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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  Not too bad for a family sedan - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By LLKoolNurse - May 2 - 11:26 pm

  I havent had my car a year yet but its a nice one gets great fuel economy and mileage. I bought the 2.5S with the special edition package so it has lots of power extras that i love. Ive seen some of the other reviews and I havent had the problems some speak about. This is a dependable family car. Good for a single parent or college student that wants style. I visited my sister in Miami, Fl and they really hook these up down there which gave me some ideas. only thing is in the winter I have to take my chrome rims off because of he snow and salt on the roads other wise .

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  187,000 miles - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Rick - May 2 - 6:43 pm

  I bought my 2001 Altima GXE limited edition new. The car has never failed to start, but I have been dumping in money lately. I have replaced the manifold gasket twice, the driver window motor, and both rear window motors need replacing. I have also put on 4 new struts. The wheel covers are very noisy. When everything is fixed on it I do enjoy driving it. Get around 23-25 miles per gallon.

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  fun to drive - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By John - April 30 - 10:33 pm

  You have to love the power and handling of this vehicle! I wish it would get maybe a little better gas mileage, but then the power would have to be lowered...guess paying a little more on your gas bill makes it worth it in the long run...shes a bit on the stiffer side, but thats a good thing in my book Mate!

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  So Far, So Good - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By TMG - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Purchased new SL 2WD 3 weeks ago, $300 over invoice. So far been an excellent experience. Design and ride are great. Fuel economy seems to be improving (after bad start), on 3rd tank, up to 21mpg, but since mostly highway, should be better. Havent found many disappointments, its a great vehicle. One complaint is that it does still have a trucklike/SUV ride when cornering (but this is my first SUV after 10 years w a sports car), SE may be tighter suspension. Overall would recommend to any new crossover buyer.

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  Almost there - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By cgp - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I have been very pleased with this car. Seats are very comfotable, tons, of space, plenty of power. The biggest negative is a slow shifting automatic transmission that I havent adjusted to yet. The interior plastic dash and door panels are very cheap materials (but you can see that when you chose the car). The cup holders are worthless. Stereo is great and exterior styling is great.

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  My new max - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By billdo - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Have had my new max for about 90 days and i have to report that it is one of the most fun cars i have owned to date...however, little electrical glitches keep arising, cruise control kicks off(twice), sunroof malfunction (twice),and the latest is the auto headlights have been malfunctioning (twice). Have taken it to dealership about glitches, and you guessed it...nothing happens. I would hate for this to be the first car that i have to make them buy back, i hope these little things will dissappear because this car is sooooo sweet!

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  Exceptional Used Car. - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Zoombag5 - April 28 - 2:30 pm

  I bought my 01 Maxima SE used in 2004 with 44,500 miles. Now have 106,000 miles after 4 years of driving it. I replaced the A/C compressor & oxygen sensors soon after purchase. Since then the car has been very dependable and fun to drive. All other costs have been maintenance related (brake pads, tires, etc.) I get 19 mpg local and an impressive 27 mpg hwy driving 65-70 mph with 3 passengers & luggage. I highly recommend this make & model. My 2nd Maxima. My 1st (95 SE) was hit & totaled at 9 years & 94,000 miles, but was running like a top until then.

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  New Altima almost there - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Al - April 27 - 2:30 pm

  I am a sales rep and have driven my new Altima 800 miles . The drivers seat is not comfortable after an hour on the road. It needs more padding and a lumbar adjustment available as standard features on other cars. Nissan wants you to buy leather seats to get a lumbar feature. The stereo on the 2.5 s has speakers that distort easy. The back window trim panels on my car developed bubbles after a week of owning the car. Dealer has to remove and repair them. Shouldnt happen on a new car. Test drive this car for a while before making a deal! Your back may thank you!

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  87,000 miles Problems Galore! - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By 29er guy - April 24 - 10:20 am

  Well i would like to start off saying that the truck has been a Great Vehicle up until last summer with about 70,000 on it.. The rear differential Seals went leaking oil onto the brake rotors creating poor braking. Fan Motor went. Front differential drive shaft BROKE when I put it in 4Hi at 20 mph. Rusting out all over the place. The tranny is going in for another flushing to try to stop the slipping. Time to get a new vehicle. That should last 150,000 miles easy.

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  Bought first car sold in illinois - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Drivin in paradise - April 24 - 5:46 am

  I purchased the first Armada in Illinois and have experienced the "first-run syndrome". After fighting with my dealership over floormats, Nissan stepped in and got me the mats gratis. Nissan has a serious issue with the rotors on this "beast" as they warp every 20K- 25K miles. Nissan is aware of the poor materials and is looking into a new manufacturer. Nissan is gladly replacing all rotors and pads when they warp due to the excessive heat produced by the large vehicle. Overall I enjoy the Armada and am happy with it. I cant complain about gas milage since I was aware the Full size SUVs have poor MPG. However..we actually got 24MPG driving to Naples, FL this winter!!!