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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  Nothin but Trouble - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Miller - February 3 - 4:23 am

  Only have 29,000 miles and have taken it in 5 times to have the brakes REPLACED due to brake failure. Company didnt put strong enough breaks on such a large vehicle (doesnt sound too safe, huh?). I know 3 others whove had the same problem. I contacted the company for lemon-coverage, but they claimed they put on the final fix and therefore wouldnt replace or refund. Nice car to drive, but wish Id chosen something else -- new cars shouldnt be in the shop every other month!

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  So far, great car! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By erichards - February 2 - 10:24 pm

  Bought my 07 Altima (loaded) used w/38k miles in Dec 11. Started off on the wrong foot - had to replace battery (dealer covered) and front brakes (dealer didnt cover) in the first 10 days. Brakes werent worn out, but had a pulsing feel under braking the tech wrote off as "slightly hazed rotors". I replaced them with high quality aftermarket rotors & pads, and they have been perfect in the 13k miles since. Since then, the car has been great, no other problems, just regular maint. I love the handling & power of this car, and the sound of the Bose system is the best Ive ever heard from a factory unit. The seats could be a little more supportive, but for a sedan theyre not too bad.

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  Im in Love!!!! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By SheShopper - February 2 - 9:20 pm

  Just brought this baby home Monday and wish I had more places to drive its such a joy. Its classy with the silver exterior and tan interior. I did notice a little wind noise but Bose can overcome that nicely!

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  Highly recommended for durability - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Danny - February 2 - 2:00 pm

  I have always wanted this exact year. When I first purchased used. I had done all my homework and have not been disappointed since. It is the most reliable car so far that I have owned. For a v6 it is quite responsive. Like any car it has had some minor mechanical work but if you change your oil regularly and do its scheduled upkeep it will give you years of satisfaction. I currently have 145000 kms and bought it with 88000 kms. The engine on this car is solid. it corners on rails and is a treat on the highway. The seats are comfortable. Buy it!!

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  Good Basic Car - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By Joanna - February 2 - 11:30 am

  I bought the base model for the automatic. No power anything, and no radio even (Went to best buy to buy a better one anyway). I only needed to replace my 2 door Civic I had sold in preparation of my first child. Its perfect for what I need. You wont find a cheaper new car that is decently built. You sit up higher than most sedans too. I like that! Although its taking me some getting used to pulling into a parking space as you cant see where your front bumper ends. Think the bubble shape is cute too. My tall husband can drive this car waayy most comfortable driving this car too, more leg and head room than most cars, doesnt feel small at all! A good purchase!

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  2000 Quest SE - 2001 Nissan Quest
  By MMattson - February 2 - 10:00 am

  1. Good pickup. Repeated problems with alignment. 2. Leather seats worth extra money, as are moonroof, upgraded stereo and VCR. 3.Great visibility, not much maneuverablity in parking lots. 4.Steering wheel controls for stereo are a godsend. 5.Running boards, alloy wheels, and silver color adds sporty details to an otherwise solid design. 6. Disappointed by electrical problems with rear windshield wiper; service department has not resolved difficulties. Other electrical problems include overdrive on/off switch, and digital readout for stereo and clock, both working intermittantly. 7. Never had any engine, brake, transmission problems.

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  doing search i found it is the best - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By leo - February 2 - 10:00 am

  2.4 liter engine for average size body. good ride

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  doing search i found it is the best - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Leo - February 2 - 10:00 am

  2.4 liter engine for average size body. good ride

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  2002 Maxima SE - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Keithkoz - February 2 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. Ive been a Toyota fan for years, but the Maxima advertising campaign coaxed me into trying something new. Engine performance is outstanding, going from 70mph to 90mph without hesitation nor strain, almost instantly. Solid construction is noticibly better than my 2000 Camry.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Cydney Ginter - February 2 - 8:57 am

  I am completely and utterly amazed by this car. Compared to my pervious car which was an suv, the altima is extremely comfortable and drives amazingly. It has an extremely quiet cabin, which Im not used to but I absolutely love. The power is phenomenal. My SUV didnt have any special features and with the altima, I have bluetooth, and push to start which is an added bonus. I have the limited edition therefore I also have the remote car start perfect for the winter! I have absolutely no complaints! I would highly recommend this car to anyone!