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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  Nice car but engine problems - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By km - November 14 - 1:40 am

  Ive owned this car since 2002. Only owner and I took it back the dealership each time for a decent oil change service. For some reason unknown to us, our engine had to be replaced after about 50k miles. At first the dealership wanted to make us pay for it, but arguing with Corporate Nissan helped us get it for free (after warranty ran out.) Some other minor repairs but overall not a bad car except for the engine issue.

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  Sooooooooooooo fun to drive; great gass mileage - 2016 Nissan Juke
  By Deirdre Coutu - November 13 - 9:18 pm

  I LOVE my juke. My favorite attribute is the ruby red accents that adorne the interior including the seats and insides of the doors

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  Altima GXE 01 - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By emg - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Decent car for under $20k, got the LTD edition. Lots of torque for this class, much better hanlding once you get rid of the stock tires. Steering is tighter than average (good thing), auto tranny shifts smoothly, though wish it was a 5-speed auto. The sound system is great - even at louder volumes the bass doesnt overpower the high tones. Only warranty issues: replaced rear stabilizer bar bushings and driver side power window motor. Still pretty happy and going strong at 55k miles!

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  My Pocket-Rocket - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Nino2138 - November 12 - 10:00 am

  This car is phenomenal. The ride is really tight but better that way than bouncing around all over the road at 100+ miles per hour. Today I reached my highest speed ever as a driver, 107 miles per hour. I only was maybe 1/3 of the way down on the throttle! Makes me wonder what this car can really do... I chose the color Vibrant Blue...the car really stands out in this color..(Believe me....Ive never had so much attention from the ladies before) I currently have 550 miles on it.....

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  Love it - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Eva Marie - November 10 - 10:36 pm

  I bought this car used 2 years ago and have had no problems with it. Its still a cute little car! I do wish the seat material was a little sturdier and my A/C controls dont light up, but these are fairly minor issues. Its a smooth ride and the A/C works great during our hot summers. 2 thumbs up!

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  Nice little car - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Jessica - November 10 - 4:26 pm

  I have a 30 minute commute every day twice a day, and then I drive extra to and from stores. This car is very nice, I have had it for almost 2 weeks and have only had to fill it up twice. It rides very smooth. The BlueTooth is a little annoying, but still a nice feature. It is also very nice to get in the car with a push of a button (twice).. but still i dont have to push in a code..or listen to the loud beep.. its very nice and convenient. The hidden spot in the trunk is nice as well.

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  fuel economy? - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By azdriver - November 9 - 1:16 am

  (this review is for a fully loaded 2008 hybrid) I guess I got the lemon. I get maybe 31 in the winter time, running on cruise control between traffic lights minimize fuel consumption. Now, at 105F outside, Im lucky to get 27 - on mostly mixed freeway/city. Something must be bad - likely the battery pack. Blew an A/C hose o-ring at about 1 year, the single sided bolted joint at the top rear of the engine compartment must have worked itself loose.

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  Good car for first time driver! - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By lizemrich - November 8 - 4:28 pm

  I got this car for my 16th birthday, Ive never had any problems in the year since then. It is a poorly made car, low end of Nissan for sure, but for a first car it was great. Very easy to drive and gets great gas mileage. The fuel pump is an issue for me just like everyone else who mentioned it, my car has never not started, but it does take two tries sometimes. Other than that I love it! Great first car, I wouldnt buy it if it wasnt for a teen or college student though.

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  The best! - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By bonton - November 7 - 4:06 pm

  I bought this car when it had 40K miles on it and now, 5/07, it has 202K and still runs as good as the day I bought it. I have replaced an oxygen sensor, the starter, and the brakes. This is without a doubt, the best car I have ever owned in my 32 years of driving. I will keep it until they push me off the road.

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  Good and reliable - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Nismo#1 - November 7 - 11:20 am

  Bought it with 12,600 on the ODO. Now has 95,200. Used Synthetic in it since I got it; engine runs great. Overall, Ive been very happy with it as a commuter car that does about 80-90 miles a day. The most major thing Ive had to do was the recent suspension upgrade where I replaced the stock struts/shocks/springs with something a little more sporting; this move totally transformed the car. The GXE was designed for comfort, not handling! The materials used in the interior are cheap (except dash) and show wear easily. Also, get the windows tinted as the sun fades seats/carpet. Nissan really skimped on the interior to save money, but its got good mechanicals and a solid chassis to work with.