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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  chicks think its cute - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Tim - July 28 - 1:40 am

  I will end up averaging about 1000 miles per month over my first year owning this car. I live in a region with many excellent sports car roads and little severe weather. Twisty mountain roads are the favorite hunting grounds of this predator. Z4, CLK230 and Mustang are its favorite prey. Although its ultimate grip around a corner may not be the king of the hill, it loves the transitions and flies through them with great balance. Feedback to the driver is excellent. I have the 17-inch wheels and they seem to have better comfort than the 18-inch from what I have read. Car makes you feel like you are a much better driver than you are. Moreover, it lets one become a better driver, too.

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  Stylish Ride.....But - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By James - July 24 - 9:26 pm

  Ive owned quite a few cars of all makes and models, and the Altima SL is one of the more stylish vehicles out there for the money. It comes with many options standard that you would pay extra for on Hondas or Toyotas. The ride and performance are decent for the cost. Having owned the other Japanese vehicles, I thought Id give the Altima a try since I really like the body style. With all that said....I did nothing but basic routine maintenance on my Civic amd Corolla up until both were sold with about 200K miles on each. My Altima has just turned 68K and has been in the shop 3 times for things such as....belt pully assembly failing, front axel replacemrnt, rotor replacement. Thank god I purchased the extended warranty which covered most of the exspense. Aside from the inconvienance, it is a nice riding car. The local Nissan dealership has been great to deal with. While Ill probably keep the vehicle until time for a replacement.....not sure Ill buy another Nissan?

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  Worth the cost - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By m - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Compared it to the Camry and for value and styling it was the better buy. With the limited amount of miles we have on the car it has performed well.

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  Discrepancies of the 04 Sentra SE-R - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Ephram - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I myself am a proud owner of a 2004 Nissan Sentra SE-R Auto. The car is unbelievably fast for my taste. Not knowing how to drive a manual didnt prevent my purchase from the Spec-V model but the auto version is much more at ease due to its convenience of gas and brake go. The interior design is useful, not too sporty yet not too dull either. Interior controls seem to be right or close to the right places for convenience. Rear-seat room could definitely have been improved. The only drawbacks I found w/this car was exterior front design, rear-seat room, and it being a four-door vehicle. Wouldve preferred the vehicle to be a coupe.

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  2006 LE CC 4X2 - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Terry - July 23 - 7:13 pm

  I absolutely love this truck! It took me a long time to decide on whether to buy a Titan due to the quality issues in the past. All issues have supposedly been fixed and I have had no problems. Ride and interior noise are similar to new F150s. Its rather odd to hear a throaty exhaust note coming from an import truck but it does not become annoying. Auto dual climate control is a nice option albeit a little confusing at first. The power folding mirrors are great for tight parking spots. Overall I am extremely please with the vehicle.

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  Nissan Pathfinder - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Nissan Pathfinder - July 22 - 12:43 pm

  We like the Pathfinder, we own a vacation home in Michigans UP and driving in the deep snow, logging roads and hauling trailers is a breeze. We experienced a few issues, a recall, a bad tire pressure sensor and a window switch that needed replacement. Although the third row is tight, it comes in handy for toting kids around. Nice vehicle.

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  My Second Altima and Sixth Nissan - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Scott Killian - July 22 - 2:00 am

  This is, like I stated, my second Altima. I love the entire Nissan product line. The 2002s are just simply awsome!!! However, with my budget the 2001 is more affordable. I also have had a 2000 Sentra and a 97 Maxima. Both of which gave me nothing less than perfect service!

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  Good overall value - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Dexter - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Great reliability, only issue is this is my third and there a lot of squeakes and rattles.

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  Sure Looks Nice, But Quality is So-So - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By RichB - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Well let me say that my wife loves our 2001 SE.. Im a bit more critical. I think the interior materials are way too cheap plus the clock is just about useless in daylight. We have the regular SE and power is lacking. Also it sucks down gas faster than I can say fill er up. Styling wise.. total thumbs up.. very attractive truck. This is a good compromise between SUV and utility vehicle. I have two boys(12 and 9) and they fit comfortably. Plus the big plus is that it fits in my garage! So overall, I am a bit disappointed that a $25,000 truck has such a low grade interior, but dollar for dollar its probably one of the better values out there.

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  For the price......you cant beat it! - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By The Count - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Nissan Frontier based solely on price. I found that the Toyota Tacoma Crew Cab was at least $3,000 more with similar equipment. The Dodge Dakota was a contender but it was $2,000 more with similar equipment. Plus the way this truck looks is just plain mean...another advantage is most Frontier drivers have the short bed. The longer bed and the price is what sold me. I didnt buy the 4X4 because there is no use for it in the city. I do wish it was more gas efficient but I knew this buying the truck so it is not a great concern for me. Overall I love the truck.