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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  Problems - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Mad mad person - November 28 - 4:56 am

  My car 2008, Nissan altima 4 dr put 80k on my car. 2 days ago I was driving my car and it started on fire through my air filter I have never heard of that a car starting on fire through air filter they have my car now been waiting on what happened not happy with car so everyone be aware. They probably will be charging me with the damage to the car oil change every 3000 miles and all parts kept up to date.

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  07 max - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By marty boren - November 28 - 3:26 am

  This is my third max, I like the dash set-up over the 06 but still getting used to tranny. the exhaust system is louder and sportier. I opted for the SL but had dealership put SE tires and rims on. This gives a fuller wheel well look. The horse power seems to be the same but is sluggish in take off. I run around 50k to 80k miles a year. I had no prob. with 06. hope the same with 07. Add k/n air filter youll see why!!!

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  Reliable and sometimes fun - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By JohnSmith - November 26 - 6:53 am

  This car is overall a pretty good car. I havent had any trouble with the car super reliable. The overall exterior design is a bit sleepy and boring, especially the rear end... sort of blends in a too much. Interior build quality is decent, not really up to par with competitors. Stock suspension (even the SE sport version) is pretty soft and not very sporty. 4 door sports car? Not if its FWD.

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  A+ on mileage: B- on interior design - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By ccdeblaze - November 25 - 9:30 am

  Mileage rocks. We bought it last week and immediately took it on a road trip. Got 300 miles on a little more than half a tank. Handles well, pretty comfy-- (Im spoiled by the old Lexus I had before). Bells and whistles that come with the tech package are pretty cool. I rented a Prius for a few days awhile back and the Altima ride is far (far!) superior. Better kick, more comfort, and better than average looks.

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  Great truck - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By salami - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I think this is a great riding truck. I bought it after trying an Envoy The LE has a better suspension then the SE it is setup to give a luxury ride. Dont expect lots of power but the gas mileage is not really that bad compared to the 2001 models.

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  Nothing fancy but gets the job done - 2012 Nissan Sentra
  By Mark morrison - November 22 - 10:26 pm

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  Great value - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Andy - November 21 - 7:26 pm

  I bought mine used off of a corporate lease w/ 40k mi. Just clicked over 100k. The brake pads were replaced at ~65k, and it now needs new struts. If youre looking used, look for the 3.5L V6 and the 17" factory wheels. The 2.5L has good performance and fuel economy, but the 3.5 is a much better design and build quality. Fuel mileage is only 1-2mpg down from the 4 cyl. 17" wheels have larger brake pads that handle heat better and dont warp. Only downside is pricey tires. Still looks sharp and rides great, and I can tow a small trailer (PWC, and a flatbed for motorcycles/ Home Depot trips) with no problems. Much better than the Accord I traded in in every way... havent looked back!

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  Good mid-level sedan - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Bigsackomeat - November 21 - 3:43 pm

  Quick enough with the 2.5L 4cyl that I chose it over the V6. While the CVT takes some acclimation, I am now completely comfy with it; careful throttle application lets you accelerate to 45-50mph within traffic, never exceeding 1500 rpm. Excellent mileage. The gadgetry all works as advertised: bluetooth connection, very useful voice controls, etc., as well as the "magic key". Brakes are strong enough, but I havent tested them all the way to fade. I do wish for slightly larger diameter wheels (would smooth the ride some more), and a bit more confidence stuffing the nose into a high-speed turn, but the overall handling/ride/comfort still beats the 2010 model contenders in the 4 cyl sedan class.

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  Improvement - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By grace - November 21 - 7:26 am

  This car does not perform well in the rain. My brakes were squeaking after 5 minutes in the rain. This car needs ABS brakes. I am somewhat disappointed. The commercial said buy Nissan, built tough. I had a Pontiac Sunfire, it performed very good in the rain. The only reason why I bought this car is my car was wrecked. The under side is too low, it drags on some drive ways. Some time I think the transmission is dragging. For the price it should have HD radio

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  Gas mileage is good - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By clb891 - November 19 - 7:28 am

  i have the AT..bought this car used from some man whose daughter hit a deer in it(driver side headlight area). i got it fixed for a good price. It has 250k miles but it runs GREAT. Good car for someone living on a tight budget(im a college Kid) i use it to go back and forth to school mostly and gas mileage is still good. i can go almost 2wks on a full tank. with only a little hp and torque, it really knows how to use it even at 65+ it still goes strong(better than my friends 08 civic). i am 510 so room is an issue especially when riding people in the back.