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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  Altima is full of pleasant surprises - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Bryan - October 18 - 10:20 am

  I had to settle for the 4-cylinder because of finances, but the trade off is not much. The car handles very well and looks great. It drives as nice as the Accord, is almost just as quiet, and definitely is more powerful. DONT LISTEN to what the "experts" say on the Altimas interior, they really can be biased some times. Nissan really improved the interior for 2005 & 2006. The entire dashboard has soft touch materials, the gauges have classy chrome rings around them and the speakers do too for an upscale touch. Everything fits perfectly too!! Ive driven an Accord 4-cyl, and the materials used on the interior of the Accord are only just as nice, if not worse. Extremely pleased with the car.

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  ITS A PIECE OF JUNK!!! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By machelas - October 18 - 9:29 am

  When i got it it drove perfectly but now it needs oil evry other day, it rattles like crazy. all i can say about this car is; Dont buy it!! Its a piece of junk. will never buy a Nissan again even if its offered for free. Shame on you Nissan for taking advantage of hard working Americans.! Forget Nissan. Would appreciate if they come pick up their junk in my back yard.

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  Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By JT 2004 - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Not a single SUV that matched base model performance at under 33k

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  Best cari n 20 years!! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By ei519 - October 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is comfortable and I love the transmission.

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  damn - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By pathfinders - October 17 - 10:06 pm

  Now Ive owned 3 pathfinders so far. A 94, a 96, and a 98. I have had this one only since October and stopped driving it end of July. In those months I have bought 4 brand new tires, struts, shocks, front brakes, front drivers side axle, water pump, radiator hose, timing belt, ball joints/u joints, bushings and bearings on control arms, new evap system purge valve and canister, and then the recall was fixed, and last but not least my transmission just went and my knock sensor and my control arms need to be replaced. Im still looking for a new pathfinder but I wouldnt suggest a 98 or younger to anyone.

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  Disappointed with this car, - 2017 Nissan Sentra
  By Sue - October 17 - 5:42 am

  I owned a 2011 Sentra and although I didnt find it very comfortable I was happy with the way it drove so I decided to upgrade to a 2017 SV Sentra. Although I am happy with all the new safety features such as the backup camera and blind spot warning lights I am really sorry I bought this car because of the transmission and acceleration. It seems they "improved" the CVT transmission in 2012 and now the car is very slow and unresponsive compared to the 2011. On long trips my leg hurts because Im having to push so hard on the gas peddle to get it to respond and it is very dangerous merging and passing. Also the cruise control doesnt work on even small hills which is very annoying. As soon as I pay down my loan I will be looking around for a better, safer car.

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  the best truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By ross ayala - October 16 - 10:23 pm

  i think the titan is the best truck ive ever owned its cool looking its a tuff truck and its powerful but it needs to come with a grill in the bottom of the front bumper. but its still a good truck.

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  2008 Better than Ever - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By CMC - October 16 - 1:26 pm

  I traded up from a 2004 and have to say Nissan did a better job listening to the input from consumers on what was working and not working. FFV as standard on most of their trucks gives a great alternate fuel. Ive averaged 12 mpg city and 14 mpg highway on ethanol (E85). At 50 cents less a gallon, the cost savings start adding up with very little mileage loss. Better larger brakes, 20 inch rims and tires to boot. I have the new long bed combined with Crew Cab. Can haul more gear and the gang with spacious cabin room. Ride is better with longer frame as well. Ive owned trucks from Chevy and Ford. The Titan quality stands out by far.

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  Great ride! - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Kim - October 16 - 10:42 am

  I was in the market for a new car fell in love with the look of this. I bought one used, but it was in great condition. The seats are comfortable; they hug your body and make you feel safe, unlike the Nissan Sentra I had before where the seats were just boring and flat. I get a lot of miles out of a tank of gas, it feels pretty sturdy and heavy driving on the road, which is important to me. The Sentra felt like itd fly off the road if there was a gust of wind. However, the trunk is TINY and SHALLOW. You cant even fit a decent sized box in the back. This isnt a good traveling car if you do a lot of traveling, as the back seat is pretty small as well. But since Im only one person with no kids, its perfect for me. Also, sometimes this car seems to have trouble speeding up on hills. This car is also very safe. I recently got into a four-car wreck - the Infiniti behind me was totaled, but I only got away with my two bumpers needing replacement and the exhaust system repaired. No windows shattering, engine problems, or any other damage to the body that I know of.

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  NISSAN MAXIMA SE SEDAN - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By SHIRLEY - October 16 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS A GREAT CAR AND FUN TO DRIVE.