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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  Mr Reliable For Sure ! - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Edwin J - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Thius car has been an excellent low maintenance vehicle. Oil changes/ general maintenance is all it takes. Just start it up and go. I had only one problem since getting the car last month the odomoter went and I had to wait 4 weeks for a new one . These all are reconditioned parts nissan doesnt give new parts in this case believe it or not. Other than that this car has been a dream . I would recommend it to anyone. As I said Mr Reliable For Sure !!

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  What Bang for the Buck! - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By redshift - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my Xterra for 3 years now and what an all-around no nonsense performer. I live in the mountains of Colorado and have had it sideways at angles that make you think youre sitting in the passengers lap. Been over snowy passes, muddy back-roads, even bumped a guard rail at a pretty good clip on a slick, icy road, and it just knocked it out of alignment a bit. Ive had kayaks, canoes, skis, boards and other misc. on top of it and Ive been nearly ocean to ocean in it. If you take care of it, itll take care of you!

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  Phat - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Sentra Spec V - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Love my baby.I like the interior and the exterior and especially the sound system!

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  Firm Ride - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Appleton - May 4 - 2:00 am

  The 2003 Altima SE 3.5L is an eye catching vehicle that possesses a lot of style and attitude. Acknowledging the outstanding performance of the Maxima engine, this car is fun to drive and handles extremely well on mountain roads the Interstates. Maybe its because of my age (60), I would perfer a more comfortable ride as the suspension is very stiff.

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  Last Nissan - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By last nissan - May 4 - 2:00 am

  After owning 4 Maximas over the years, the Maxima had always been well built,had good resale and reputation,but not the most cutting edge with styling.I purchased a fully loaded SE, and while the exterior styling and engine are 1st rate, the interior cabin design and build quality looks and feels like it belongs in a car of much lesser cost!!( KIA!!??) While I realize the used car market is glutted at this point, my Altima has depreciated $7000.00 from the selling price,($10,000 from the sticker price!) and the car is not a year old yet!! I would gladly spend $40K, and have a vehicle that is of better quality and resale value .

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  Better than an Acura - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Casey Doe - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a 2001 Acura GS-R Integra for a 2003 5spd V6 Altima. There is a huge difference in every aspect. The Altima is much more powerful, the Altima has a much smoother clutch, much roomier, more solidly built and so far much more reliable. I will never purchase another Acura. I bought 2 and had nothing but problems with both of them. The Altima is an incredible value.

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  Great Car for the money - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Roberta - May 3 - 7:43 pm

  Went to purchase a car and this car was not on my vehicle list. I didnt even want to look at one. Sales person said I should just look and maybe drive one. So I did and I was amazed. They let me take it home and we purchased it the next day! I have always been a Ford person. I still am, but love my Altima!

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  Nissan Is #1 - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By Beverly Edwards - May 3 - 6:56 pm

  This is 2nd X-terra - my first was not a four wheel drive - but she traveled extremely well - the one i own now is a four wheel drive and i love her even more - i can not imagine owning another vehicle but if i do somewhere down the line - i promise it will be a Nissan - i will never go back to any other vehicle - Nissan is the best made auto!!!

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  Pay for Economy - Get First Class - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By LP - May 3 - 3:43 pm

  The Versa is an economy car in first class cladding. The Versa has more than other cars in its class - larger tires (15"), larger interior space (feels bigger than it is) and good gas mileage. Some say the car is breezy, I dont find it breezy at all. I drive 90 miles each way on my once-a- week commute and find the car solid and comfortable on the interstate. The seats are large and solid and nicely upholstered. Interior looks expensive like a Maxima, way better than our Echos plasto box interior. Exterior has that funky European styling that we just dont get over here in North America. Engine is capable - a bit buzzy but with the CVT it settles down once up to speed.

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  Fun when it works, never again though - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By SeanJ - May 3 - 3:43 pm

  This car had 11,900 miles when I purchased it and was like new. It was great when it was working but I have had a multitude of problems and issues. It wont crank easily after the engine has been warmed up, it turns over and over forever before starting. Dealer fixed it once but its doing it again and now its not under warranty. The crankshaft sensor has gone bad and is a listed recall but Nissan says my VIN wasnt affected, obviously. Now the car wants to turn off while driving. It consumes oil like crazy, have to add oil in between changes. Fun to drive when its working but not worth the headache. Nissan doesnt honor anything, steer clear.