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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  First Road Trip With My Altima - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By JC OF VA - February 14 - 6:53 am

  This is my second review of his vehicle. I purchased my Altima in December 2006 and recently took my first family vacation with it. I drove the vehicle from southeast Virginia to western New York nearly 2000 miles and was extremely pleased. This vehicle begs to be driven faster than the speed limit. It rides great on highway and I got nearly 450 miles on full tank of gas. The cruise control made for a smooth driving experience and the engine was very quite at high speeds. The vehicle had plenty of leg room and the seats were comfortable at driving for long periods of time. This vehicle is of exceptional quality and I look forward to driving it for a long time.

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  Second to none - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Andre - February 14 - 5:43 am

  Best car I have ever purchased, absolutely love to drive this. Makes long trips seem short because of comfortable the ride is.

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  My 3rd Altima and I love it!!! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Melissa Jo - February 14 - 5:13 am

  I cant believe what I have read, in that the Altima isnt a reliable car?!! I started out with a 1996 (which had over 150,000 miles on it when I traded it), then a 2000 (which I still have) and now my 200404! I travel 23 miles one way to work, to the store, etc etc. I just put Blizzaks on it.I love it!! I wouldnt buy any other car.

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  Surprising to drive! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Kei_Calibur - February 14 - 4:10 am

  Ever since I first drove this car for the test drive, Ive loved it. I like to drive fast and to be able to get around town when I need to, and this car is more than suitable for it. With plenty of power throughout the majority of the RPMs, it will not let you down. For tuners out there, it has a good aftermarket backing. To others, it comes with just about everything you will need. Im having a hard time wanting to replace the stock sound system. In fact, the only thing I would want to replace is the factory header due to the precat restricting the powerband. With the sound package, sunroof, 6-speed transaxle and the 17" rims, you really cant beat this car for the price.

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  Love It So Far! - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By AYC - February 13 - 1:43 pm

  Ive always wanted a Nissan Maxima, but 5 years ago I settled for a Honda Accord. I recently sold the Accord and decided to try the new Maxima, mainly because of the CVT. I havent been dissatisfied so far. The CVT does get some getting used to, but the car handles well, has great acceleration and is just plain fun to drive. The craftsmanship of the cars interior is outstanding and the BOSE stereo system is magnificent. I love this car and only hope for long-lasting reliability.

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  Excellent car - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By adeelb06 - February 13 - 12:37 pm

  I actually drive an SE with a Auto trans. I got the car at 202000 Km. I used it for 4 years and now it has 310000 km on it. Until 280000 this car was running great. Only got regular repairs like brakes and etc. I didnt change the battery or did an alignment or a tune up and this baby runs awesome. 5/5 for both Engine and transmission. The body tends to rust out but who can complain past 250,000 km. All in all, this is the car if youre a new buyer and need something a bit comfy and still reliable. Comfort level is extraordinary for cars in its class and age.

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  Hot styling, great power, great purchase - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Christine - February 13 - 10:23 am

  Traded a 2000 Altima SE for a 2007 2.5S with Convenience Plus pkg. I want to drive everywhere now. From its classy and streamlined style, roomy interior, to the powerful performance from the 4-cylinder CVT, I love this car. I didnt test drive the 6-cyl, it was over my budget, but the 4 has me merging into traffic with no problems. The CVT is buttery smooth. Interior storage and cup holders are plentiful, a huge advantage over my 2000. My BF and I find the firm seats supportive. Rear seat psgrs have great leg room. I love the pushbutton start and the push button entrance feature on the doors and trunk - no fumbling for keys. Getting 30 mpg so far. Love showing it off - very happy!

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  Best auto puchase Ive ever made! - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Nleporacci - February 13 - 7:56 am

  Not sure what the mileage complaints are about. Im averaging 31 mpg on the highway and 28 mpg combined. Ive just hit 300 miles on this tank of gas and I still have more than 1/4 of a tank left. Lots of power when needed and stylish to the max. The 2007 has twice the leg room of the 2006. It hugs the road beautifully.

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  03 SE-R, M3 for everyone - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Henryg - February 13 - 2:00 am

  I traded my 96 Caprice LT1 for the SE- R about four months ago. The complaints I have is poor gas milage on the hwy, its very close to the 96 Caprice with a V8 in it! The suspension keeps the car glued to the road and is smooth as long as the road is smooth. Driving over cracks and bumps in the road thats a completely different story. Lastly, the engine lacks power at higher (over 90mph) speeds. Overall the car is a blast to drive, comes fully loaded and the floor mats with the SE-R logo, 7 speaker sound system, rear heat and heated mirrors are included in the base price. This car would be sweet with rear wheel drive.

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  Nissan "Murano" - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By kblueswim - February 13 - 2:00 am

  Has a very smooth ride, even over hard roads. The controls are all with in easy reach. The leg room in the back seats is very roomy.