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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  Terrific Value - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By mbednorz - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Best value in this class and this price range. Looked hard at 4-door auto subcompacts. Got it down to Civic, Protege, and Altima. All had build quality, resale, value, interior room, handling, and reliability. On test drives, the Altima stood out for performance, ride, and interior. Got a used GLE (for $12k, 29k miles, like new). Very torquey 4 cylinder works very well with the automatic. Youd swear it was a V6. Terrific GLE interior. Very smooth on the highway, roomy interior, great trunk. Completely trouble-free. Only downside is the drab styling. Two thumbs up.

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  Good Torque For a 4CYL - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By drdoz - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I was going to buy a 3.5 V6 but after driving the 2.5 I decided the larger engine was a little overkill. The variable valve timing, variable intake runners and 2.5 liters make power from take off though high RPMs. This may well be the most powerfull feeling 4 cylinder sedan in its price range. The car rides good; acomplished by increases in the wheelbase and is quiet. The fuel economy is on par with most cars in the class but not as good as an Accord. Maintenence should be less expensive as there is no timing belt to replace. The back seat is very spacious compared to any other midsize I have been in.

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  Colorado 2004 Armada LE - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By bgilgall - January 13 - 11:20 pm

  I bought this vehicle used from a BMW dealership in August 2005. It was only 10 months old and had 27K miles on it, came loaded with DVD, NAV, Bose. I also bought with full knowledge of the problems that the 04s have, rattles, brakes etc. This prompted me to buy an extended warranty. So far so good, Ive put 9000 miles on the truck in 4 months without a single problem. The brakes are great no dust or pulsing i.e. none of the problems that have been reported, possibly because it had the brake rework done on it before I got it. A Nissan dealer confirmed that for me yesterday.So it appears that, for me at least, the brake rework makes a difference. Its big, lots of airbags and comfortable.

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  Great - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Wanda Allen - January 13 - 6:53 pm

  We have enjoyed our truck greatly. We love all the room it provides especially having 2 children and going on long camping trips. We have a 27 foot camper and have no problems with pulling it. We have even pulled the camper in the mountains with no problems. This will be 1 truck we keep until the wheels fall off.

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  So far so good - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By robtroxel - January 13 - 9:50 am

  This car has every option and it really seems to be a great road car. I was apprehensive about the CVT but after you understand how it works you become a fan. Im getting 27-29 mpg on the road during break in and now averaging 25.2 overall with a mix of city and open road driving. If you drive aggressively, the mpgs go down considerably. Im using mid grade gas with no pinging and get plenty of power. The back seat room is lacking compared to the Accord. Nissan missed the mark and overpriced the MSRP on this car. Fortunately there are great deals that bring down the actual selling price down much lower. If in the market, give this car a look.

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  Upset With My Altima - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By tom1945 - January 13 - 8:33 am

  My Altima has a voice recognition system that is not compatable with my phone. In addition, my spouse weighs a little over 100 lbs so we have a warning light always on to indicate the air bag is off. I have complained to the dealer and Nissan and have been told that both systems are operating correctly. I feel anyone looking to purchase an Altima should check first to make sure their phone is compatable and also be aware if you plan on driving with anyone who is not 110+ lbs.

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  only 24.6 mpg on highway so far - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By jim_janet - January 13 - 7:04 am

  We just bought our first new car in 40 years. We had not planed to but the 2010 Altima we bought on June 4th we trades back in 10 days later because you could hear the lifters, there was fuel in the oil and it was only getting 21 mpg. We were told this was a lemon not typical for an Altima and they gave us a good deal on a 2012. We wanted a car that would provide us with the best gas mileage possible so we choose an Altama. So far that is not what our new 2012 is doing. Maybe it takes time to break in. We have only had our 2012 since June 23.So far it is getting 24.6mpg on the highway and overall only22 mpg About 440 miles per 20 gal tank. We are not happy. We do like how it looks & handles.

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  MuranoMisery - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By muranomisery - January 13 - 4:57 am

  I purchased a used AS-IS 2005 Nissan Murano with 67,476 exact miles on the odometer from Landers McLarty Nissan in Huntsville Alabama August 17, 2011 with a verbal promise and guarantee that they do not re-sale any used vehicles that are not up to standard, dependable and trustworthy. Supposedly, all vehicles go through a thorough inspection process. My sales person, Eukrina’s exact words were “we do not put our name on anything that we won’t stand behind.”Two weeks after purchase I notice vibration and knocking noise from under the hood. Mechanical inspection from Madison Automotive on September 7, 2011 revealed that I had two motor mounts broken. (Front Engine Mount-part #11270CN101 and lower rear engine mount-part #11320CA110) Total repair estimate $847.12 I called the dealership to see if they were going to help with some of the repair cost and I was told that it must have been something that I did and that I should know that they had to replace the transmission in my trade in vehicle. Landers McLarty Nissan drove my 2000 Nissan Maxima before making me an offer and knew what the vehicle was worth and that should not have any bearing on the fact that this dealership sold me a lemon. Unable to afford replacement of both motor mounts at the same time, I had the front engine mount replaced on September 12, 2011 at a cost of $400.00, mileage aprox. 69,000. Firestone Complete Auto Care in Huntsville Alabama replaced the rear lower engine mount on October 15, 2011 at a cost of $402.15 exact mileage 70,486. At 72,469 exact miles the service engine light came on and after an engine diagnostic test with Firestone Complete Auto Care in Huntsville Alabama December 14, 2011 at a cost of $106.47 the result is a bad catalytic converter. I was advised that this could be a manufacture covered replacement issue. Landers McLarty Nissan of Huntsville performed their diagnostic test December 20, 2011 with the same results and I was told that yes it is a bad catalytic converter but that the vehicle passed the emission control test and that I must have used some bad gasoline. I informed the service person that I have only used Chevron regular grade gasoline since the purchase of the vehicle on August 17th 2011. I was told that there is nothing that they can do and suggested that I run premium gasoline in the vehicle to see if this clears the problem. I have relayed this information to a reputable mechanic and repair shop and I am told that is only a ploy to get me over the mileage whereas the manufactures warranty would not have to cover the repair/replacement of the $500.00 part. Now, an additional $1,005.73 later I’ve had both struts replaced with the need of replacing the shocks on the rear, bushings (both lower-front) upper radiator hose, front exhaust gusset, drive belts and two tires.

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  Indestructable Nissan - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By chappyk - January 13 - 4:40 am

  I had a 92 Nissan Pickup that was great, so I purchased this one. I have not been disappointed. This truck is rugged and looks aggressive. The previous owner equipped it with more aggressive tires which killed the ride, but gave it much more traction. The interior is rugged too. Hard plastic may not be elegant, but it wears well anf fits the character of the truck. The bedliner is bulletproof and the Utili-track system is ingenious. The truck was inexpensive and a great value. I havent been able to use the rear locking axle because I havent been able to get this 2WD stuck. Amazing.

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  Accident Prone - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By ameliaclaire - January 13 - 3:01 am

  I was recently in a terrible wreck in my Versa. The car was totaled and all I suffered was a broken nail from the air bag. This car is incredibly safe and comfortable! As soon as I found it was totaled I told my mom that I needed help looking for another one, possibly a newer one. I absolutely love my Versa!