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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  good car for first 3 yrs - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By davechi - July 2 - 12:42 am

  purchased my 2005 maxima on sept 2004, commuted every day from nj to queens, the commute was long but driving was enjoyable.in 2008 transmission was jerking, was told i needed a new transmission, had to buy a new one from nissan for $3,000 & the piece after the catylytic converter had to be replaced for another $800. car had 108k milesmy mechanic is a nissanmechanic, he told me these trans is not strong enuff for the engine, after 100k miles, th timing chain needs to be replaced, & the gaskets in engine start leaking esp, the one by oil filter. also replace valve cover gaskets, changed new tires, will ride this car to the ground since its paid off, had a good run with this car, will getnext

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  2008 Nissan Altima - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Madpistol - July 1 - 4:00 pm

  If youre in the market for a midsize sedan, this is THE car to buy! I did a lot of reading and test driving of different sedans, and in the end, the Altima beat the Camry and Accord handily. Not only was the price far below the Camry and Accord, but the features list was higher than either of those choices as well! I got a 2.5 SL w/ Connection Package and the Bluetooth phone system rocks! The ikey and push-button start are so cool! The leather seats are very comfortable, and the controls are very intuitive and easy to use. The car is a blast to drive on curvy roads. Its also very peppy for a 4cyl. If youre looking for a new midsize sedan, check this out!

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  Impressive car! - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By longranger - July 1 - 10:31 am

  After my Passat with 200k miles stranded me last week, I decided to bite the bullet and replace it. Looked at the new Avalon but I didnt like the touch controls for the heating/AC. Bought a 2014 Altima 2.5 SL instead. Very impressive car. I really like the interior and it drives like a dream. No issues with engine noise as others are suggesting. The 4 cylinder / CVT combination feels just as lively as the Passats V6 with Tiptronic. I just hope it lasts as long!

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  Wow great gas mileage - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Dennis - July 1 - 8:40 am

  Just purchased this Versa S hatchback with Auto and second tank I got a little over 40 mpg with less than 600 miles. Thats higher than the epa. The last tank was rural driving mostly betweeen 40 and 60 mph.

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  Bought with 49,000 miles - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Scot T. - July 1 - 4:03 am

  We bought our 2004 Quest fully aware of potential early build issues. The 04 has an extended warranty of 5 yrs/60,000 miles bumper to bumper, aiding with these minor build issues. Dealer has been very good about taking care of these minor rattle issues.

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  Fun to drive, fun to look at - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By rhinobrecht - June 30 - 11:16 am

  I love this vehicle! My family has had a lot of fun. It performs well. We have had no problems with reliability or anything at all that I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone shopping for a SUV. Lots and lots of room for familes and friends. It has more power than any other vehicle in its class and it tows our pontoon boat easily! Its a smooth ride and so fun to drive! You can feel the power!

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  Great Car - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By KGellen - June 29 - 10:36 am

  I am sitting here reading the comments on this car. I understand not all cars are going to be built and last forever. Some just dont work, but if the dealership you bought your car from is not fixing your car then dont hate the car hate your dealer. I have had nothing but great success with my car. I dont expect it to be all mighty i mean its not a Mercedes or an Audi! Is a crossover mid level SUV. Not the most expensive vehicle you can buy! Its great for getting groceries or hauling the big dog around! Its the best buy in its class in my opinion with the look and feel of all other crossovers.

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  The Best Equipped Vehicle for the Money! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Dawn - June 29 - 5:43 am

  This is our second Altima. We just traded in our 2002 with 93,000 miles and got the new 2.5S with the SL package. One word to describe it is: AWESOME!!! It is black w/ black leather interior. It drives like a dream with the CVT transmission. We have heated seats, bluetooth, XM, Bose sound system and much more! These are all of the perks of a much higher priced vehicle, in an Altima. We thought about Camry and Accord, but you just cant compare the features for the price and quality of this Nissan. If you havent driven one, do so before you buy your next vehicle. You will be glad you gave Altima a chance! We love ours!

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  I just brought one home yesterday! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By FLAbchgirl - June 28 - 8:16 pm

  I am in love. I bought a 1 (local) owner pearl white coupe with navigation. I want any reason to leave my house and drive. Even if I sit in traffic. It definitely turns heads, the rumble of the exhaust at the stoplight gets them looking. Its a great feeling to know you have that power if you need it. Awesome stereo, extremely comfy seats. I will check back for reliability since its only been a day.

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  WOW - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Jimmy - June 28 - 5:13 pm

  I just traded in a 2006 Murano and loved it. I purchased the 2009 and i am in Heaven. This vehicle is oustanding. Love everything about it. I though i would miss my 2006 but have not thought about the vehicle once. I find myself driving this one everywhere. Nissan built a great job building this one. Ignore the ford comercials about the Edge. It can not hold a candle to this vehicle. I drove the edge and was very disappointed. Drove the Buick Enclave and it could not even stack up to the Nissan. Do not pass up this vehicle.