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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  My 2015 Altima - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By West - November 4 - 7:52 pm

  Ive had this car for about a month now, I traded my Nissan Versa in after only 10 months because the tranny went out on me at only 18,000 miles... so I was skeptical about getting another Nissan. I got such a great deal on the Altima I couldnt say no($15,000) brand new. My versa was only worth $4,500. So I said yes and now I have about 3,500 miles on it. So far it seems to be a great reliable vehicle. The Transmission is a little weird at first and might take some getting use to. The cabin is cozy and quiet. The Gas is nice to but depends how you drive the car. I average about 29.8 MPG. I was getting 42.3 MPG when I went to Arizona from Los Angeles , I didnt even have to stop and fill up. It cost just about 50 bucks or less to fill a full tank up. It drives like a dream though, handles amazing through the Malibu Canyons and Accelerates great up the hills. Couldnt be happier!!

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  My new ..S.U.V.From Maine:United states. - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By MR.NORRIS_UK - November 4 - 4:33 pm

  My new nissan s.U.V. 4X4 does a pretty good job when im going in the deep woods of maine and it can go through some pretty deep puddles of water about 3 feet deep in some areas maybe 3 -4 feet on a few of the puddles i went through!!!!!I was definitely impressed with how the vehicle performed in four wheel drive,i went over some pretty good sized rocks slowly @ first,and of course being gentle because i wouldnt want to damage the truck for it "looks" sharp when it is in good conditon,but it did o.K. For rocks up to about"4- 6""high i hit a couple bigger than that about 12" high and it made the truck bounce a little more then you probably want it to bounce,but it did o.K.

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  Every day its better - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By wollomombi - November 4 - 10:00 am

  This car is probably the best equation for a car out there courteousy of the VQ power plant. I found the clutch differnt (used to eurpoean) but once you compensate for that, it is a joy to drive. It really does accelerate to 60 in around 7 seconds and doesnt have any nasty surprises on dirt, snow or mud. Best tyre combo: Michelin Alpine (excellent with this chassis) Suspension is easy to stiffen and if you are a Mod nut you can go with the 267hp turbo kit. Last note, My wife drives this car better than I can and I had to teach her stick and Ill be shooping for a new engine before a new car with this one.

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  Former Nissan Owner - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Ang - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I have driven every SUV there is. The MDX, RX 300, Mercedes, BMW etc...I just turned in my 2000 pathfinder. I have chosen this for its price and sporty feel. I wanted a car/suv and this fit the picture. I drove the SE and it was alot tighter and bumpier than the SL. The AWD and the 2WD drove the same, not much different in handling. The dash looks a little mini van like and the style sort of resembles a raised Pt Cruiser. But overall the inside is awsomely futuristic and I love the Chrome accents on the outside of the car. The 18" wheels are cool as heck! This car has the most features for the buck. Worth looking into.

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  Great Car.... - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By kf328 - November 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Altima, my 1st was a 94 and they have made a lot of nice changes since then. I do have some minor squeaks inside the car, which needed a minor adjustment. The one mini speaker next to the windshield really squeaks when it is cold and have heard some sort of rolling sound in the trunk. But overall I love the car and would recommend Nissan! Dealer is excellent!

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  2004 Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By LDLDL5 - November 4 - 10:00 am

  After 3 weeks of driving this car, Im still impressed by everything about it except the milage. We have been doing a lot of stop & go driving and are getting about 18 mpg. The attention this car gets is great. The roomy, heated, leather seats, the trunk, the dash, the sound system is all you can ask for in a car like this one. The cabin is quiet and the car handles well on the road. Its like riding on air!!!

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  Great car, few gripes - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By LA Max - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Car stickered at $28,800 and after shopping around for other cars at the under $30K price, there was no other that offered the Maxs performance, reliability, and amenities. The Audi A4 was VERY nice, much nicer interior and exterior, but for $30K you could only get the 1.8T - not fast enough for a $30K car. Ditto the Passat. The Acura 3.2TL Type S was nicer inside, but cost $5 grand more, and frankly didnt feel as powerful, the engine wasnt as smooth or quiet either. And "upgrading" to an Infiniti I35 just didnt seem worth the extra $2,000+ The choice was simply Maxima!

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  Nissan Maxima(2004) - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By sdahjkfhsakfhsajk - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This is an amazing car. I test drove several other cars. I was about to buy the G35 when i noticed that with the features i wanted i would spend about 35000. Thank god i didnt. I was able to fully load it with the elite package and all the available accesories for about 36000. This definately the best deal i have seen in the market. The interior is splendid, it is extremely luxurios. Ergonomics ar wonderful. the 265 HP engine is excellent. I have never seen such a wonderful sound system. if u get this car definately get the bose 340 watt sound system. the two woofers are excellent and nissan was smart to put the tweeters on the d-pillars.

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  Excellent Car In the Land of $4 Gas - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Rob - November 3 - 2:53 pm

  I looked at all of the new small cars including the Yaris, Fit, Corolla, etc. For me, the Versa had the best mix of interior space, mileage, and price. The CVT is the best transmission Ive ever driven; it is smooth. If you drive the Versa with a light foot, it keeps the engine RPMs down below 2000 and makes for a quiet car and gas mileage of 30+. The back seat of this car is the real highlight. Being 6 2", I can drive the car and still have 2 happy adults in the back seat. Nissan clearly traded off some luggage room for a larger back seat. The Bluetooth phone feature works perfectly with my Blackberry. It pairs automatically. The Intelligent Key is also a great feature!

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  Zillas Bitter Chocolate Krom - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Zilla - November 3 - 7:30 am

  My husband and I looked at a lot of cars including the Kia Soul and Scion XB. I am 510" and he is 63" so it is very difficult to find a vehicle that is comfortable. Wanted good gas mileage, head room and off the ground. The first reaction to the CUBE was "that is one "UGLY" car. We took one for a test drive and my Husband said that was the happiest he had seen me test driving any car. I love this car! People actually turn around while driving to look at it. Makes me laugh every time! The gas mileage has not been consistent, it ranges from 29-34. But that is still not bad. What wind noise. I LUV this car.