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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  Wish I got the 3.5L - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Ginny - April 22 - 5:50 am

  Id been in love with this car since a boyfriend had the 2.5SL in 2005. I convinced my next boyfriend to buy a 2008 and I loved the design in that year. So when I was looking to purchase a 2010 of course I wanted the Altima. I drove the Malibu and the Fusion and I considered the Sonata and the Accord. But my heart was set on the Altima. I ordered it FULLY LOADED but for some reason ordered the 2.5 instead of the 3.5 and I`m not happy with the lack of power on the pick up. Especially starting up a hill. It`s a nice car but I`m not as in love with it as I thought I would be. If pick up is important to you get the 3.5.

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  SE--R - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By WilliamB - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Well, I have to tell you, this SE-R is extremely fun to drive! But, please, if you are looking at the SE-R, get maual transmission. Plus, the higher end SE-R Spec V is not too much more and comes with 175 horsepower, 6 speed manual, and other features. The SE-R is very fun to drive, but can swerve a little when accelerating. That isnt too abvious, and isnt that big of a deal. Very good job on the car.

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  One hell of a Ride - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By David - April 21 - 9:20 pm

  I like my Titan better than all the Fords, Dodges, Chevys and the recently copy-cat Tundra. It gets up and goes believe me. Im in the army and I do all kinds of hauling from my gear to my 300+lbs ATV in the back. The Titan just hauls period. Ive got the 2007 XE Titan, but just looking at it youd think it was an SE because I have the 18 in SE rims. I fell in love with it when my two friends parents got the Titans when they first came out. I was a Dodge fanatic but as soon as I started riding along I felt that beast under the hood and boy does it roar. I just love how its all jumpy when you get on the gas. It just makes me want to push on the gas mileage keeps me at the pump every week $35-$85.

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  Nice SUV - 2010 Nissan Pathfinder
  By wke14 - April 20 - 9:08 pm

  I actually have the 2010 diesel pathfinder in Spain. TONS of torque. Unbelievably quiet on the road. It always surprises me how quiet a ride it has when I pull out on to a highway after being off-road. My mileage thanks to the diesel averages around 30-35 miles to the gallon. Fit and finish of the dash is not as good as my Toyota but still not terrible. After 6 months I am pretty happy with it. The 7 seats are great with the kids and in-laws. Bose package is also very nice.

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  Good Rider - 1999 Nissan Sentra
  By vtrivedi - April 17 - 10:00 am

  I have 122000 Mile in 4 years, i have had no major mechanical problems, this car has given me good support for last 4 years. Runs Good even at such high milage.

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  2000 Nissan Xterra - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By Ken K. - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Have owned an Xterra since October 2000. Has approx. 80000 miles and no major problems so far. It is a fun vehicle to drive. Has been great in the Iowa winters and provides a comfortable, secure ride. It has all of the creature comfort features you need without over doing it. Although there are features I would like to see incorporated in the vehicle, overall I have been very satisfied with its performance, dependability and looks.

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  Definitely up to expectations - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By prshea3 - April 17 - 10:00 am

  I have nothing but good things to say about my Xterra. Ive owned it for 3 months now, and the only thing I could complain about is gas mileage -- but I knew that going into the deal. The 4WD is terrific -- 12"+ snow banks were no problem at all this winter. The various tie-down points and metal hooks around the cabin are great for securing anything. And the heavy-duty rubber floor mats are a must-have -- theyve kept the dirt, salt, and sand off of the carpeted floors.

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  2009 Nissan Altima 4 door SL - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By lissysmom02 - April 15 - 6:46 am

  Bought brand new. I think that the overall appearance of the vehicle is sharp. I do however have some issues. The engine noise in the cabin is quite loud. I also have condensation in my rear brake lights and when addressed with the dealer, they told me that was normal. Had to have the rotors resurfaced already at 11,400 miles (Ive had it less than a year.) The CVT transmission seems to lag and not shift fast enough. It also feels like it cant get out of its own way sometimes. My Mazda 3 was faster and way more fun! The Altima is nice but not really fun to drive and the steering is weird, I always feel like I am correcting it.

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  Good Van that Needs Some Improvement - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Good Van Except for - April 13 - 8:20 pm

  Nissan had the right idea with this Van but they failed in execution. If the quality problems (rattling, paint chipping) were addressed prior to release it would be an EXCELLENT van but instead it is a good van as long as you dont mind going to see the dealer often.

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  Great in the snow - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Donna - April 13 - 7:16 pm

  I bought the Murano last year because I had a 45 minute commute to and from work and I wanted something that was going to handle the snow. This car is Amazing in the snow. I did however get into an accident and it took Nissan over 2 months to get me a back passenger door. Also the alternator had to be replaced in the car which the dealership said was a common problem the the Muranos. The blind spots are HORRIBLE. You have to really turn your head to make sure no one is in the other lane. Another down fall is you have to also put in premium gas and if you do not you can really tell the difference. The car will not ride as smooth. I wish this was a 7 passenger vehicle.