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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  Tough to find a better car for the buck - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By BEMILLETT - July 1 - 10:00 am

  In my experience the 2001 Nissan Maxima SE is a solidly built car. The ergonomics are right on, and the comfort is there. Performance is where it takes the cake. Try to find another make for around $21000.00 (thats what I paid new), that can outperform this car. Not an easy task.

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  So far so good - 2009 Nissan Pathfinder
  By ncintoronto - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Thrilled with my purchase. Not concerned about the lack of space for passengers as all my passengers are under the age of 7. Lots of fun for the kids. And super comfy for us in the front. Had a wonderful drive from North to South.

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  2000 altima gxe - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By ralph - July 1 - 10:00 am

  The only problem I have is getting pulled over for speeding. You dont feel the speed in this car its that awesome. Never had a problem in the 2-3 years and 51000 miles that I have it. I bought it brand new. Regular oil changes and two new tires and twice the air filter are the only maintenances that I have done to this car.

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  2000 altima gxe - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By Ralph - July 1 - 10:00 am

  The only problem I have is getting pulled over for speeding. You dont feel the speed in this car its that awesome. Never had a problem in the 2-3 years and 51000 miles that I have it. I bought it brand new. Regular oil changes and two new tires and twice the air filter are the only maintenances that I have done to this car.

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  First-time Nissan owner - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By swhite - July 1 - 1:20 am

  I bought my first Nissan last year after owning a Saturn. The Nissan is MUCH more reliable than the Saturn was. So far, Ive only had routine maintenance work done. I feel safe in the Altima.

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  "Z" real deal, no? - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By DChris14 - June 30 - 6:40 pm

  I bought my Z used with only 6800 miles on it and got a great deal. So, the price/ performance ratio is fantastic. Heads turn when I drive this, people even stop me in parking lots. People pull up in Porsches wanting to race me, I just tell them my car looks better than theirs. The engine is great, get the KN air filter and release the horses to 290. The pedal to engine response is tight but the tiptronic shifter could be more responsive but the handling of the car is smooth and flawless. Being 62 I fit perfect into these racing type seats, if you are 65 and above get the G35. The layout of the interior is highly functional and easy to use but needs a little flash.

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  Not TOO Shabby - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Roxy - June 29 - 1:50 pm

  I thought this car was fun to drive. Great for what you put your $ into. Not as powerful as a V-6 but peppy enough. What can you expect for under $20,000..? This car drives very smoothly. I used to drive a 6 cylinder, so changing over is quite a difference. Backing out is in full view. I havent found a blind spot yet. Want to look for accessories though.. If anyone knows where to find them...??

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  The Altima Experience - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By cbt1164 - June 29 - 12:40 pm

  Fun to drive quick pick up push start is great lots of new options one touch auto roof is new great idea sportier looking car standard side & curtain airbags a big plus

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  Enjoying my new car! - 2011 Nissan Altima
  By neilgphoto - June 29 - 11:53 am

  Ive never been compelled to write a review of my car until now. It was a toss up between the Altima or the new Sonata (which I still REALLY like the styling of). However, after paying attention to the cars on the road, the Sonatas seem to be everywhere!! Sure, there are also a lot of Altimas, but I think it will stand the test of time. The engine is smooth, and the CVT transmission is just bizarre to get used to. When driving "nicely", you can actually accelerate to 60 mph without revving past 2000 rpm - almost at a constant engine speed. Around town, the computer says Im getting 26mpg. After driving the CVT, it was weird driving our van and feeling the shifts!

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  05 Titan - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By 05 Titan - June 29 - 2:20 am

  Outstanding Truck But the brakes are crap. Had to have them upgraded at 8,000 miles. The upgraded kit was no charge and now its all good