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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  Great Style, Great Performance. Reliable - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By deftech - October 12 - 5:16 am

  I bought this car with 10000 miles on it. I now have 80000 miles on it and have not had any trouble with it whatsoever. The big 2.5L cylinder has lots of power and is fun to drive. The cabin has more room than other cars in its class. The good fuel economy is just another plus.

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  2006 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab 4WD - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Josh - October 11 - 11:33 pm

  I traded my Ranger Edge in Nov 06 and have never seen such power from a smaller truck. You feel the power on interstate and it does not hesitate off road. All stock, I have pulled out a Silverado and a Jeep and then drove through what they got stuck in. The push button locker makes a world of difference. For a 4WD it could be a little higher though. Overall, the power is there when you need it and off roading is fun as hell.

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  Inspect your plastic - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Clint - October 11 - 12:30 pm

  Switches not plugged in. Missing and unsecure plastic panels.

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  I love it! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By RADIANT - October 11 - 10:00 am

  With the exception of a few minor things being fixed at the dealer (i.e. mushy brakes/front end alignment) this truck is amazing.

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  Love it!! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Tom 4307 - October 11 - 10:00 am

  So far, so good! Found a great dealership in VA. Replaced the Bridgestone tires with Michelin Sport A/S. Big difference!

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  Cool - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By killingbee - October 11 - 10:00 am

  I love my car~ Its fast.. look cool...

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  best maxima i ever owned - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By fadmed - October 11 - 10:00 am

  this is my 3 generation maxima, from 1998 model, a 2000 model and now the 2004 SE elite package model, this one is the best of them all..

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  More for your $$$$ - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By O38marvin - October 11 - 12:36 am

  I purchased a 2007 Toyota Camry and once I saw and drove the 2007 Nissan Altima I traded in the Camry. I got way more for my money, sporty/elegant look, and not too mention the service I received from Nissan. Toyota dealers act like we owe them something... I feel, no I know Ive made the right decision.... Perfect Car for anyone.

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  2013 Altima 3.5 SV - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By fridaypm2002 - October 10 - 4:35 pm

  I test drove a 3 series BMW, 4 series Audi, and the Sonata. Decided on the Altima 3.5SV. Came with all the bells and whistles, but at reasonable price when compared with BMW and Audi. The fit and trim is excellent. The car feels more expensive than it costs. The Sonata, although also very nice looking did not handle as well as the Altima 3.5 SV. Chose cloth over leather for comfort. Gets hot where I live. Test drove the 2.5 Altima. No comparison to the 3.5 for pep and go. The Altima 3.5 is very compariable to the pep of BMW and Audi. Highly recommend the Altima 3.5.

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  To much fun - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By j_ftkd - October 10 - 7:36 am

  This truck is powerful, yet does not drive like a truck. It handles so well. It is like two vehicles in one. A sports car and a truck. It is awsome