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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  Excellent SUV - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By robhockey - February 16 - 7:24 am

  Purchased the Platinum about a month ago to replace my aging 2004 Volvo XC90. We just returned from a 1,000 mile round-trip to Canada and the ride was comfortable and quiet. First thing I noticed is that there is definetly more room in all 3 rows than the Volvo. Navigation was great, along with techno-goodies, like bluetooth audio, Sirius/XM and the tire pressure monitor. MPG improved from 22.5 to 24.5 for the return trip home. After a couple of months of research, what you are basically getting with the Platinum is an Infiniti JX35 minus the softer leather and lane departure warning. Here in Northern NJ, the difference was $9,000 so the my decsion was easy. You will not be dissapointed

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  Not happy with my 2014 Altima - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By ftbutler50 - February 15 - 9:52 pm

  I bought this car a year ago and my gas mileage continues to drop.I am now averaging a little over 20 miles per gallon. This is way under the estimated miles per gallon advertised by Nissan. On occasion there is a hesitancy when I press on the accelerator. The Nissan dealership told me there was nothing wrong with the car and that it was probably due to winter gasoline. I had a Camry hybrid before this and was very pleased. Gas mileage was well into the 30 miles per gallon even in city driving. This car will cost me thousands of extra dollars that I did not anticipate spending for gas. I can feel all the bumps in the road and the occasional sticky accelerator makes for a joyless driving.

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  Chris Nissan - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Chris Carrino - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I have had the fully loaded V6 SE altima for about 8 months now & not only do I absolutely love it. but i have gotten so many compliments on the car on a regular basis. With the BOSE 8 speaker 6 CD Indash changer & the power & outstanding handling of the car. i have never had a car that is so much fun to drive

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  Effortless Power - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Boscvaranus - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Moved up from a 1999 Nissan Sentra GXE. The V6 Altima has gobs of power. Passing on 2 lane roads is so easy. The only drawback is the considerable torque steer with full throttle acceleration. Braking is smooth and well controlled. The car is quiet at highway speeds with little wind noise, but there is considerable road/tire noise on rough pavements.

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  Real Step Up - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By #3 maxima - February 15 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Maxima (I lease a new one every three years) and the SL is such a step up from my loaded 2000 GLE, it feels like I moved up to the power and performance I would expect from a $50,000 car. Sticker Price- $31,900. People stop and look and ask questions. Quiet, fast and luxurious..

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  Nissan Kicks some Major Ass! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Clark Kent - February 15 - 10:00 am

  265 Horsepower Motor Excellent Handling Fantastic Luxury Drives like a Dream Come True! Good Job Nissan.

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  Held up on West and East - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Rhode I to Nevada - February 15 - 8:50 am

  Has been a reliable care up to 113K miles. First (recently), the computer chip that controls the shifting. Second, the struts are now history. However the brakes lasted for 100K miles. I bought this car new in CT and its not with me in NV. Sslvage life is coming due but I still got a good ROI considering what I paid for it new.

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  bad blindspot - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By dianimalxx - February 15 - 6:36 am

  Gotta love this car! Zs have been in my family since 1970. About this new model 350Z... only two things that i find a bit inconvenient.. It has a bad blindspot on the passenger side. No matter how i adjust the mirror, or twist and turn to see, even when the passenger seat is moved up, its impossible to see the rear panel. Scary at times when pulling out of parking spaces. Another thing is that there is no real glove compartment in the front of the car. Another twist and turn, and if youre driving, not safe! Its behind passenger seat so if you need maps, etc, they cant access it easily either. what i wouldnt do to get my 1986 300ZX back... ahhh the one that got away....

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  Cant get repair parts from Nissan - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Al D - February 14 - 11:46 pm

  I loved my Maxima until the air conditioner died while on vacation (38000 miles) and now a coolant part which failed will be on back order for a total of 5 weeks before it it ships. I cant drive the car which only has 57000 miles on it. The Nissan consumer department hasnt helped so beware of the support you get after the purchase.

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  King of the hill - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Adam13 - February 14 - 7:10 pm

  After 35 years of MB ownership it was time for my first CUV. Did much research and was drawn to the class leaders, RAV4, CR-V, Outlander, Escape, Forester and Vue. In my opinion the Nissan Rogue trumps them all. Style - no spare hanging off the rear. Ride - firm yet compliant, smooth and comfortable. Engine - smooth as a babys bottom. Power - more than enough for the job. Economy - averaging 23 mpg. Build quality - flawless. Interior - intuitive, understated luxury. If you believe that the whole can be greater than the sum of its parts than I urge you to test drive this vehicle before making a decision. This is the new king of the hill!