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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  ijustlovemycube - 2010 Nissan Cube
  By KCsMom - September 2 - 2:00 am

  After doing some researched, comparing with Scion XB & Kia Soul, I thought I didnt like the shape of the Cubes back/butt, I thought of a bumble bee. But when I test drove it,I couldnt stop thinking about it when I got home. The next day went back to the dealer & decided to purchased the Cube for better gas mileage, design/style, price & lower APR, durability & reliability, I hope-since this is our 1st Nissan (like our 2 other dependable Toyotas)to mention some advantages over the other 2 I considered. I am very happy w/ this car, it feels like Im driving a small SUV, smooth ride & handling. My son loves to ride it,too as he can recline the back seat.

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  A Lemon - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Unhappy Mike - September 2 - 2:00 am

  We like the car when we bought it. At 1300 miles, the car wouldnt start, required AAA to come out. Dealership changed the brake switch ("common problem" with this car), and the problem recurred the same day. Two days later happened a third time and had to be towed in... Dealership is trying to make it right, but they clearly dont know how: lemon. Have owned two prior maximas - and gotten great, reliable service from them, but not this one.

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  Nice Car With Nagging Issue - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By barry5k - September 1 - 2:06 pm

  I liked everything about this car: the looks, the mpg, comfortable seats, price. There is an annoying loud whining noise at low speeds. Been to the dealer three times and opened a case with customer care at Nissan. The specialists answer was rude at best. He said the sound is normal and I perhaps have sensitive hearing. If this is a normal sound, why does it irritate everyone in the car and why are some Altimas noise free? If I had heard this noise I wouldnt have bought the car. Nissans response is totally unacceptable!

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  Not at all bad - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By Smeg - August 31 - 11:00 am

  Fun to drive and reliable. Not the quickest car on the road, but definitely not a slouch either. Comfortably seats 4 adults, with a suprisingly large trunk. I would have loved the manual instead of the auto. Comfortable over long drives, the car didnt get uncomfortable over a 10 hour stretch and back. Not easy on the gas around town unfortunately. Typical Japanese reliability and build quality. Interior is nothing amazing, but practical and easy to use.

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  Forwarning - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Improve - August 30 - 2:00 am

  The car currently has 69,500 miles. Both front power windows arent functional (VERY cheap design). Numerous recalls, one as current as 1/25/2004. The car handles well and the engine has been very reliable. Its all the little things that need more attention paid to them. The backseat is absolutely useless and the spare tire cover will colapse.

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  Heater - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Michael deCarolis - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I did not like the heater. The windows kept fogging up on me and I had to put the defroster on full blast to clear them. At times it seemed to blow cold air on my legs also. This is a rental car but I had it for 8 days. Nice car to drive though and would but one except for the heater nuisance.

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  Nice Change of Pace - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Calvin the Bold - August 30 - 2:00 am

  We bought the mid-priced (SL) version with the seat package, etc. We were Grand acaravan owners who became disillusionsed with low American car (Chrysler) quality. Overall we really like the minivan. Great accelleration & handling. We get a lot of compliments on the styling Downers are lower than advertised gas mileage, tinny sounding doors, non- split third row seat, and no backlighting on steering wheel cruise & radio controls.

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  Recommended with one stipulation - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Andy92 - August 28 - 4:20 pm

  I downsized from a 2005 BMW 545i, and I drove almost everything trying to emulate that “ultimate” ride. Well, good luck. This is a nicely equipped sedan, I got the S version with cloth seats. These can get pricey when you move up to an SV with various option packages. If you are used to a rear wheel drive sports sedan, you may not like the front wheel drive. I am having difficulty getting used to the handling drop off. I also drove the 300C and G8 GT, get those if you want rear wheel drive at a similar price point. I may trade it in early. Sigh.

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  Review @ 150,000 mi... - 1996 Nissan Sentra
  By tja - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Very satisfied with this car. Replaced starter and O2 sensor, many miles ago. Of course theres been brakes and tires, and CV axles (around the 120k mark) I would consider this an execptionally low cost vehicle to own. All features still work flawlessly, and the interior is holding up just fine. Would recommend to anyone.

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  Pocket Rocket - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By White SE-R - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Gobs of torque. Fun to drive. Look out Honda, Nissan is back in the sportcompact car market.