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 likey :) - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By asHLeiGh - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I love it and I would buy it all over again if i had to. Great price for such an awesome car.

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  good car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By yooo1234 - February 10 - 10:00 am

  just recently bought a 2.5s, i like bc its fast,comfortable, and really stylish but i think the handling is bad it keep on pulling to the left and it jerks alot but beside that its a good car overall and a head turner

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  One of the Best - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Delores Del Mastro - February 10 - 10:00 am

  This is the 1st vehicle that I ever purchased to my liking. I purchased new cars in the past; but never insisted on certain features as I did with this one.I am 100% happy with this vehicle! Enjoy driving it all the time. Would recommend it to all family & friends!

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  Awsome in every way - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Ls - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Love everything so far!

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  Yearling - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By KP - February 10 - 4:20 am

  Commute about 55miles/day. Had a Toyota Highlander which I loved. Gas creeping up so I looked at the Hybrids. The rebate influenced my decision to buy the Altima. Was worried about how I would enjoy driving it as I loved the Highlander, but the Altima has not disappointed. My commute is a combination of highway and town driving I am averaging 37mpg (the computer) actual is about 2mpg less. This took a year to achieve. Winter dropped to 30 mpg. Zippy, comfortable, the Bose system is disappointing, and its nice to drive a car not an SUV - Winter posed a bit of a problem, will buy snow tires for next year. I live in a very hilly area in CT. Slip control GREAT! The dog loves it too!

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  Not sure what to think - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Jordan - February 9 - 11:46 am

  I bought my 2007 Sentra 2.0 with 6 speed trans, last week. I spent a lot of time deciding between the Sentra and the Civic. I went with the Sentra because the price was right, I needed a commuter car and didnt want to spend a lot. For the price tag, you do get quite a bit. However, this is a very base model car except for power windows, locks, and AC. I am 63" and have had terrible pains in my right leg from driving this car, unfortunately the seat does not go far back enough, and is not height adjustable. For that reason, I may be selling my Sentra in the near future. Otherwise, its a peppy, fun car to drive that doesnt cost a whole lot.

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  Maximum compromise - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Dan - February 9 - 10:43 am

  The Altima Hybrid was more my wifeÂ’s insistence than my desire. Was I surprised, the style is really nice, the room is surprising, I can now easily put in the two car seats in the back seat for my grand children. The pickup was very impressive; the hybrid 2.5 has approximately 50 more horse power than the standard 2.5.I spend considerable time driving in Boston and Worcester, so city driving for me is considerable, I average about 34 mpg city, and Of course IÂ’m always playing to keep in the EV modeÂ… I own a rather large pickup truck for hauling my boat. I truly feel this vehicle sort of balances out my gas situation. I have owned this vehicle for 8 months and it keeps impressing me.

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  The Best in Its Class - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Happy Owner - February 9 - 5:23 am

  A joy to drive on CA expressways and country roads. Quick acceleration and handling tops.

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  Awesome car - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Chris - February 8 - 9:03 pm

  I intended to buy a Altima coupe, after driving a coupe for 4 years. After sitting in the coupe and seeing that I probably couldnt get my golf bag to fit in that trunk, I made the decision to go with the sedan instead. Best decision! The Altima 3.5 SL sedan is absolutely amazing. Its loaded with every possible option under the sun. The ride is quiet, and the transmission is an engineering marvel. Extremely powerful and fuel efficient, and best of all it has a very sporty look. I like the blonde leather, and it spells class with just enough touch of the wood trim. This car lives up to the hype, and then some.

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  Best you can buy for the money - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Chicago - February 8 - 3:16 pm

  Forget for a moment that this SUV just looks cool, forget that you can get a completely loaded LE for about 5k less than a 4Runner w/o DVD and NAV. And just focus on the fact that this machine is fun to drive. I traded in my G35 for something that would handle better and the snow. I thought I would be giving up comfort and performance but that was not the case. This SUV has incredible pick up for a standard engine, very comfortable seats and loads of features (STANDARD!!!) With so much to chose from I was becoming overloaded with info, but when it came down to it - Price, Quality, Performance and Design all came in one package - the Pathfinder. Im thrilled with this purchase.