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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  Perfect Vehicle - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By RoAr - October 4 - 2:00 am

  This car is amazing! It has everything you need. I just took it to the snow and it handled beautifully. And its the 2WD model. It has a great ride and it is very powerful when passing others on the highway. Ive also received many complements on the design. I highly recommend it. I payed $29,000 for the SL 2WD with Sunroof package, floor mats, and wind deflector.

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  Good all around value for a sports car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Wlittleman - October 4 - 2:00 am

  The engine is strong, exhaust note is intoxicating, steering response is immediate, suspension is tight, noise level is a bit high. Visibility out back is downright HORRIBLE. I had my 6 speed manual transmission replaced at 4000 miles, and I dont think the noises from the tranny are completely gone yet; not confidence inspiring at all. Secondly, Many 2003 and 2004 Z exhibit unusual front tire wear in a cupped fashion at exterior shoulder blocks. Dont buy a Z until Nissan fixes this problems (they havent). Save yourself a huge headache! If I had to do it again, Id buy the car next year 2005 when they get the bugs ironed out.

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  So Far So Good - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Jeff in Sacramento - October 3 - 5:56 pm

  This is a totally solid and surprisingly sporty hybrid. Mileage is as advertised; I get 32-33 mpg with no change at all of my rather speedy driving habits. We are very pleased with the purchase, esp. considering the tax credit. The smaller trunk is not as bad as we expected - a stroller fits easily, as does my golf bag (esp. if I remove my driver first).

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  Fantastic car - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By ttl - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this car for two months, and I love it. I am wondering why people always pursuing Honda and Toyoda and ignore such a good great car-Nissan Altima. I am looking forward to test drive the new Altima in the future, if I have enough money!

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  Lovin It!! - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Romofan - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I just got my X yesterday and had to do some driving. After puting on 400 miles in just under 24 hours I have to say I love this thing. It rides like a truck but fells really steady in the turns. I like the acceleration and the access to all guages and accessories. Gas milage is an issue at todays prices, but what the hell!! You only go around once. Overall, very happy with my choice.

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  Honest Opinion - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By bob - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car for my wife in March. She adores it. She loves the way it looks, rides, and, most importantly, accelerates.I have a 2000 V-6 Passat w/ 5 speed and it is not even in the same league as far as horsepower. The VW is far superior in steering, shifting, and workmanship. The Altima is far superior in raw power, sport style handling, looks, and the Bose system rocks! Basically, I adore both cars for different reasons. If you love a stick, all drivers should try both and let your heart decide. Before buying either car with an automatic, please learn to drive a stick and enter the "drivers" world.

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  Honest Opinion - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Bob - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car for my wife in March. She adores it. She loves the way it looks, rides, and, most importantly, accelerates.I have a 2000 V-6 Passat w/ 5 speed and it is not even in the same league as far as horsepower. The VW is far superior in steering, shifting, and workmanship. The Altima is far superior in raw power, sport style handling, looks, and the Bose system rocks! Basically, I adore both cars for different reasons. If you love a stick, all drivers should try both and let your heart decide. Before buying either car with an automatic, please learn to drive a stick and enter the "drivers" world.

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  Excellent Car - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By altiman33 - October 1 - 1:55 am

  With the exception of the boring interior design, this car is excellent, and even the interior is what you would expect from a mid-range sedan. The features that come standard on the SV model blew me away. Im very pleased with leather-wrapped steering wheel, display screen and back-up camera! Looks great, drives smooth, comfortable to drive and good fuel-economy!

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  Great drive for great price - 2017 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Dave - October 1 - 12:28 am

  Price-Value very high in comparison with other vehicles in its class. Very nice ride, maneuverability, acceleration, great on snow (12 days of snow in past two weeks; no problem with Pathfinder). Very peppy, even on the mountain roads between home in N. Nevada back and forth to California.

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  Wow - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By Jfurton723 - September 30 - 12:33 pm

  So I bought this car after having a Cobalt SS. I loved that car and I wish Id have kept it. Ive put a hell of a lot of miles on it in the two years Ive had it, but it hasnt held up to any standard whatsoever. Ive had the a/c system replaced three times, the compressors are pieces of junk. The sub woofer for the Rockford system is made of paper so its extremely easily blown. The standard brake package stinks. Honestly the only reason I got this car is because it was the only Sentra on the lot that had a factory moonroof in it. Oh, and watch out around 70,000 miles the motor mounts just randomly break.