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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  Check the seats before buying - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Jeremyaz - September 21 - 4:53 pm

  This six cyl. CVT launches like a rocket. Complete blast to drive, but the seat is physically uncomfortable. The build I purchased has no lumbar adjustment and my back constantly aches after 20 minutes or so of driving. I am 62" and 220 pounds so my experience may be very different from others. My old 2000 CR-V had far more comfortable seats. Perhaps time will soften the foam. :)

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  Great car with big appetite - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By markuslycus - September 21 - 2:18 pm

  Like everything about the car but the fuel economy. I do almost all 95% HWY driving on 90% flat roads, and have driven 1500 mi. I average 26.80 mpg. My driving is done on all 4 lane roads, while driving 55-65 MPH. I always drive with fuel conservation top priority. I was expecting to get at least 35 mpg, not 26.80mpg.

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  MyNewAltima - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By NoMoreCelicaGTS - September 21 - 10:00 am

  One word to describe the Altima, value!! You get tons of room and a wide assort of features for a good price. I purchased the 2.5S (auto) with the side air bags and ABS, microfilter, floor mats, and splash guards for $19,383. As far as the interior quality, if youre worried about that, spend more money and get the leather. As far as performance, Im not going to win too many drag races with the 2.5S, but the car cruises really well at 80 mph on the highway. There is some road noise, but keep in mind you paid less than 20K and you are driving a Nissan, not an Infiniti.

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  2008 VERSA - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Sonny31 - September 20 - 8:03 am

  I have a 2008 Versa Hatchback and this is an awesome ride. it has been a year now owning it and had 50,000 + miles on it. to this day I have only taken it in for minor sunroof issues and had my car stereo replaced 2 times now. Handles great but when the wind comes blowing by, Man does that car pull to the sides. I really dont think its getting 30+ MPG. i would say its more like 25- 29 MPGs. the sound system in it needs to be a lot better than what it has now. my mother has a dakota and the sound system is Great! If its a sport package and needs a better sound system. Other than that it is a great car to drive and my car for traveling.

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  Holy Pricey Repairs, Batman! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By SRyan - September 19 - 10:20 pm

  I love my Nissan, but will not be purchasing another. Mechanically it has been sound, but there have been body issues and minor things that are expensive to repair. (Ex. $103 to change a headlamp BULB). If you live in the snow belt, you will notice that snow packs into the wheel well, making steering in bad weather difficult. Also tends to get stuck in snow, due to riding so low to the ground.

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  Z Be Nimble......by Marcus - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By SD30LUCKY - September 18 - 11:23 am

  This is a nimble machine, which you can tell has nearly perfect weight balance. There is exhilirating performance but I am not going to say there isnt room for some minor improvements. Second gear in this car is a total joy, I would like to see a higher redline and the shift points set a bit differently. This probably has one of the best and most consistent power bands of any manual car I have ever driven. Unfortunately, it doesnt take much effort to exhaust this cars limitations in gears 1 thru 4. I get more compliments on this car than I can count and thoroughly enjoy driving it around with the top down. The short wheelbase is surprisingly not a problem except at high speeds.

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  Wooooo Hooooo! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By frata - September 18 - 6:40 am

  I bought my 03 3.5SE brand new. I knew I was going to buy it as soon as I turned the key and heard that "vroom!" I have put 83,000 miles on it in 3 years and have not had a single mechanical problem. My check engine light came on one time but just because I left the fuel-cap door open, it was very expensive to have the computer re-set. The plastic latch on the center console broke three times, minor nuisance. At idle it sounds like a Jetta but when you get it over 4,500 RPM the sound is knee weakening. Over-all an extremely reliable car. I would recommend this to anyone. I just saw the re-designed 2007 model and am planning on trading this one in soon.

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  Woulda Coulda been a great car - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By D. Bombus - September 18 - 5:32 am

  First couple of years were good with no problems. Acceleration from a stop is spotty at best. In the summer, its very sluggish to start, transmission whines. Wife noticed a transmission whine and slipping on a highway trip a few months ago. Took it to AutoNation Nissan Arapahoe where its had ALL servicing done. I complained about loss of gas mileage, whine, and sluggish starts. They said the transmission was over-filled. What? Youre the only place that services this vehicle. No explanation. They also over-fill the tires. Maybe its their way of trying to get gas mileage up. With almost 49k miles, Im worried the CVT is going to give out. The 5 years will be up soon. I do like the car. Its comfortable and pleasant. Took it from Denver to Mt. Rushmore to Billings to Denver that 1st summer, 2012. It was great. MPG was 28+. With a change of tires its noisier and now MPG is down to 26. Still acceptable, but Im not liking the trend. Knowing about transmission issues and the lurking ones I might have, I wouldnt recommend it.

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  Hals King Cab XE - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Huckaby - September 17 - 8:16 am

  The cab is spaceous and comfortable. Great power. A former Dodge owner, this is much more vehicle for the money. The gas mileage is less than desirable, but its a V8. Had to get use to rolling the windows down and making sure I locked the doors when exiting. Also had to get used to adjusting the side view mirrors from the outside, no power. Yet, a great vehicle for the money. Fog lamps are not an option. A feature almost a necessity here in Georgia.

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  annoying noises - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By spikey - September 16 - 9:33 pm

  drive very well 4 an suv.handling is excellent.but i hear alot of noises like creaking sound. sound lke loose nuts & bolts. my kids could hear it too