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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  Disappointed and Concerned/Buyer Beware - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By tsz628 - February 21 - 4:23 am

  I purchased my new 2013 Nissan Altima in January, 2013. I have had the vehicle now for nearly 2 months and 1300 miles. The performance of the vehicle thus far has been very disappointing. A very annoying vibration and lugging of the car upon acceleration at low rpms has been an issue. I just recently took a short trip using all interstates and felt a vibration and howling noise in the car the entire trip at speeds of 65-75mph. I have called the dealership and was told this was typical of a CVT Transmission. That statement is far from the truth. Nissan has a serious problem and needs to find a solution to correct this problem. Without these very annoying issues this can be a great car.

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  My Pathfinder - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Ajefmex - February 21 - 2:00 am

  Great Truck. Great looks as well as performance. Have driven it about 52000 miles in two years exactly and never had a problem.

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  99 Nissan Maxima SE Limited - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Maximus - February 21 - 2:00 am

  I have really enjoyed my Maxima. Its got one of the best, if the not the best V6 there is (or was in 1999). Ive only had minor problems with it. These problems were: Air Blower in car makes a whistling noise, drivers seat creaks a little, and the micro-chip keys can be erased if put on the counter in a store like Target or Walmart (which then requires a tow($75)and key re- coding at Nissan($40). I never had any major problems. Overall, its a great car that Im going to keep even after its paid off.

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  The Xterra style - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Foxx - February 21 - 2:00 am

  The Xterra is great, its like the design of a Lexus meets the versatility of a 4 Runner. Yet it is kinda small, it alows for a very fast, fun driving experence. I have the SE supercharged model, and let me tell you, I am never disapointed by the get-go power it has to offer. I live on a ranch and it has done good in traction and 4x4ing when it comes to the rainy season. The on the fly 4 wheel drive is a great addition when it comes to going up hill and not being able to stop to put your rig in gear.

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  Liking my new Murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Jesus Cervnates - February 21 - 2:00 am

  This Vehical is definetly beautiful, inside and out. 245HP engine and 246 pounds of torque. Stays head-to-head with the luxury class. Smooth CVT and Bose system. NICE! Ride quality is exceptional. Minimal road noise on standard 18s. Extremely Happy!!!

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  satisfied customer - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By doris williams - February 21 - 2:00 am

  I was very pleased with the new look. But the inerior could have be alittle better made. The quality of the carpet is poor. The carpet under the seats is very poor made. I was really suprised at how the carpet feels. It is not very well put together. I had a 1995 althima and it felt better the carpet was of better quality. It seems the put a lot of money in the design and compfort. But was willing to skip on the interior.

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  One problem after another... - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By amb - February 21 - 2:00 am

  Many problems. Have had to replace center adjusting armrest, door panel (leaking). Also had recall on airbag just after purchase, have replaced windshield once, and it needs to be replaced again. Nissan refuses to pay stating environmental. However, the glass cant seem to withstand any rocks hitting it. Right now, the vehicle is in the shop because it died in traffic yesterday and would not restart. This is the second time this has happened. The first time it was in a heated garage for three days and would not start. The second time it stalled out in -5 degree weather. Nissan reports that it is an "Altima" problem they are trying to figure out.

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  good truck - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By eracer08 - February 21 - 12:20 am

  Rides great for a truck. Good power from the 4.0V6.

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  4 door sport sedan - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By prmonse - February 20 - 9:06 pm

  After test driving and going over the specs of 6 cars, I decided for the Altima, I got the SE with the leather sport package and XM radio, and let me tell you its a sweet ride. Its very comfortable, the seats are supportative with multiple adjustments, the leather looks classy, and even tha back seat is roomy with the front seats adjusted for a 6 footer. The styling is modern and it looks fast just standing still, that was one of the main reasons, and the other the engine. Its like a turbine, quiet,and power delivery is right now wihtout any fuzz, you floor it to pass and in a blink your doing 80mph, awesome. The other main reason for choosing it, the fuel economy, has me impressed,26mpg.

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  Peeling grill, oil leaking - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By tigger - February 20 - 4:30 pm

  I bought this car brand new and I loved it for the first 2 years. Then.. The main problems I have are the grill peels, I have replaced the brakes and pads several times and it still shimmys at high speeds, and I have oil leak. I have changed the oil every 2000 miles and I treat it like my baby. Unfortunately the CD player stopped working and the CD is stuck. The sun roof wont open and last but not least the car is very difficult to turn without going back and forth a few times. The heating system is terrible. It is near impossible to get it to defrost if it is humid out. This car has always been in the garage too.