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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  Best SUV - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By ASutaria - May 10 - 10:00 am

  One of the best SUVs I have ever driven. Go for it...

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  fIND A DIFFERENT SUV - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By CHAD - May 10 - 10:00 am

  WATCH THIS TRUCK! PLEASE LOOK ONLINE AT OTHER USERS THAT HAVE HAD THIS SUV OVER A YEAR. BY STATS, MOST PEOPLE DO NOT KEEP THIS SUV OVER TWO YEARS AND SHOW A LOT OF COMPLAINTS AFTER 60K MILES. I HAD TO TAKE MY TRUCK BACK 3 TIMES TO FINALLY GET THE BRAKES TO FEEL NORMAL. I DONT THINK MY ABS IS WORKING ANYMORE AFTER BRAKE FIX TIRES LOCKUP NOW. THE SOUND WHEN I COLD START THE TRUCK, THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS. WINDOWS RATTLE. BAD GAS MILEAGE TOO - 16 TO 17. MY COWORKER AND I ARE BOTH LOOKING FOR A NEW VEHICAL TO WARRANT SOME PC OF MIND. FIND SOMETHING ELSE TO BUY. PLEASE CHECK MY SUGGESTED IMPROVEMENTS!!!!

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  I love this car! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By easy rider - May 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought my car two years ago. I was one of the first in my area to purchase the newly re-designed Altima and I was a little nervous at first.I didnt know what its track record would be. Well,I havent had any problems, and I love driving it! It looks good, rides well and hasnt required any repairs. I love this car!!!!

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  Love My 2003 Altima - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By LoveTheAltima - May 10 - 10:00 am

  I must say I have only had this car for a week but I really like it. I am a little concerned by all the "issues" I have read about like the MAF sensor going bad, and I have already experienced the warm air coming thru the vent even when on the coolest settings, but I must say I still love this car. There are some kinks still but the styling and the performance with fuel economy have sold me. As long as I dont get stranded or have any major repair bills I consider this the best car I have purchased to date. Time will tell.

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  Awesome Good Time - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By pillpounder - May 9 - 11:56 am

  I bought my Spec V almost a year ago. I got it in the super black color. It matches well with the black and red interior. I owned a Sentra Spec V 2004 model, which I adored. I love my new car even more. I will be a Spec V fan for life!

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  to small for the big guy - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By pappyd314 - May 9 - 5:44 am

  Deceptive mileage rating. While traveling back home from Florida - 1,100 mile trip - I set the cruise at 70 and the MPG rating showed 40+MPG. When I pumped gas and used my calculator, I actually got about 35MPG. My Ford Taurus does this also but the actual mileage is usually only about 1 mile less than that shown on the car readout. The Altima, while getting good mileage, is not as great as everyone thinks. Dont be fooled by the car readout, check the mileage yourself. Make sure to fully top off the tank as this may make a big difference.

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  Great for the money - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By running1201 - May 9 - 1:33 am

  This car is exactly what you pay for: lots of room, great gas mileage, peppy engine, and great looks for a car at around $20k. I got the Premium Plus option and have everything I need without paying a fortune. Loading this baby up gets pricey real quick, and the 2.5 gets it done adequately, although it may sound a little loud with the windows down. The CVT is really smooth and takes some getting used to (cant notice the shifts). Great on the highway with ample power for passing.

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  Not your mothers Nissan... - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By MM - May 8 - 10:33 pm

  I say this because my own mother has a 1994 Maxima which hasnt had near the amount of problems that my 2004 Murano has had. Power seat died once, visor stopped staying up, and I have been to the dealer 3 times to fix a rattle in the door, an issue which has a service bulletin out for it. And yet, they have been unable to fix it. Loved the vehicle when I first bought it, but have started to hate it!

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  Great small car - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Roberto - May 8 - 6:30 pm

  Although being small, the car is roomy. It doesnt feel powerful, but it is very pleasant to drive and it has a very smooth drive. The trunk has space for two big pieces of luggage and there is room left for some other stuff. Fit and finish is great. It has lots of headroom.

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  02 PathFinder LE 4x4 - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By cj724 - May 8 - 2:30 pm

  This vehicle has a solid feel to it. Performance is excellent.