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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  I love my Altima! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Sandra Hoecker - August 17 - 10:33 am

  After 21 years of Hondas (which I loved), I bought an Altima because it had attractive exterior style (Accords & Camrys are pretty dull) & the CVT had been in use long enough for the bugs to be worked out. Im retired so am no longer a high- mileage driver but I tool around town daily. I have never had a single problem, even a minor one. Im not overly pleased with the mileage (which I calculate & is below what the dash calculator computes) but that may be due to my short city trips. Everyone who has driven my car comments on what a pleasure it is to drive. I just want a nice car that ALWAYS runs since Im a 1-car household. The Altima has exceeded my expectations.

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  I (mostly) love my Altima! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Sandra Hoecker - August 17 - 10:10 am

  After 21 years of Hondas (which I loved), I bought an Altima because it had attractive exterior style (Accords & Camrys are pretty dull) & the CVT had been in use long enough for the bugs to be worked out. Im retired so am no longer a high- mileage driver but I tool around town daily. I have never had a single problem, even a minor one. Im not overly pleased with the mileage (which I calculate & is below what the dash calculator computes) but that may be due to my short city trips. Everyone who has driven my car comments on what a pleasure it is to drive. I just want a nice car that ALWAYS runs since Im a 1-car household. The Altima has exceeded my expectations. UPDATE: Above is/was all true until 2 weeks ago when I suddenly lost the power steering. PS hose had a leak & fluid had drained out. I just passed 20K miles, for heavens sake! $640 repair, without any explanation or compromise from dealer. Not happy about that. I didnt get the extended warranty as Ive lost money on all but 1 car before & knew Id be a low mileage driver.

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  For the family man who is not DEAD yet! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Shawn - August 17 - 3:26 am

  I had a 92 maxima then an Acura Legend, now I have a 2002 Maxima! I am loving every second of it. This car is perfect for someone with a small family who stills needs to feel alive. When my wife asks me to go get something from the store i jump at the opportunity. This car is a pleasure to drive. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Excellent - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Justho - August 17 - 1:56 am

  Had a 1997 Maxima, which was ok. Saw this car at a car show while comparing to other cars in its price range. This one offers more of everything (power, features, style) than competing models. Great care, highly recommend.

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  The Best - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Robinsue - August 16 - 9:16 pm

  I test drove almost every SUV and loved the Murano, it has every option you could want, comfort and rides like a dream I am so glad I did not settle for less

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  Hard shifting transmission. - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By GeoTech - August 16 - 11:51 am

  Hello Guys. For those who have the hard shift problems of your transmission. The fix is about $65. Find shifter kit on eBay. Watch YouTube video on how to fix the 3 selenoids and your car will be running again smoothly. Average time 3-4 hrs. Do take apart the valve assembly because its only the selenoids. This is a problem from not changing the transmission fluids. You will need mechanical knowledge to do this fix. Hope this helps.

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  Top Notch Car - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Alberta - August 16 - 10:16 am

  I bought this car in 2006 with 150,000K and I now have 190,000 with virtually no problems. Replaced the struts and the starter but other than those repairs the car has been fantastic.

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  Ill give it a 9.9 - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By TDrochak - August 16 - 10:00 am

  The XTerra handles both onroad and offroad well. Its plenty roomy, provided that you are not over like 62". VERY RELIABLE! Ive had it a little over 1 year and the only problem Ive had is I got a traffic ticket (which I beat in court) in Cle Elum, Washington for having too much mud on it. Now the important stuff. I can throw the kayak on the roof rack, throw a couple mountain bikes, fishing poles, cooler and camping gear in the cab and head out for a week at a time out to the beach, into the mountains, or whatever. This thing handles absolutely AWESOME in the snow up in the mountains. Handles well on rainy roads also.

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  Maxima, best car for the price - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By europa3962 - August 16 - 10:00 am

  This is a wondeful automobile. Nissan has the best engine going. Smooth performance. No service issues and the most reliable car Ive owned. This is a great sports car feel disguised as a sedan

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  More power is great! - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By maui - August 16 - 10:00 am

  In comparison to the 01 SE 2.0, the new SE-R 2.5L is leaps and bounds better. Dead starts will decrease by at least a second. No longer does the cruise hunt between 3 and 4 on the highway. AT shifts are smoother, 40 more ft/lbs means less shifts for tranny. Lower profile tires mean a little firmer, sportier ride. On the downside, gas mileage seems to lack so far, upgrade 170 watt stereo is still average, bad Pontiac red instrument pod, "Gotta get used to me" front end.