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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  2.5S: underrated joy - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By yankee - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I went shopping for the most car for under $20k. American cars were out, I have a very low opinion on thier quality. European cars offere very little under $20k. Toyota, Honda and mitsubishi offerings offer sedate performance at this price. The 2.5s gets mileage like many entry level econo-boxes, but has excellent punch, handling and acceleration for a normally aspirated 4 cylander. There is an urgency to its movement, and a fun to drive factor at a bargian price. i feel the fit/finish/quality is topnotch in its class.

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  Buds car - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Murano - April 18 - 3:33 pm

  Have never had a problem with this vehicle. Runs smooth and reliable.

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  I love my Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By F.K - April 18 - 11:53 am

  ive looked at honda accord and toyota camry and test drove them but there was something about their brakes and the way they ran .. but when i drove nissan altima for the first time it felt just right .. everything about it was just perfect .. from the interior and exterior .. plus i drive it a lot .. it is already up to 40k miles .. no check engine lite , tires still look new ..

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  Excellent Car - 2001 Nissan Quest
  By ghazal - April 18 - 3:46 am

  I had this car for 8 years and very happy with it.

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  Best car I have owned yet - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By jhogan - April 17 - 9:43 pm

  Great car. Bought used and love it. Good weight for snow and rain, have had no problems slipping, spinouts, or traction problems. My brother borrowed it and said he almost totaled it in the snow, but he is one of these drivers that drives to fast and to close to other cars. Decent mpg for an engine that is 175 hp. Plenty of pickup for ramps and highway traveling. Enough room for me and the family. With trunk space to spare. Wont be my last Nissan. Good car for the money.

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  Love and miss - 2016 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Love you Nissan/Miss you!! - April 17 - 12:59 am

  Had the 2016 Nissan Platinum and traded for a Mini Van...I dont know what I was thinking. And Ill be back Nissan..dont change anything!!!! I cant even express how much I loved the 360 cam, Bose, heated second seats and a/c front seats, controls on the steering wheel for everything!!! I could go on with so many more features!!! Movable second row with car seats in!! Never was a Nissan fan, but owned it and now miss it!!! It has even more stuff and comfort..dare I say it...then the MDX. Listen, go test drive this first and then test drive your other options and youll go back to this! We have owned Acura, Honda, GMC, Subaru, Infiniti, Jeep, you name it we have owned it and other then the Subaru having minimal space...I would actually return to this vehicle in a second! Pathfinder was a great vehicle in 2000/2002 but it got cheap in the later 2009/2010 and now its back its roots. Nice job Niss, Ill be back!

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  no title - 2016 Nissan Sentra
  By jones - April 16 - 6:03 am

  key fob key does not retract into fob making it difficult to store key in pocket or purse, Only one space for CDs my other vehicles had 6 spaces. makes it inconvenient to use as you have to keep taking out and putting in new. not a lot of bells and whistles for a 2016

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  Money Saving Tips - 2012 Nissan Leaf
  By kool69 - April 15 - 8:17 pm

  When buying the LEAF start off with the lease. This way get the $7500 deducted from the price right away. After that is done, you refinance and buy it. I did this and got my discount right away without waitng. Next, Home Depot has a 240v battery charger online that is a couple of hundred dollars cheaper than what is offered anywhere else. If you have a gas dryer use the electrical connection for that circuit and save more money. Driving tip, I have found that following behind large trucks on the highway increases the range considerably. I auctually got the 100mpg when I drove under 60mph when following these trucks

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  Cool blue Pathfinder - 2016 Nissan Pathfinder
  By mike birch - April 15 - 6:27 am

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  05 Xterra Rocks - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By xterraoffroader - April 14 - 7:33 pm

  I Love this suv, I bought it 3 weeks ago. Gas mileage isnt bad at all very similar to my isuzu amigo. Its definetly the quickest car ive had so far. No Hesitation and its a blast to ride. I did love my 99 Amigo but this surpasses it big time.