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:

• 

  Love it - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By proud owner - July 20 - 7:33 pm

  Ive had my 2.5 sl for almost a month. Wow, its amazing! Definitely a headturner. The engine is very smooth and the styling is very beautiful. I was in the market for a Maxima, but when I saw the Altimas new design I had to pick that up instead. I never thought Id be able to get so many features for the price! Some of the reviews say the seats are uncomfortable, I disagree, theyre firm in a good way and supportive. The intelligent key is amazing and the metallic jade color is gorgeous. Did a lot of research and this is by far the best value!

• 

  Best Value Midsize Sedan - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Phillip - July 20 - 10:10 am

  My 2006 Honda Accord lease was up and I wouldnt lease another noisy Accord!After test driving the Mazda 6(uncomfortable seats,strange engine noise),Malibu(not a fun driving experience),Accord(still noisy),Audi 4(loose low speed steering),Acura TSX(slow acceleration,small back seat),Fusion(poor steering feel),I kept coming back to the Nissan Altima 2.5SL,with connection package !After 2000 miles,Im very happy!The car rides very smoothly,great acceleration for a 4cyl,23-25mpg in city,very quiet,Bose stereo,Bluetooth,ipod jack,are wonderful!No problems!

• 

  My Altima - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By K - July 19 - 11:50 pm

  This is my 4th Nissan. I go back to Datsun 1967. My Altima is acting strange - warning lights go on & off, and doors lock and unlock. The automatic/remote door lock device has never worked well. Also, the air conditioner keeps leaking.

• 

  The Altima is Awesome - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Real Deal Neal - July 19 - 6:16 pm

  My 06 Sonata was wreck, so had find another car and paid nissan a visit during the sales tent event over the memorial day weekend. The car is well equip w/ the convenience package. It rides and handles very well and I find it to be comfortable even in the back seats. I did very little hwy driving and manage 500 miles on the first tank which averages about 25 miles/gal in mostly stop and go. I love this intelligent key the rest of the auto world needs to catch up with nissan, no more fumbling for the keys, I was sold on this feature. 175 horses is plenty of power for everyday communting and hwy passing.

• 

  Best Car Yet - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Scotty B - July 19 - 4:33 pm

  Although some may complain about the lack of luggage space or room for more than 2, this car wasnt meant to haul things. It was meant to be driven, and I havent driven anything since that has been as pleasurable as my Z. Not a Mustang GT, WRX, 3 Series (2003), A4, or even a C5 Vette. I even get 23+ mpg in it!

• 

  Versa has many problems! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By birdgirl999 - July 19 - 4:22 am

  I purchased a new, 2007 Nissan Versa in July 2007. One month later, I experienced trouble starting the car. It took at least 5 cranks at a few seconds each to get the engine to turn over. They replaced the fuel pump assembly six times between Aug 2007 and May 2011. I sent Nissan a letter and only received a voicemail response. I noticed the problem would occur on cold starts, after the car sat for at least a couple hours. And was more common during cold weather months. Nonetheless, a new car should not have problems like this! Ive also had other problems - all the hubcaps have been replaced, as they fell off! Dont buy a Versa. Do some research and save your time and money.

• 

  Do Not buy a Nissan Maxima - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Mike - July 18 - 10:35 pm

  After much hype, we purchase the 2016 Nissan Maxima. We purchase it in the end of October. We have had it in the shop 6 times for electrical issues and rattles. We have escalated the issue to Nissan with no resolution. They have the worst customer service. This is a very very bad car. Do not purchase one. Buyer beware! I wont by another Nissan the way I have been treated.

• 

  fun driving - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By williamwhitmer - July 18 - 5:46 pm

  so much fun to drive and gas milage is also great for a truck. has been hard to keep the wife away from it as she always chooses to drive it.

• 

  2008 Frontier Crew Cab - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Nismo CC - July 18 - 4:56 pm

  Great family truck with lots of power. The Nismo model I purchased had all the features I was looking for including the most important feature of all, the full side curtain air bags. I highly recommend the Nissan Frontier.

• 

  Fun family car - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Jrl69 - July 18 - 11:13 am

  I test drove the Fit and Yaris before trying the Versa. Im glad I choose this car I traded my gas guzzling truck in for this one for work and wed have a family car to run around town with on the weekends. Now our other SUV stays parked and we only use the Versa. Great car nice and roomy fits all four of us and the dog with no problem. The trunk is roomy but not big enough when grocery shopping. Love the keyless features and the sunroof and bluetooth. good Stereo with XM. You get a lot of bang for the buck with this car.