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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  Extremely good car for the money - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By vinvv - October 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car used 6 months ago, and put 20,000 miles on it already. drives great, good mileage, have taken good care of this car (as my other cars; im a mechanical engineer). its 5 years old and has not come up with any maintenance work yet ! Tho i did upgrade the stock speakers.

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  This is one HOT SUV!!!! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Paulo356 - October 11 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven my new black Armada 4x4 LE for about a week now and theres only one word to describe this SUV - its a BEAST! Depressing the accelerator pedal is like opening up a can of whup- ass on the road - this baby definitely has a lot of get-up-and-go. My friends can hear this thing coming down the road 4 blocks away! Also, the Nav system is one of the easiest to use and the seats are very comfortable. The DVD screen is a little too small at 7" for such a cavernous cabin - audience in the third row has to squint to see dvd image.

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  I love it! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By RADIANT - October 11 - 10:00 am

  With the exception of a few minor things being fixed at the dealer (i.e. mushy brakes/front end alignment) this truck is amazing.

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  Love it!! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Tom 4307 - October 11 - 10:00 am

  So far, so good! Found a great dealership in VA. Replaced the Bridgestone tires with Michelin Sport A/S. Big difference!

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  Cool - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By killingbee - October 11 - 10:00 am

  I love my car~ Its fast.. look cool...

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  best maxima i ever owned - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By fadmed - October 11 - 10:00 am

  this is my 3 generation maxima, from 1998 model, a 2000 model and now the 2004 SE elite package model, this one is the best of them all..

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  More for your $$$$ - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By O38marvin - October 11 - 12:36 am

  I purchased a 2007 Toyota Camry and once I saw and drove the 2007 Nissan Altima I traded in the Camry. I got way more for my money, sporty/elegant look, and not too mention the service I received from Nissan. Toyota dealers act like we owe them something... I feel, no I know Ive made the right decision.... Perfect Car for anyone.

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  2013 Altima 3.5 SV - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By fridaypm2002 - October 10 - 4:35 pm

  I test drove a 3 series BMW, 4 series Audi, and the Sonata. Decided on the Altima 3.5SV. Came with all the bells and whistles, but at reasonable price when compared with BMW and Audi. The fit and trim is excellent. The car feels more expensive than it costs. The Sonata, although also very nice looking did not handle as well as the Altima 3.5 SV. Chose cloth over leather for comfort. Gets hot where I live. Test drove the 2.5 Altima. No comparison to the 3.5 for pep and go. The Altima 3.5 is very compariable to the pep of BMW and Audi. Highly recommend the Altima 3.5.

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  Transmission - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By Daniel Piper - October 10 - 8:30 am

  Transmission is not the best slips in hot weather and gas mileage dropped from 32 miles a gallon 26 and or less terrible in the mountains transmission must cool if too hot driving on hilly ground

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  To much fun - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By j_ftkd - October 10 - 7:36 am

  This truck is powerful, yet does not drive like a truck. It handles so well. It is like two vehicles in one. A sports car and a truck. It is awsome