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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  Still sweet after 42months - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Jo Co Max - September 27 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2000 SE Auto and with 43,000 miles after 42 months, car still strong, engine still sweet! This is truly a 4 door sports car. Performance is better than a lot of "sports cars" Ive driven. There is nothing finer than to be cruising down the interstate at 80 MPH, punching the gas, and feeling the acceleration. The engine does run out of breath at about 95 MPH, but that is a small complaint. (I shouldnt be going that fast anyway!)

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  Best car owned - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By jconner - September 27 - 10:00 am

  I have never owed a "non-american" car before purchasing the Nissan. I must say the car is clearly made better than the Fords and Cheveys I have driven in the past. Bought it with 184,000 on it crossing my fingers. After putting 30K on it I have only had to change the oil in it. Great car.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By ruth - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Switched from Toyota Camry because of some minor cosmetic and etc. problems. This has been an excellent car with nothing but minor and expected repairs. A joy to drive

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  Spec V - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By TribeFanSG - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive had no problems with this car. It run like a bat outta hell. Torque steer can be a little dicey.

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  The Max - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By dslay74 - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car. Well worth the money.

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  Great SUV to own - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By LWatson57 - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Great handling and comfort.The fold down rear seats are tricky but the reclining feature is excellent. The gas milage is average but has great pick-up.

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  Happy Customer - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By BruceBy - September 27 - 10:00 am

  We replaced a luxury car and an SUV with the Murano and have been very pleased with our choice. We take many long day trips to see our son play lacrosse in college and the Murano has been a great performer. It is roomy for people and luggage. The Bose sound system is great.

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  The Happy Monkey - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Mollejuax - September 27 - 10:00 am

  The car is a great experience.. It look alot better than the Honda Accord... It has a bigger engine than the Accord and the Camry..I dont understand why anyone would even consider buying the accord or the camry...Lets make it fair and combine both the accord and the camry together..Damn what an ugly car.. We will call it the Japanese Mollejuax 2.49 1/2 stutter..

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  Ricks review. - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Rick Alonso - September 27 - 10:00 am

  My car has been great. Ive had it 3 months now , and the only service need was replacing the light bulb in the ignition bezel. Other than that , not one other problem. The performance is outstanding for a 4 cylinder automatic , and its fun to drive. Theres plenty of space front or back , and has a huge trunk. The quality of the paint and fit and finish is excellent. This beats my girlfriends Honda Accord hands down.

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  I own one, I love it! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Rick owner - September 27 - 10:00 am

  i bought this car 30 days ago and It is very nice. I owned a Lexus 300 and this car is not far off its ride and comfort. I would definately buy one again. The mileage is not too spiffy maybe it will get better after break in. I think it is one of the best looking cars in its price range available. Nissan also makes buying one first class.