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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  Former Camry Driver - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Former Camry Driver - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Having just traded in my 1998 Camry LE, Im quite pleased so far with the Altima 2.5 S. It drives smoothly and picks up speed very quickly. It was also more advantageous to purchase the S model and add leather from a source outside of the factory installed leather.

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  I own a yugo with a nissan sticker on it - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Paul Shotwell - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought this nissan hoping to step up in class from my ford escort, only to find numerous problems, including, transmission slippage, caused by gear ratio setup not correct. In the suspension system, I noticed extreme dampening during braking intervals on hills. My microfilter worked terribly. I would say I loved the gas mileage. Some would say 12 mph for the highway might not be acceptable, but after experiencing this car, I was just thrilled it was able to make it to a gas station. Never again will I buy a Yugo..oops I mean Nissan

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  2006 nissan frontier - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By prince - December 4 - 9:10 am

  I bought my frontier 4x4 last Nov. and I love it. I love the rugged look, the power and especially the interior space.

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  Good turned bad - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Disappointed - December 4 - 5:53 am

  I bought the 2.5 S in a 5 speed manual and loved it at first. Then I started having clutch problems. The clutch would suck itself to the floor. Yet no problem found when taken in. After warranty was up my engine blew. Turns out I had a faulty oil pump. other mechanic fixed my car AND my clutch. Have to put in 3 qts of oil a month because it is burning oil so bad. Yet no recalls. called nissan directly and they were no help. 2004 and 2006 has a recall for the same problem. Car has a problem starting which is also a recall on the 2004s. So disappointed. Will never buy Nissan again. Trading car for a Camry

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  Best Performing Hybrid Sedan - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By SonicAgamemnon - December 4 - 3:53 am

  Test drove the Fusion, Camry and Prius hybrids and concluded the Altima was the best overall performing hybrid in the group, with the best balance between fuel economy, driving performance and comfort. Although the Prius stands above the group in fuel economy, it fell quickly behind in other areas during my test drive. The Altima has the best merge/pass performance, lowest cabin noise, and the best cornering and general handling in the group. Fully dressed, all of these vehicles are priced about the same, with similar rebates and financing, and the same warranty coverages. Its nice to simply test drive them all on the same day and decide based mostly on that alone.

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  The Camry Killer? - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By andrew - December 3 - 2:36 pm

  Although we test-drove the Prius and Camry Hybrid, the Altima was the only full hybrid we actually found fun to drive; its responsive and powerful, and feels like a performance car rather than a boat or oversized cart. While the jury is still out on gas economy (it was a cold winter in Toronto, after all), its still pretty good. Couple that with its attractive exterior, and I would have to say that the Altima is the best hybrid out there right now.

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  My desert dwelling Frontier - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Pete - December 2 - 9:10 pm

  I just purchased my Frontier last week and I love it. This is my second Nissan product. They make an excellent vehicle that the dealer will really stand behind if there is ever a problem. I drive over 80 miles daily to work and back, and the last thing I need to worry about is " Will I Make It ". It is also a beautiful, well designed midsized truck that my 6 foot 230 pound frame will fit in comfortably.

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  Rocket Update - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By rudepuppy - December 2 - 1:30 pm

  Original review 02-14-2003. A very good car, now with 64,000 miles. I dropped my comfort rating from 9 to 8 because I have tired of the firm ride. Economy rating from 9 to 8 because we avg. 24 mpg, down from 27 mpg first 3 years. Quality rating from 10 to 9 - anyone else have peeling paint? I washed the car this week, and paint is coming off the hood in quarter sized pieces - NOT GOOD! Well see how Nissan stands behind their cars now.

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  Shari is a treasure. - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By Sandra Carlson - December 2 - 11:08 am

  Treat her right.

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  Murano - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Sue - December 2 - 5:16 am

  Just picked up my 2005 Murano the other day. I enjoy it! I have wanted one since they first came out in 2003. Very stylish, easy to drive, and comfortable. Only thing missing is a heated steering wheel (had one in my 2002 Maxima and just loved it) so now I will have to buy a pair of gloves for our Ohio winters. My husband and kids enjoy driving it also...I think there might be a fight to be the driver!