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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  Overall...great car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By EdMan - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I always said that I would NEVER buy a new car. Ive looked at many other new cars just for the sake of looking but I HAD to have this one. I considered a used one but with the revamped interior and only a 2000 price difference I decided to get the new one. Of course I dont get to drive it much, its the wifes car :-) Cant really rate reliability considering it has 54 miles on it today.

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  Awesome 2005 Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By mntryswed - June 19 - 10:00 am

  NOthing has taken my breath away, every morning since purchasing my Altima, I get excited to get in and just turn t on.The Interior is comfortable and well appointed, me being 64 I glide easily in and out of the car and there is plenty of leg room for me but as well as a passenger behind me. The Altima is quick to respond on the on ramp of the freeway and glides smoothly by onlookers due to its sleek design. The is roadnoise but not alot, the radio makes up for it all and the dash board is very easy to figure out and all the controls are a fingers length away from the wheel.The Altima gets great reviews from this ex loyal Honda Owner.

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  Awesome Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By imani8610 - June 19 - 10:00 am

  This is just an awesome car, without the awesome car price.

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  Poor Braking Vehicle - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By J.Howard - June 19 - 9:53 am

  I purchased the Armada New in Nov of 2004. I have had the vehicle at the dealer 4 times for brake issues, 1st time a 7000 miles, 2nd 11,000, 3rd 20,000, 4th 36,000. Brakes still do not function properly, pedal depresses to floor to come to complete stop. Nissan tells me brakes are "within stardards" Very frustrating having a 7,000lb SUV not stopping. Sun Roof switch replaced 2 Xs. Temp/direction in mirror still acting up. Car is now shaking at higher HYwy speeds. SUV is very roomy and fun to drive but, I do not like to take a NEW SUV in for work every 6 months. Very Poor Reliability. Nissan Should have fixed the problems before they sold the Car. I may never by another Nissan again.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Happy Owner - June 19 - 7:36 am

  I have always owned American made vehicles until this purchase. I now ask myself, what took me so long! Drives like a dream, great fuel economy and pretty to look at. Very classy and comfortable car. I will never buy anything else I am sold for life. If you havent decided what to buy, look no further!

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  Great mid size truck - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By William - June 19 - 6:30 am

  The cash for clunkers program stimulated me to trade but it would have been well worth it, even if I had to pay the extra $4500. Nice ride, better mileage than what I was driving and looks great. The 4 cylinder is sufficient for my purpose of mostly driving and some hauling.

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  The best Hybird - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Paul - June 19 - 2:50 am

  Just bought it. It is powerful, very quiet and fun to drive. Save a lot of gas and got the average 42mpg.

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  Love me some cube! - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By mommymezzo - June 19 - 2:13 am

  We are so happy with our Cube--never expected this would be the car for our family (2 adults, one pre-preschooler.) But, it is the perfect fit. While all of our neighbors are toddling around in mini vans or gas-guzzling SUVs, we feel like weve got the secret car that no one ever thought to buy. Super fun styling, very roomy inside (the tall ceilings make it feel bigger than our small SUV did inside), and crazy-good gas mileage. Weve owned the car for about 6 months now with no major complaints. There have been 2 voluntary recalls, but no problem at all and pretty typical of first-year model cars. There are a few quirks wed change inter-wise, but no more than any other car weve had.

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  Great 2 years! - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By lexky - June 19 - 12:40 am

  We have owned our Rogue for a little over 2 years with about 28,000 miles and have only had to have one thing fixed by warranty. Climate control dials that are supposed to light up during the night went out. Very happy with our purchase!

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  Long Term Reliability Issues - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By dissentrapointment - June 18 - 1:50 pm

  I purchased my SE in 2000, with great excitement when it was first released. I took care of it very well. However, after 8 years and 108000 miles later I am highly disappointed in Nissan. I had to change my alternator at 70K, A/C malfunctions at 75K, and most importantly check engine light is on since 85K and can not be figured out why. Fixes are always temporary and its a chronic problem with this model year. Car has lost its appeal as well is its agility and power due to these problems. I would not buy another Nissan again.