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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  Fun to Drive - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By xosder - July 28 - 10:40 pm

  This a very fun car to drive with good power and acceleration. The exterior design is very stylish and sporty. The ride is very quiet and smooth (although if you have the SE you will feel the bumps). This is not a luxury car by any stretch and it does have a few flaws, but all in all is a good car.

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  This car ROCKS! - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Stew - July 28 - 12:00 pm

  This is one the fastest, most responsive cars I have owned. $75G plua cars have pulled aside it sneered, and then were left in the dust with only factory equipment and settings. The body is gorgeous! Definitely spend the coin on 18" wheels and rims. When you turn off the traction slippage control, this car becomes a rocket.

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  Very comfortable sedan that handles well. - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By manofmyths - July 28 - 10:45 am

  One of the most comfortable cars you can sit in. Good power and handles very well for its size. Interior is nice but the plastic cover of the radio easily shows too many streak the second you wipe it and it was the worst bluetooth commands ive tried. How many times must i confirm to call someone??? Superb fuel economy.

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  Smooth Ride with Powa! - 2010 Nissan Armada
  By XWARRIOR - July 28 - 10:00 am

  I always have prefer SUVs over coupes and sedans. The 2010 Nissan Armada Titanium has the space to fit my short, stocky stature and has the power to move through the NYC highways in a breeze. I recently went from NYC to Woodbury (50- 55 miles each way) and average 22-25 miles to the gallon round trip. In the city, it is a bit abysmal but all SUVs suck gas however having a 28 gallon gas tank does save a couple of trips to the station. It also has better top speed (140 mph) then most of its rivals in the class. It absorbs city potholes very well. The seats are firm in which, it is a godsend when stuck in heavy traffic. "Once you drive a truck, you can never go back".

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  Good deal - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By CAR CRAZY - July 28 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for a month and half and let me tell you I traded my 2010 Nissan maxima for this car and its all worth it! The fuel economy its amazing! Last long trip was for 350 miles round trip and I got 33 mpg! For a v6 this is very good. Pros:gas mileage, power, sport pkg, xenon lights, fun to drive, low co$t maintenance, reg grade gas and much more. Cons: noisy cheap tires, black interior and cheap stereo for the price of the car.

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  Worst Purchase Ever - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Wendy - July 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new and it was returned the next day for repairs. After two weeks I finally got my new car back and it now has over 500 miles on it, a dirty interior, and no new car smell. It is going back tomorrow for correction of repairs and cleaning. This car should never have left the dealers lot. This was the first car I ever bought brand new, what a disappointment!

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  In Love - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Kenna - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Looked for 8 mths at only fuel efficient cars, considered the Mini, the Insight, the Civic, the Jetta TDI. Then, on a lark, because I thought it the most beautiful car out there, I finally drove the Altima and immediately fell in love. This is a great car! The ride is so smooth, I feel like Im floating on air. I have comfort, beauty and function all at a great price. I have never been so happy to write a check.

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  Is this really a CVT? - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Jack - July 28 - 3:54 am

  Had a Maxima for six years before trading for this vehicle. There is absolutely no comparison in performance of the transmissions. This Rogue behaves more like a standard 4-speed automatic. Unpleasant for me because the Maxima shifting was so much smoother, responsive and predictable.

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  chicks think its cute - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Tim - July 28 - 1:40 am

  I will end up averaging about 1000 miles per month over my first year owning this car. I live in a region with many excellent sports car roads and little severe weather. Twisty mountain roads are the favorite hunting grounds of this predator. Z4, CLK230 and Mustang are its favorite prey. Although its ultimate grip around a corner may not be the king of the hill, it loves the transitions and flies through them with great balance. Feedback to the driver is excellent. I have the 17-inch wheels and they seem to have better comfort than the 18-inch from what I have read. Car makes you feel like you are a much better driver than you are. Moreover, it lets one become a better driver, too.

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  Love It!!!! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Brad - July 27 - 10:26 pm

  I just recently bought the 2007 Altima with the CVT..I got the SL package, Bose Stereo with Sirius, Rear Spoiler, splash guards, and ABS. Man this car is fun to drive. For a 4 cylinder it has some good pick up. I definitely recommend that you get the Bose stereo..The car I bought invoiced at $24,915 and paid $24,500..so Im happy with that...and Pebble Beach exterior looks sharp with Black leather interior.