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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  So far so good! - 2002 Nissan Quest
  By HIPAULINO - February 3 - 10:00 am

  We have had this car for almost a week. So far, we love it! We have 2 kids and the family entertaiment center keeps them happy on our road trips. We emailed various Nissan Dealerships to get the best price quote! From now on that is the way we shop for cars! It is the easiest, headachefree way to buy a car! We will write a followup in a couple of months after we have had time to really put it through some paces.

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  Most Fun and Value for the $$$ - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By pheurton - February 3 - 10:00 am

  Had the car one week and love it. Plenty of power and handles great. Really sticks to the road, and the ride comfort is not compromised, as in the Spec-V. Comes with plenty of the good options standard, but if you want a sunroof or fosgate stereo, you must take an automatic trans. Overall, for $15,400 you get every pennys worth.

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  Pure Sports Sedan - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Dob - February 3 - 10:00 am

  A real sporty sedan that isnt meant for driving in the slow vehicle lane. Traded in a 99 Maxima for the 02 Altima. When I compared the MSRP, the Altima was actually $200 more! The only thing to justify that price was the stronger engine - the materials used are substandard when compared to the pricetag. If youre looking for a pure sports car that you can squeeze the family into and not get socked by the insurance cost, then this is the car for you. Youve got to give something to get something.

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  GXE - Inexpensive, Reliable, Luxury - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By knowak6 - February 1 - 9:23 am

  Bought my 96 GXE in the winter of 05 for $6,200 (tax, title, 30-day warranty included) with only 58,000 miles on it. Build quality for interior is amazing. Although it was well mantained, car still seemed to be brand new. The engine is seamless but it takes premium (93 grade) fuel, even with that, gas miles are respectable (22-27MPG). Car now has 65,000 miles and I have only done preventive matanence (changed oil, plugs, filters...). Car was a steal for the drivetrain alone, but is cheap luxury for a college student. GXE model came with full power, 12 disc changer, power drivers seat, keyless remote, I bought and put 17 inch Maxima SE rims for the (00-03) model. Great car!!!

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  Never Had a Repair Yet - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By CTMAX - January 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new almost nine years ago. For the first 5 1/2 years it was used as a summer car. Finally I drove it winters in New England and was amazed at how well it handled in snow/ice. Never had a mechanical problem. Bose radio was replaced under warranty. Best car ever owned. Leather interior looks brand new. Exterior is still stylish for today.

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  Best Value In the Marketplace - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By brokeragedirector - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Easily most truck for the money. More than enough power, awesome Bose stereo, and lots of room for all my stuff, the wife and the kids. Ive upgraded intake and exhaust and now get almost 350hp, def. something to do.

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  02 Altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By BJ2 - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my altima for almost 2 years now. I have had trouble with the gas tank door opening and have also had a hard time starting it from time to time, I guess it wouldnt be so bad if it had a good warranty which nissan doesnt even though I purchased the extended warranty. Nissan may have worked some of their glitches out in the newer models, at least I hope.

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  awesome titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By chargerfan - January 31 - 10:00 am

  ive had the truck almost a month now and it has surpassed all my expectations.

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  Comforting - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By sxy - January 30 - 8:00 am

  We are looking for a good commuter car and big inside. I dont wanted to buy a SUV, a big gas hug. I need a car that good in gas and roomy inside and big trunk. Specially with two kids. We found this Nissan Versa, I told my husband its very comforting and very roomy inside. We test drive after that we bought the car and I love driving it.

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  Pathfinder Fan - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Joe Lessor - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Only 1000 miles on it so far. Excellent SUV. Very sporty and smooth.