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:

• 

  Mechanical mess - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By vtagirl - March 17 - 8:20 am

  This car looks very nice, but is a mechanical nightmare. Every sensor on this car starting going bad at 50k and catalytic conv at 80k. Nissan said cat ruined engine and needs a new engine (bad placement of cat). Lots of other people with same problem...would not recommend this car. Also own a Infiniti G35...no problems..think the problem is with set up of the Altima. If your under 80k Nissan will only fit cat, not your engine :(...They know about the problems but dont care.

• 

  Good, but could do better - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Could do better - March 17 - 4:40 am

  Bought new in 04 and I have had several problems with it. First my windshield washer tank was cracked. Then it went to the infamous brake shudder, took it in 3 times before Nissan came out with a fix. Paint has chipped off the painted front bumper plastics. Dash rattles, seats rattle. Rear end leafs squeak. Most of this is minor and it didnt really bother me that much. I have had Chevy and dodge and ive had problems with them too.

• 

  2013 Altima SV - Nothing but problems - not recommended - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By altima13sv - March 17 - 4:38 am

  Car seemed like a good value with a good mix of features vs. price when purchased. However, ran into many problems in the first 7,500 miles. There was noise coming from the passanger tires. Constant rattling from the center cosole where the CS player is located. It was made of very cheap plastic and would get louder in hot weather. The sunroof would rattle. Had it replaced once but turned out to be the frame of the car above the drivers head that shook loose from car body. Probably a bit dangerous when I think back. I found the seats to be extremely uncomfortable and had back and leg pain. Replaced with Honda Accord and there is a huge quality difference! no problems after 10K miles

• 

  Tons of fun to drive!! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By PORZ - March 16 - 10:40 pm

  This car is a hoot to drive, its great in turns, accelerates like an F-16 and is decent on gas, considering its a rocket. Original Bridgestones were disappointing, new Yokahamas make it handle much better. Car does have a lot of road noise. Ive had it since new and have had no problems and still enjoy getting in it & driving! A cool car.

• 

  Wow - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By jimmyd - March 16 - 9:20 pm

  One nice car for under $36,000. Drives like a much more expensive car. Nissan put together a winner.

• 

  Lovin My First New Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By J.B. - March 16 - 1:20 pm

  Car is great!! Very affordable and did not have to deplete my budget. Handles very well. Plenty of leg room front and back. I originally wanted the majestic blue, but ended up with the coral sand. This color is just as good because doesnt show up dirt that bad and can camouflage scratches/nicks as compared to dark colors. I got the Convenience Plus Package w/ mine which inc. sunroof. Love it!! Floor Mats have the Altima Named in them for an added touch. Coral sand also has wood grain inside to give it more appeal and it definitely works!!

• 

  Practical and fun. - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Dave - March 15 - 3:33 pm

  I bought a used 2003 Spec V in April 2005. The car has 60,000km on it. I researched many cars and tried to decide which one was best for my situation. As a recent grad with a new condo, the Spec V was the best bang for the buck. Low profile tires make noise on bumpy roads. Handling is very good, low body roll. 4 doors make it practical. I looked at the 1.7 Acura EL and was turned off when I had 4 passengers, the car bottomed out whereas the Spec V does not with 4 passengers. Gas mileage not as good as anticipated but it could be the way I drive. Stereo sounds good. The brakes are good. Torque-steer not an issue unless youre driving too hard. I would reccommend this car to anyone.

• 

  2005 Titan Crew Cab 4WD - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Charles Peterson - March 15 - 2:26 pm

  Fair. I thought with a V8 this would be the answer, but the tow ratings are misleading. It can tow smaller loads, but upward of 5000 lbs can be difficult for this truck, particularly on hills and mountains.

• 

  Good Value - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Truck - March 15 - 12:10 pm

  Just bought my 08 Nissan King Cab w/4.0L V6 and only have 100 miles on it. So far I love the vehicle although its too early to tell about the gas mileage which is rated 14 city/19 hwy. which is pretty poor. However, the price when compared to the Tacoma with the same features is much lower for the Nissan even though the quality is right up there with Toyota.

• 

  Great Sports Car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Jack - March 14 - 11:23 pm

  This is a true sports car. On the interstate this car is like a rocket! People stop me to talk about my Z and tell me how they would love to own one. This is the car that I have always wanted. I have had my 2004 1/2 touring model Z for 3 years and I have never had one problem with it other than trying to keep my speed down on the highways. If you have to commute at least enjoy the drive.