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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  20K Mile Review - Sentra SR - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By malachy - April 17 - 7:13 pm

  This is an interesting car. There are times I am underwhelmed with it, other times I am really glad I decided to go with it. The size, comfort, and ride of the car are some of its best attributes. I bought the car because of the front seat. The looks of the car appear to be polarizing. I like the looks compared to other cars in this class. As a guy though, all I see are girls driving it around. The performance is pretty average. The CVT is still an enigma to me, although I am fairly happy with it. The engine drone and tapping (when below 56 degrees) I can do with out. I feel the gas mileage is great (34 - 75% highway). I have gotten 38 on trips before.

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  Great car for the price - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Driver21 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 01 Sentra SE in 00 because I needed an affordable, reliable new car to get me to school and work. It has done exactly that. I have brought it in exclusively for oil changes and regular service to the dealership,+ a recall. I see people are complaining about the quality of paint, tires, rattles, etc. I personally have not had any of those problems yet, and my car has 49,350 miles, and still have the original, although balding tires. I would also advise to get a manual trans if you are not sure. I bought the auto because I commute in traffic a lot, but can not wait to get a stick car.

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  2003 Sentra S-ER - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By jay-c - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I really like this car. Other than the less than perfect transmission shift quality and bumpy ride mentioned below, there has not been much to complain about. Interior trim details, such as the HVAC controls seem a little cheap, but they work fine. Plus this car will smoke Civics at a stoplight.

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  Your info is wrong! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Dar - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Your info listed for this car is wron! There are many more options than you list. You have not available listed for many things that are available! I have auto locks/windows/ mirrors, front interior map lights,vanity mirrors on both sides, abs brakes, split seats in the rear that fold down w/ acces to the trunk, alarm system that shuts the engine down if someone tries to steal it, cd player and other things. So, please list that these things are available. Thanks!

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  Awesome Off Road - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By bigutpile - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I have not gotten stranded anywhere Ive gone off road. The clearance is 10.3 inches (tallest in its class). Xterras have an excellent approach angle. The fuel mileage is not bad (18.5)for the weight:engine size ratio. Get the SE/SC model if you can cough up the cash. Plenty of leg room for all 5 (five) passengers and room for lots of gear (for 2-3 people). Roof rack is sturdy with lots of optional attatment available from YAKIMA.com Audio equipment is awesome. A/C and heater work great. There is lots of room in the fender wells for big meats and turning radius is tight. Test drive one and see for your self, not just on the pavement either.

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  Best value - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Wyrmfang - April 16 - 10:00 am

  This car has very good engine performance, although the mileage is not spectacular. The tilt steering is a joke; I am 62", and I have to push the seat all the way back to drive; not much legroom up front. Seats are comfortable, the sound system is good; the steering could use improvement at highway speeds (seems like an effort to steer straight; could be the Bridgstone tires). Excellent standard equipment for the price (ABS, 4 wheel disc brake, front and side airbags). Great all around car.

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  Autoway/Clearwater Altima Purchase - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By AW102 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Shortly after buying my Altima, I drove it several hundred miles on vacation. It drove well, was very comfortable, and got great gas mileage right away. After 4 months, I am very satisfied with my Altima, however, I would not return to Autoway Nissan/Clearwater because of poor treatment by the sales manager there.My salesperson was great, but the sales manager was the typical "slick car salesman" who was quite disrespectful once the negotiations began. Autoway Nissan got the sale by default. Too bad because Nissan makes a quality product.

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  Anyone own a S Model? - 2010 Nissan Murano
  By Anyone own a new S? - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased a murano 2010 an S model. Its been 2 months but I enjoy my car and feel good driving it, always liked the Nissan.

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  I Dare You To Find a Better Deal! - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Dusty - April 14 - 1:26 am

  I had no intentions of replacing my ‘04, paid-for, Murano with an ’09. But, curiosity got to me, so I went to the dealership & drove one. Within minutes, I was buying. The previous Murano was fantastic – a well-built, great looking SUV with plenty of neat features for a reasonable cost. The ’09 improves on virtually every aspect of the previous version: better build, more power, way more features – for less! For looks, I like this one better now, but all-in- all, the first gen was better looking for its time. If you’re considering a Murano: a) drive it, b) ask others who own one, c) do a comparison. This vehicle truly holds its own when compared to vehicles costing $10K more,

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  Great truck overall - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By intechnicolor - April 13 - 7:00 pm

  Rides great, has plenty of power. I pulled a 60 Cadillac with this rig from TN to NJ, figure 7500 lbs with the trailer and she would cruise no problem doing 75 mph. Also, using your high beams and horn its very easy to intimidate other drivers including 18 wheelers. Couple issues with quality control/reliability. Factory radio dies after the 50k warranty was up and was a $500 repair. In addition, the driver door weatherstrip and the trunk weatherstrip are falling apart and the vehicle is only 3 years old.