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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  This Car Rocks !!!!!!! - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Kev45 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd Nissan Sentra, the first was a 99 SE Limited. My first test drive was great !! But this all ends there. My first test drive of the 2004 Spec V left me with the feeling of a rocket on wheels. Also mine is a wild color (Volcanic Orange) and gets head turns everywhere I go. So much power and so fun to drive, I wait only to get into the drivers seat again. The stereo is awsome (300 watt rockford fosgate with subwoofer). I can see why edmunds rates it as 1 of the top 10 car stereos in a car under $30,000.00

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  Cool minivan with a few quirks - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By mklavan - September 14 - 2:00 am

  My wife had to have the smoke/rouge with navi and dual dvd. Thumbs up for Nissans website for their "Search Inventory" feature. I found the exact match online without visiting every dealer within a 100 mile radius. I tried dealers "locate/trade" option four times with no luck. Overall I am satisfied because its about the price, too. $100 over invoice. We couldve saved more if we were flexible on the interior color.

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  Fun - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Bob Velba - September 14 - 2:00 am

  As an owner of 4 previous Nissan products, 3 Maximas and 1 Pathfinder,this is the best of the best.It is more comfortable than the Maxima and as versatile as the Pathfinder. It drives and handles like a dream.

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  FUN TO DRIVE - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By SKHAMMETT9 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  NICE TRUCK VERY FAST AND FUN TO DRIVE.FUEL MILEAGE COULD BE BETTER BUT NOT BAD FOR A V8 WITH 305HP.LOTS OF CUP HOLDERS.

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  A Fantastic Car! - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By believenu - September 13 - 4:23 pm

  I think I am in love! This is my first Nissan purchase, and so far I LOVE it! I bought the 2.5 sl, basically the car is loaded minus the nav system, which I didnt really want. I am getting fantastic gas mileage, which is important! If you are in the market for a great car that isnt going to break the bank, make sure to check out the Altima, you wont be disappointed! =)

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  No blind-spot warning!!! - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By tmatem - September 12 - 8:25 pm

  This car is very comparable to the Infinity JX. The JX has some high technology features that are not offered in the Pathfinder, but costs about $9k more. One of these features is the blind-spot warning. Unfortunately, Nissan offers the blind-spot warning as an option in the Altima, but not in the Pathfinder.

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  Great long term car. - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By jcopeland - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought the SE new in 98 and aside from one malfunctioning indicator light (under warranty), it has never needed a repair. I drive it pretty hard and its yet to let me down. Only complaint is an occational vibration noise from the dash but the sound is very minor.

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  Totally happy! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By landandseaciar - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2002 V-6 Altima in mid- April, coming out of a 1995 Cadillac Seville SLS. There are only a couple of features that I miss, but otherwise have been totally happy with this car. Very fast, with great features. I can see why this was voted North Americas Car of the Year!

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  Best car out there! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By smc98m - September 11 - 11:43 pm

  I had the 00 Maxima and bought the 07 Altima SE V6 CVT. I thought I was going to get another Maxima, but was sold after test driving the Altima. I wanted the V6 because I drive in Dallas city traffic and need the "get-up-and-go" speed from time to time. Let me just say the 270hp engine is fast, but is smooth and easy to control. You cant beat the CVT. I absolutely love the convenience of the Push Button On/Off feature. Talk about never having to fumble with your car keys again! As long as you have the key in your pocket then you can lock and unlock the car from the outside push button on the door handle. Get the 07 Altima... well worth it!

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  Great Car - 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Troy - September 11 - 11:33 pm

  Just purchased this weekend and first tank Im getting 32 MPG. The transition from EV to Gas is rather seamless. Dont get fooled on performance, while a hybrid it still has plenty of power. With Nissans 4k rebate it was too good to pass up.