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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  Feel the force - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Ntense1 - December 31 - 10:00 am

  As you enter the Maxima the true pleasure of power exudes from the very enviroment of the interior of the SE model. This feeling of power is reinforced the first time you push the gas pedal. Irritaed by the guy in front of you?? Give the gas pedal a twitch and look behind you for his expression. The Maxima is to the driving experience that sugar is to a child. GIVE ME MORE!!!!!

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  FUN - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By FRED2103 - December 31 - 10:00 am

  LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT.

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  My "Little Goat" - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By j-shoota - December 31 - 10:00 am

  For my first New vehicle, I wanted something that is versatile to all my needs. I commute, I like to go "out", Im a camper/hunter/snowboarder, who likes to "roll" with his "boyz". First, this sucker can climb. The clearance is nice and handy. It has the solid/heftiness of the "american" made trucks but doesnt have the bulkiness, which came in handy MANY times while 4-wheelin. The look turns heads, along w/ the upgraded stereo. The 3.3L engine is not enough for its weight. Rides smooth and solid. I found it a little difficult to make tight turns into parking spots, especially with an extended bed (gotta have the extended bed).

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  My First vehicle - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By truckgirl - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2000 nissan frontier and I love it. It is my first vehicle. The truck has been very good for me, I havent had any major problems with it. It gets me back and forth to where I need to go with no problems. I have fun driving the truck. Because of my experience with the truck I will probably buy another Frontier in the future.

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  Love My Nissan - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By ams27587 - December 30 - 5:30 am

  Great truck. Bought 1 year old with 9800 miles. Better styling and performance than the Toyota costing about $3K more. 3 years and 64K miles later, still enjoy this truck. Some minor problems encountered, including A/C high pressure hose replaced twice, power steering pump leak and some unexplained rattling underneath the driver. Dealer has been generally cooperative. The supercharged engine delivers great torque but at a cost of barely 14 mpg around town. I now drive my wifes car during the week due to having to fill up every 4-5 days. All in all, a great truck and very reliable and still looks great for a 4 year old.

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  Very Nice - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Paul - December 29 - 10:03 pm

  A great car overall. Very powerful 3.5L engine. Drives great except in snow its not very good. Lots of wheel spin, etc. Interior is well designed except no passenger power seat for $30k?? Strange. Good gas mileage at 24 in mixed highway/city driving. Push button and door sensors are wonderful... never take your keys out of your pocket. That really spoils you!

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  Kudos to Edmunds - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By new_style - December 29 - 1:21 pm

  Using the pricing information and buying advice on Edmunds.com I purchased a 2013 Altima SV with the convenience package/wheel locks/lojack/floor mats for the crazy low price of $23,967 out the door (included taxes and all fees). True Value Price was $24,251 before taxes, Dealer fees, and DMV fees. If there was a photo option I would post it because I couldnt believe it either. I did have to walk out on one of the dealerships that said they could match the price but they dinked around for an hour offering me less equipped cars...so I left. Dont hesitate to leave...stick to your guns. If I had given in on that they would have back peddled on everything else.

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  2013 Altima - Not Quite Ready! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By rtinaglia - December 29 - 11:08 am

  Among the many continuing problems -heated seats that dont heat unformally;power sterring wine, no fix after 6 months; very hard ride -they suggested I change tires! GPS is ridiculous, Center vents can never be closed- continually run air unless you turn off system. Sensor for cabin temp is on the top of the dashboard - when ever its sunny, even in winter it blows cold a/c air to cool no matter if the cabin is 40 degrees. rearview camera washes out in sunlight. Blind spot system is usless in wet weather - it either sees nothing or falses all of time. Nothing can be adjusted! Interior drivers area is tight - & Im only 5-7". No passenger power seat in a 32K car! The CVT trans slips.

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  Surprising Performance - 2009 Nissan Sentra
  By Mike39 - December 29 - 6:36 am

  Ive driven this car for only about 2000 miles. My initial impressions are that I am VERY satisfied. The interior is large for its class (97.7cuft)and very much appreciated by my growing boys. The car I have has the CVT transmission. It runs very smooth and quiet under low torque applications- a little loud during acceleration. the ride is very quiet. The car has great amenities- good sound system, blue tooth, mp3 cd player w/ aux jack, keyless entry, car computer (mpg, dte, temp, etc). The blue tooth and keyless entry are a little extra, but this was the only car I found with a standard computer. Aluminum rims would of been a nice touch- worth the extra$ if you can find one with it.

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  hummmmmm - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Rory - December 29 - 4:00 am

  Bought the car in May and have a hard time getting out of it! 15 seconds to go topless and catch major eyes! Makes the ride to work 10x more fun!