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 - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Boppa - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Just passed 3500 miles on odometer. Car performs flawlessly. Plenty of room for 64" driver. Averaged 27.9 mpg on 1200 mile trip thru the desert in 100+ heat. More than happy with this car.

• 

  More Fun for the Buck - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Silver Shadow - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Fast and fun to drive. Plenty of room inside and in the trunk. Lots of creature features. Just a joy to drive

• 

  This is the first car I have ever loved! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Susan M. - January 6 - 8:56 am

  This is the first car I have ever loved and Ive had quite a few - VWs, Oldsmobiles, family Cadillacs, a Fire Bird and a BMW. The were all just modes of transportation before I got my Altima 3.5. This car is so powerful, instantly responsive, comfortable and fun to drive. Even after having it for over a year now I still look forward to driving it, ever time I get in it. I used to hate driving long distances (two or more hours) but now I look forward to it.

• 

  Good value for the dollar - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Rak - January 6 - 8:20 am

  Ordered my 07 SL AWD Touring w/ Nav and VDC (Platinum exterior and caffe interior) mid August and finally got delivery of the vehicle about two weeks ago. The ride is very smooth and acceleration is adequate. Braking is very responsive and navigation system has been able to find all addresses Ive entered so far even brand new streets. Owned a Jeep previously and the stability of the Murano is much better, no roll. Im averaging around 21 mpg. Also purchased extended warranty (6 yrs/72,000 miles) for $995 which was a good deal.

• 

  Good Commuter and nice drive - 2013 Nissan Versa
  By nissanguy81 - January 6 - 6:44 am

  Nice car for the value, and price. I leased this Sedan got a great deal 130.00 a month for 24 months. I cant complain, I looked at all vehicles and this was the best deal for a new car lease. Yes, its not a sports car or very smart in terms of technology and drivablility, but its very practicle. Im a student and need a car that is cheap and good MPG, this car was a no brainer. My only complain is that on highway speeds 60mph plus it has a tendency to swerve in high wind drafts, but its not to bad once you get out of the wind tunnels. But the car drives solid, I like the stiff suspension, conering could be improved, but overal for the price its a hands down car.

• 

  Safety, Appeal & Quality my Money - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Lauren Haarmans - January 6 - 3:36 am

  My experience with the Nissan Altima has been nothing but excellent! It handles extremely smoothly and the comfort of the entire vehicle is at your fingertips basically. If the Driver is a safe and responsible person in which appreciates cars that are reliable and I have to add, attactive, then the Nissan Altima is number 1 in my book. Highway driving is a treat with the stereo system, I find no reason for road rage in this vehicle. The Altima outdoes the past vehicles with many safety bags, much room and little effort to take your eyes off the road. The Nissan Altima 3.5 has so many features, many compartments and much room, its truly a gem to unlock and find a reason to drive.

• 

  Owned 3 years, treated me well! - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Matt Sargent - January 6 - 12:40 am

  I purchased my Altima certified pre-owned and drove it for 3 years. This little car was VERY good to me, couldnt have asked for a better vehicle. I will say the engine was a little loud especially on the highway, or when you were pushing it to get to speed. Outside of the occasional noise though I had absolutely zero problems.... the only thing I ever had to put into the car was oil changes, tires, and brakes. If you are looking for reliable transportation this is it. Also just to note, the trunk space is HUGE, I have hauled soooo many things in this vehicle and each time to my shock and dismay they always fit. I would definetly recommend this vehicle, after owning this I am a Nissan fan for life, in fact I just bought a brand new one.

• 

  First Foreign Make and I Love It - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Bill - January 5 - 1:20 pm

  Went from a series of 6 cyl automatics (Grand Am, Skylark sport) to this Altima with a 4, and it goes just as good, feels just as solid and is easier to get in and out of. Nice styling without being overdone. Might have gone for the 6 cyl if I wanted to spend more. I test drove the 6 and it flies, almost too much power. Make sure you know how to drive if you get a 6... but the 4 has been just fine for safety passing, highway merge and the like. No regrets except for the pride factor, as engine size is displayed on all vehicles. Might still get one someday and cede the 4 to the wife :)

• 

  Just the beginning! - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Ty - January 5 - 10:40 am

  Replaced a 2006 Honda CR-V with 76,000 miles, which replaced a 2002 Nissan Pathfinder. Struggled with getting another CR-V, although I find that design a bit uninteresting, a Hyundai Tucson, or a Toyota RAV 4 Sport( didnt want the side opening tailgate again its a pain). After one month and 1300 miles, I can truly say I made the right decision. Read all the reviews and test drives, and would suggest you have to drive the Rogue! It is much quieter than the CR-V was, and more so tnan the reviews suggested. It is peppy enough unless you are taking it to the Saturday night drag races. Absolutely enjoy it. Feels much bigger than it is and gives a feeling of security and being a substantial vehicle

• 

  very happy with my pathfinder - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Claudia - January 5 - 9:53 am

  excellent car, comfortable, spacious, it takes a lot of gas, $45, now that gas is at $2.70 gallon but i drive for 7 days, very good looking truck. I cant get enough of it!