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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  One of the First - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By ToughStar - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I was one of the first proud Spec V owners in CT, no others on the road until May. Great handling, stock tires sucked though (Replaced with Conti Extreme Contacts) for us winter drivers. MPG is a joke!!!! Gets many looks and I have kept it stock except for stereo & tint. Good civic killer, yeah you heard ME! Drove mine off the lot for $17,500 (Thanks Jamie @ Exec. Nissan.) To many recalls though, and rattles.

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  A Decent Commuter - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By South Shore Steve - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this car for my wife who ended up disliking it after 6 months. She didnt like the way it felt in relatively light cross winds. Car gets decent mileage (25-27 mpg on regular grade) and the 2.4L provides adequate power. Handling is so so and the ride is busy. Ive had to replace a serpentine belt idler pulley twice, otherwise reliability has been good. Original Firestone tires (16 inch) were awful, running Kuhmos now which are great value. Its a good car for commuting, look elsewhere if fun to drive is high on your list.

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  Love this car - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Altima Abby - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I first had a 2002 2.5S Altima, which I loved, but...it had bad luck (accidents, recalls etc) and was in and out of the service department. I put my faith in Nissans good name and tried again! I love the SL model! Its seems quieter and more comfortable seating. And the sound system (bose) is amazing! I love the cup holders. I love it all.

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  Rattle Trap - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By notsogreat - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Compared to our2001 Expedition, it is much easier to get the children in and out of the vehicle. Power is good, gas mileage averages 17 MPG - not good. Ride is fine in the city. There is significant wind noise on highway at speeds above 65 mph - very annoying. One of the primary reasons for purchase was the ease of entry through the sliding doors.Car has been back to the dealership 6 times since 12/03 for rattling passenger doors. It is no minor rattle! It will drive you nuts. This is not the only rattle. Hit a small bump, the rest of the car rattles as well. This was our first Nissan,and it will be our last.

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  Starting Problems - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Gail - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Frequently this vehicle wont start in the AM. I have taken it to the dealer repeatedly and they claim they cant replicate the problem. I overhead some mechanics discussing that this is a common customer complaint with this vehicle, but when I questioned them on the comment, everyone denied having said it.

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  Marks Nissan - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By msfullen - August 7 - 10:00 am

  its fun to drive and sits high like a 4wd but its not, standard mudflaps, comfortable, plenty of power for a 3.3 engine, designed wheel wells, but the front of vehicle looks like a bug or something because it looks like it has eyes with the two round marker lights, plenty of room in the short bed crew cab with its extender, and the room in back is ok not big but not to small.

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  Premature Brake wear - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Sawilliams17 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  The brakes on my Altima have worn out at 22,000. I drive over 1/2 my miles on the freeway. This is totally unacceptable wear and not covered under warranty.

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  EXCELLENT CAR - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By NISSAN - August 7 - 10:00 am

  GREAT VEHICLE TO DRIVE, COMFORTABLE, SPORTY LOOK AT THE SAME TIME LUXERY. FOR THE MONEY IS THE BEST CAR OUT THERE.

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  Awesome Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By bbrubaker - August 7 - 10:00 am

  After being t-boned in an accident with my Saturn, I decided that I wanted to get a larger car. It was between the Saturn VUE, and the Nissan Maxima. Im glad I chose the Maxima. It is really a fun car to drive, and it definately gets the "oooh ahhh" factor from my co- workers and friends. They have nicknamed my car "Spaceship", because of all of the bells and whistles on it. (I opted also for the Navigation System) I reallly enjoy the car very much, and would recommend anyone in the mid to full size car market to consider this car!

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  Just Plain Awesome - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Leah - August 7 - 7:13 am

  I had been considering the Xterra for about 2 years. I previously had a GMC Jimmy. I would rather have one Xterra than 10 GM models. The design of the Xterra is overall more appealing and more user friendly. Nissan was definetely thinking when they designed this SUV.