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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  I love this car - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Robert Brooks - April 23 - 12:46 am

  I feel this car is probably your best buy for the size and cost

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  I Love it! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Phyllis - April 22 - 10:33 pm

  Even though I have only owned my Altima for over a little more than a month I am delighted to get behind the wheel. I think it looks good and I look good in it. It handles well and gets good gas milage as well. So far the dealer has lived up to all of my expectations.

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  This is an awesome car! - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Tracie - April 22 - 1:20 pm

  I have had many cars, but there will NEVER be another great car like my 96 Max SE - bought with 45K, gave to my 16 yr old at 120K and he has had through high school and now through college and has 215K on it. Now lately it has needed an alternator, starter and now a water pump. Well those costs for a college aged kids car are minimal compared to a car payment. Maxs engine and transmission are still better than my new car that I have. Dont have a problem putting about $600 repairs because I know it will run for another 50K miles. A while back, he hit an Explorer hitch and that darn Max drove him home safely. I love love love this car! Shes part of the family!

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  Great Car - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Bob Mc - April 22 - 10:00 am

  This is our 3rd Nissan, first 2 (93 Max Gxe, 95 Altima GXE) were leased. The current 99 Max GLE was purchased. Has 55K mi and not a single problem. The car still looks and runs like the day it left the showroom. No plans to replace any time soon!

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  oxygen sensor - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By papa - April 22 - 10:00 am

  Only problem I have had is faulty oxygen sensor. Have had an emmision problem in models 1992 and 1996 and now the 1999. Dealer Hyannis Nissan refuses to correct problem because over warranty even though I have complaind about problem before warranty ran out. Excuse was that their computer was down until recently.

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  Great price, great car - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By djmjr - April 22 - 10:00 am

  We were looking at the Sentra, Corolla, Civic, and Elantra. We decided on the Sentra for its great price, tasteful styling, and solid build. Its been a great car, handles well, and has adequate acceleration.

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  YeeeeeeHaw - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Spec Velicious - April 22 - 10:00 am

  After test driving this vehicle I had a big S___eating grin on my face. What a blast to drive. I am 37 and the father of 2 kids, so i wanted something sporty, economical, and practical(4 doors). I did alot of research into all the other makes and models and test drove almost all of them(no american manufacturers). In my opinion the sentre se-r gave me all of what i was lookin for at the best price (17,200).Yes there are minor things that are not great about the car but, when you compare it to the competition they become irrelevant. Do yourself a favor and test drive one.

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  the best - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By lilaco - April 22 - 10:00 am

  the best, the best, the best, the best is a Nissan Altima

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  3rd Time Nissan Owner - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By NYNIC715 - April 22 - 4:40 am

  I previously had an 05 then an 07 Pathfinder. Being a single woman I decided to downsize. After looking at the Edge, Mariner & Escape, & X3, Nissan once again won my business. Picked up the 07 just before the 09 came out at that time the 09 had no photos out yet - didnt want to wait and be disappointed with the new one. The 09 is nice but I have to say I love the 07. The CVT at low speeds is a nuance but only a minor one. Its comfortable for long rides, fun to zip around in, tight turning radius, fuel efficient for an SUV. Could use an iPod adapter and heated stearing wheel - the Pathfinders now have that. Over all youll be pleasantly surprised with this crossover.

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  Very Impressive - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Recontaz - April 22 - 2:33 am

  I bought this car for my wife in April, She was in need of a new car. We bought the SV model with the premium and tech package. What a deal, we got a very good deal on this vehicle and we are still impress and excited about the car. We just took it on the road for Memorial Day weekend and the ride was excellent and the passing power was just superb. We was having looks from people driving the Lexus and Infinity. When we parked the car, people were staring at it when they passed by. We purchased the Black so it looked good with the chrome on it. We tested the nav system going and coming back home and it was excellent, it even rerouted on its own when I tested and make a wrong turn.