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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  Better Than Expected Mileage! - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Mark Gould - September 29 - 11:16 pm

  I bought the Altima Hybrid with the Technology Package. In my first 1,000 miles I averaged 39.7 miles per gallon. Since then, I have improved the mileage up to 40.9 miles per gallon. If you use the energy flow information correctly on the big screen you can really boost your mileage. I still drive 60 - 70 mph, but on declines I back off the accelerator and let the electric motor take over even at 65 mph. When I get tired of driving for the mileage, I kick in the 198 combined hp. It has 8 more hp than my 1996 Maxima did. However, if you only want the power, choose the 270 hp Altima instead. I am enjoying going for 750 miles between fill ups. I am looking forward to my $2,350 tax credit.

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  Fun to drive! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By DGR - September 29 - 12:43 pm

  I bought this car used with 45,000 miles on it last year. City mileage is in the low 20s but I get nearly 40 mpg on the highway! The car has incredible power and handles like a dream. The ride is firm but very comfortable on a long drive. The headroom in the rear is too low for my 61" son.

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  Best First Car Ever! - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By College Kid - September 29 - 10:26 am

  I bought this car at 16 years of age and it has proven its value in the near 5 years Ive owned it. I bought the car at 119,452 miles and it now has 302,679 miles and still runs like brand new. I drive all over the place as you may be able to tell by the number of miles Ive put on it. I occasionally race newer sports cars at the lights and Ive beaten many smaller turbo charged and V6 cars, with the occasion of some bigger V8 powered cars. The only repairs Ive ever had to make on this car was a section of the rear subframe rotted out and needed a new section put in ($240), and new rear drums ($100). If this isnt good enough yet, then let me tell you I get 37 miles per gallon combined.

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  Purchased NEW-Delivers Good NEWS - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Jerry L. - September 29 - 7:33 am

  When we moved to Texas, we purchased Ms.Path (05 Nissan Pathfinder) because of six adjustable vents for cold air/heater (2 each rows & 2nd/3rd row is attached on top). Weve checked most SUV and Ms.Path has the only vent system ever built. Weve been to family road trips coast to coast at least once a year: some were non-stop to Northern CA, FL. and Midwest that Ms.Path gave us comfort, safety and stress-free trips. At this time, Ms.Path havent had any minor/or major repairs. She was just following the preventive maintenance such as dealers oil/filter change, fluid change and proper tire inflations/rotations. Ms.Path has power to accelerate, powerful enough if needs for speed.

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  Awesome Ride - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By MingoMan2 - September 28 - 7:13 pm

  I just bought my Altima 2 weeks ago and I have to say that this is an awesome ride - literally. I really like the smoothness of the transmission - you cant even feel the shift. Interior is nice and comfortable. Exterior is sleek and looks expensive. Trunk area is very open and provide lots of room. Keyless entry and ignition - AWESOME! I would recommend this car to anybody in a second.

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  WHAT A GREAT TRUCK!!!! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Miguel - September 28 - 5:33 pm

  I got this truck with the 6 spd manual and is a blast to drive! 0-60 takes about 2 seconds less than my 2003 Frontier I traded in. The seats are great, better than 2003. I liked my 3-gauge cluster from 2003 better, though, but the interior is mainly better. Front end in a little ugly from certain angles. Also the backseat is a major improvement from previous models. Over all this truck, is the best truck truck Ive owned.(Ive owned all Nissans:1982,1993,2003, and now 2005.)

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  Great car - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By bob496 - September 28 - 5:51 am

  I bought a new 2013 with all the packages and really like this car. They really engineered the 2013 to meet and beat the Camry, which was the other car I looked at buying. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a great driving and has 38 MPG so fill ups are a lot less than my F150. The only thing I found was a little pain is the steering it is very tight and you have get used to it I guess.

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  Sweet Ride! - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By aaa111 - September 27 - 4:16 pm

  You should be able to get 6 to 7K off MSRP on the 2010 Maxima. I have seen this offered at several different dealers in Central Florida. I just picked up a Sport / Tech ($39080 MSRP) on a lease deal. $0 out of pocket with tax included on a 39-month, 12K per year lease: $450 per month. I know I got an excellent deal because 3 other dealers in the area couldnt do it. Got the crimson black. It is sweet - looks like "black cherry" - appears black but is a deep red when sunlight shines on it. I love the car. I had the previous model and this car is a tremendous upgrade in every respect. The increase in power is substantial and the ride and operation are much smoother.

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  09 rogue sl awd - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Keryn Lazar - September 27 - 12:45 pm

  We bought a rogue as first new car in 09. Car has had zero issues in 5 years other than routine maintenance.

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  350Z Performance/Cost - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By kevinkreie - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is Fast, Fast, Fast and quite easy to control. You cannot buy more car for the dollar. Nissan has really done a great job at putting an affordable, quality built vehicle together. If this car is ever supercharged or turbo charged it would be unbelievably fast.