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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  No Surprises - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Jack - December 15 - 7:36 pm

  I have only had this car about a month so I cant say it is broken in by any means and the temperature has been below freezing most of the time. This car meets all my expectations and then some. I was concerned about reading about the "shudder" transition from electric to gas but I found that only noticable at a full stop and not a problem. While driving it is smooth and responsive. I cant wait for warmer weather. On my first tank I hit about 34 mpg which is about the current EPA. I expect in warmer weather that it will improve. Got the tech package and I am glad I did. Seats are a big improvement over the standard cloth. Even now this baby gets me about 15 more per gallon than my previous

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  Sports car that doesnt look like one! - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Skelley - December 15 - 1:43 pm

  Mother of 2 here, this is my second altima purchase - first was a base model 3 years ago. This upgraded version is well worth it! This is one fast car for what Im used to. Love the added features. Intererior is a little dark, but overall I am highly please with this family/sporty car! CUP HOLDERS are much better than the huge ones they used to put in. better storage too!

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  A Great Value - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By laverrone - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Although its not quite as nice as my 93 Acura Legend LS, it is a great car for the money. The engine is strong, the car is built well, drives well and is extremely reliable. Confortable enough for 405 adults. You get what you pay for. This years Maxima will never compete with other higher end luxury/sport sedans, but comes very close. If you dont want to spend a lot of money on a BMW, Acura or Infinity, this is a great car.

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  2001 Nissan Fontier 2x4 reg cab - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By Newton1234567 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I have been impressed with this pickup. The only problem is that the rubber seals around the plastic fender flares are comming unglued. I hope its covered by the warranty. I have drived a few 8hour days and its pretty comfortable for a reg cab bench seat.

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  SER Spec-V - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Christiani - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Asked for a free price quote thru Edmunds, got a 2003 Spec-v with Audio package ,mats and microfilter for $16835 plus tag title and taxes . What a car for that money. Other 4 Bangers had to be downshifted to get anywhere , Not the SER . Shifting is short and precise , alittle clunky , but its great to have six speeds . Tires and rims look great . If you are looking for the best bang for your buck , look no further than your local Nissan dealer.

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  The BEST - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Garik - December 15 - 10:00 am

  have owned the vehicle for almost a year, and not regretting it. The best truck/suv in its line, enough space for everrything with long bed option.

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  Murano is worth the money - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By chivazo - December 15 - 5:53 am

  Besides the location of the rear cup holder and the dashboard dimmer you get a lots of car for the money. Excellent handling and performance. Rear seats are very comfortable. Got 22 average miles per gallon on my first tank using 87 regular.

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  Glad I buy this - 2012 Nissan Murano
  By k100fun - December 15 - 3:17 am

  Im in the market for a Mid size crossover SUV, and end up purchase this lovely model when I nail down between the Lexus RX350 and the Murano. I select the SL model for the leather and the power lift gate. The main reason that I choose this model is the handling and performance. Suspension is stiff enough to handle the curve and it maintain reasonable comfort riding. Nissan do a good job on balancing the suspension for handling & comfort. 3.5 V6 is powerful and I get about 19.5 Hwy with average speed of 70-80. The CVT transmission is one of the best in the market. You feel no gear change at all, just silky smooth. I bet you will get spoil and wont go back to a traditional tranny again.

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  2005 Altima not as good as they say - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Altima JCM - December 14 - 11:03 pm

  The car is fast for a 4 cyl but the AC compressor comes on when you press the fan button to recirculate which kills the performance a little and greatly affects gas mileage negatively. Nissan does not see it as a problem even though you cant shut the AC compressor off unless you shut off the ignition. The AC vents not well designed have limited adjustments. The floor boards are very weak and rattle at times. The chrome shift-plate tends to shine the sun in your face. The stock radio is very cheap and has poor reception. The front nose is hard to see when parking. Fun to drive but Nissan saved a lot on cutting corner. Poor gas milage but a cute car your choice to buy.

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  THE MAX! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Mr Max - December 14 - 10:56 pm

  This car although easily overlooked in todays automobile market is truly one of a kind! I was so impressed with its many features and comfort that while I was waiting for an Infiniti to be transfered from another dealer I decided to take it for a drive. I instantly fell in love with it and decided to purchase it. It now has 57K miles and still running and looking brand new! All the electronic equipment is in great working condition! If you are in the market for a new car dont buy one until you have test drove a maxima! In todays world if you want to drive a luxury car and dont want the price tag of a premium sedan which will just get banged up in the parking lot then the maxima is for yo