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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  Great Car for the $ - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Peacock - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Looking at other cars in the class - Acura, Audi, Saab etc for $10K less the Maxima is the best bargin out there. 255 HP is plenty, infact I call this family car STUPID FAST, The ride is smooth, the cornering is great. Compared to the other two Altima SEs that I have owned this is a huge step up in fit and finish as well as creature comforts. The 6 spd is fine, although I have not had too many chance to wind the thing up where 6th gear is needed. Acceleration is excellent and stability while accelerating is good for a front wheel drive car. For $21K it is a steal, yes $21K not the sticker $27K...

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  This is one AWESOME vehicle - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Leena - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought a Nissan Altima after owning 3 different SUVs, all 6 cyl. This 4 cyl. Altima outruns everyone of them and they were some pretty expensive SUVs, we are not talking Rodeos here. This vehicle made it to Disneyland, CA from Las Vegas, NV in a little over 3 hours! Incredible.

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  me - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By jim - February 27 - 3:46 am

  drive about 55-60 miles a day. it gets right in to the flow of trafic very well. i get about 270 to 300 miles by 1/2 a tank.

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  Passing Gas Stations! - 2012 Nissan Leaf
  By carlover59 - February 26 - 8:40 pm

  Had for over a month and with nearly a 1000 miles, I havent had to purchase any gas yet for our other car (gas of course, we always drive the Leaf whenever possible). The Leaf feels like a luxury car, not a economy car. Quieter than a Lexus, a smooth ride and based upon the electricity used so far, averaging around 140 mpg equivalent. The city driving range has been around 80 miles which for my daily commute has been good.

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  Nice car/truck - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Neneheinz - February 26 - 10:00 am

  I just got it but I love it. Great auto

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  brand new - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By RickL156 - February 24 - 2:40 pm

  just bought this truck a few days ago..and i am so glad i did..it rides smooth,,the bigger engine is great,,and the interior is a great combination between luxury and sporty,, with a mix of the titanium finish and wood grain it will impress any person..not to many miles yet,,but so far no complaints..and dont let them fool u about the price..they will give u a deal even if it is a new body style..i got $3000 off the MSRP..

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  The best car we ever bought!! - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By brendan - February 24 - 7:56 am

  I started looking for a new car and when i came across the 2006 Altima 3.5 Se. I really liked the way it looked and then i drove it that was all it took wow what a fun ride that was i could not belive the power it had and how the 4 door altima was so sporty looking my wife just love the car the only problem i have with the car is trying to get it away from my wife so i could get behide the wheel .. Wow what a car it looks great and drives just as well as it looks . I am thinking of trading my truck in for another one . If you want one hell of a fun ride then two words for you"nissan altima" p.S get the 3.5 Se if you want power. Thanks brendan

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  Sporty and Pretty Too - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By DinkyDoo - February 23 - 10:40 pm

  Drove several crossover/SUVs, including the RAV 4, Ford Edge, Mazda CX7 and CX9. The Murano was the quietest, most smooth riding and best equipped of the bunch. The auto climate control is better than in any of the luxury cars I have owned. I like the spaciousness of the interior. The smoothness and power of the acceleration is really nice. My major complaint is the front seat. It is extremely hard and the front seat cushion does not adjust independently from the seat back. The seat cushion has a very angled upward tilt, to the point of cutting off leg circulation. (I am 54" and this may be the reason) I am hoping with time the seat may soften up a bit. Good price for so many features.

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  Luxurious Ride, Fun Drive - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By heyphilly - February 23 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Nissan Maxima GLE for over 4 years now, and its performed like a beauty ever since. The engine is smooth and powerful, the interior is comfortable and luxurious, and the ride is smooth. Never had any troubles, except a small rattling fan which was replaced under warranty.

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  2002 GLE - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By jetdoc - February 23 - 10:00 am

  It has been six months since we purchased our 02 GLE and we have been very happy with it. We even added the rear spoiler to the car so it looks like the SE.