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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  My 2003 3.5 - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Antione - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I love m 3.5 Altima a lot. In 2 more weeks I will have had it 1 year. Also Im closing in on 23,000 miles and I can say the car is a blast to drive especially in 5sp, Im never bored driving it and its power always surprises me. The 3.5 liter engine is so smooth and you cant even hear it accelerating. You can hear some oadnoise but not to the point of unbearable and constantly noticeable. But all in all I love my Altima and wouldnt trade it for anything.

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  Altima 2003 - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By angeljess - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I love my Altima. Its a lot of fun to drive, there isnt a lot of outside noise coming in, and its easy park!

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  Great Car to Have - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By KarlaSellsRealEstate - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Love the design of the car both inside and out. Wanted something alittle sporty yet able to accommidate a family of 4 on trips comfortably. It handles well, however, having gone from an SUV to a car I can feel the highway alittle more than I did before....bumps, dips, etc. Overall, I am completly satisfied with my purchase!!!

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  I love my Nissan! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Sonia Price - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Although I havent owned "my" own personal Nissan Altima very long (just over a month), my in-laws have owned two which Ive driven frequently and my late husband worked at a local Nissan dealership, so Ive been exposed to them over a matter of years, and driven them a lot. Im encouraged to see that they are finally commanding respect and recognition in the consumer marketplace. They are great!

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  Great Style,Sound,Mileage !! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By ToyotaTraitor - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Have had car a month,but drove a lot as we took it on long vacation. Rides great,handles tight. Love it in big city traffic or winding road trips.First trip got 33 mpg hiway,fully loaded trunk.---Sound system is fantastic !! Only drawback is OEM Tire selection all season radial Continentals. I will quiet this car with better tires. Current tires too noisy at high speed. Nissan should have gone with Dunlop or Michelin. I will.

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  Altima! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Jedidiah - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This car is very fun to drive and the interior is great. Test drove Camry, Passat, Lexus, and Jetta and the Altima Out did them all.

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  I am in love with my car!! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Stoober - October 16 - 10:00 am

  We are big Nisson fans here at my home. This is my second Altima. My first was a 1997. The Altima today is a class act. I have the 3.5 in pearl. It is very sporty and fun to drive. Now I just need to keep my boys out of it!!

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  I love my Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By puterman84 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This car is as much fun to drive as any sports car I have owned. It is a very sharp vehicle as well as pratical.

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  AMAZING AUTOMOBILE - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By JS01 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Nothing short of amazing. Love this car and would recomend it to anyone who asked!!

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  awesome - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By nelsonda - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This is my 7th Maxima and it is the best!