (6 and up) are quite amazed that they fit so well in the front seat. As for the back seat -- well, that is another story. But after test driving the Mazda Protege 5 and others, the price and quality were unbeatable. Get the Synergy package -- its well worth it!

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  I LOVE IT!! - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Dawn1973 - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I am actually in love with my pathfinder. Its reliability and style are second to none.

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  Great Truck - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By BStone - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Looked only at several used Tacomas until we stumbled on this bright red truck. During the test drive we were both surprised at the comfort of the ride - far less bouncy than the Tacoma - much quieter - and the seats are superb - The engine has plenty of power both at the low end and at highway speeds. The high glass line adds to openess and the tuck is noticeably wider inside than the Tacoma. This truck had 35K miles on it and the interior looked new. Gas mileage after 1000 miles has averaged 15.7 - mostly work commute so far but would expect 18 or so on highway - Have been using mid level octane and seems fine - nice truck!