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:

• 

  Great car at an affordable price - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Kaya - March 13 - 3:23 pm

  Very happy w/ the purchase. Looking at a G35 but went w/ a loaded Altima Coupe 3.5 SE and saved 8K. Not one that needs to have the status of owning a G35. Heard the Altima Coupe is a "poor mans" G35, I say its a wise mans for those not into status symbols and for those whom arent professional drivers. Great car for the driver who wants to have a little driving fun at great price.

• 

  Almost the Best - 2009 Nissan Quest
  By Jeremy McCoy - March 13 - 7:10 am

  This van is simple and practical, while still having todays new technology that is a lot easier to use, it is fun to drive and a lot more roomier than the other vans I have driven. I hope this is the best to come.

• 

  2013 ALTIMA - GREAT MIDSIZED CAR - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By mrboston1 - March 13 - 6:39 am

  I have 2k miles on this vehicle and can say the 2013 Altima is what a mid-sized car should be, solid build, great fuel economy, very comfortable seats, solid on-center steering, very stylish, no-problems with quality, very quiet on the hwy. I have had no humming or noises, the car just drives very smoothly.

• 

  2005 Nissan Frontier XE - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Joe - March 13 - 5:30 am

  This is a very nice truck to own. Very sharp looking truck. All my friends like the look of it and how it rides. Only problems I notice are: (1) your legs come close to hitting the lower dash; (2) truck horn is very wimpy and truck should have two horn buttons at each edge of steering wheel, not just one in center that is hard to use; (3) dont plan on getting any custom wheels for it because the 6 X 114.3 lug pattern is not standard size - there are very few makers of custom rims that will fit on the truck, very few custom rims will fit; (4) interior should have two dome lights, one near front of cab and other near the back of cab.

• 

  Still the Fastest, Best in its class! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By KrazeDiamond - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Since 92 after I got my very first car, a Maxima SE, I quickly fell in love with it. At that time, it was really the better car to get for my money. And ever since, I get myself a new Maxima every 4 years(so I can always drive the newest designed Max!). Never had any problems with them, except the ride is kinda rough but given that its sport-tuned! the Maximas can outhandle any car in its class, and thats why I went and bought the 2003, with the new 3.5L engine, this baby tears up the road!

• 

  SAFE car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By R L - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Great car inside and out. Unfortunately, it was totalled because a semi, my Altima,and cement wall. The car is total loss, but I survived without a scratch! I highly recommend this vehicle for the safety features and all crupple zones worked as advertised!! I am currently searching for a new and improved 2003. Thank you NISSAN!

• 

  Love my Rogue! - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By crd1029 - March 13 - 1:20 am

  I purchased a 2012 Subaru Outback three months ago. Though I had read some reviews about the numb steering, I figured Id test-drive it. The ride and quietness of the car was amazing! The interior was of high quality. It was very roomy and the exterior handsome. But the steering! WOW!! The wheel feels like it weighs 20 lbs. It is numb and unresponsive. It wasnt until I drove it on the highway that I realized how awful the steering really was. The car wanders all over the road and the center of gravity keeps shifting left and right. Scary! After 2500 miles, I traded it in on a 2012 Rogue. LOVE IT!! It has more pep, steers great, is quiet, attractive, and fun to drive. Thank you Nissan!!!!

• 

  This is a great car - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Shanda Northup - March 12 - 8:10 pm

  I really love this car. My kids are very comfortable and love showing it off to their friends. I would definitely buy another Quest after this one because it is such a great car.

• 

  Benchmark worthy - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By jrs - March 12 - 2:53 pm

  It is no wonder the new silverado and tundra have been given monster torque and hp, because in 04 nissan set a new benchmark for power and performance in its debut truck. Interior build is the only drawback. A few things are going to be a little off, wear poorly (my visors sag, and the paint comes off with wear on the door handle). Putting the rubber to the road, you will feel like you are in a 90s chevy z-71... if that truck had a huge interior that doubles as your office on the road (i landscape for extra cash). Steering is tight, driving is fun, mileage is the same as the new f-150. I would buy this truck again every time, and it has better base features.

• 

  My First Nissan - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By Gary - March 10 - 2:13 pm

  I really wanted a Cube for ease of entry and liked the "funky" look, but could not make a deal with my trade in and no cash back. The Sentra was suggested due to cash back and 0.0 APR. I was skeptical about it at first being a loyal Civic owner. I cannot fit in the 2010 Civic, the roof line is too low! Plus Honda pricing is getting to high! However this car has plenty room for a 6 foot 4 man. I dont have to hunch over to get in and plenty of head and leg room. Plenty of pick up with the CVT and quiet at highway speeds. Great vehicle and feels much larger from the inside. Basic transportation with an upscale feel. Perfect for this economy.