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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  Am in love with my car! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Lorca - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought my first Nissan last year after owning a Chevy Barretta for 11 years and over 150,000 miles. I was undecided between Honda (Accord), Subaru (Legacy Sedan), and Toyota (Camry). Many friends encouraged me take a look at Nissan, they all had good experiences with their old and new Nissans. So, I went in, tested both Altimas and Maximas and settled on a 2001 Altima. I was very pleased with it but kept remembering how comfortable I felt driving the Maxima. I later drove a Maxima rental and was hooked. So went in ang traded my Altima for a 2002 Maxima GLE. WHAT A DREAM COME TRUE. This car has it all, power, looks, luxury, comfort ... I love my Maxima!

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  Great Bang for the Buck - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By hobybm - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I have not had this vehicle long, but I already love it. I know I will love it for years to come. I will post again in a year or so, to show that I still love this car. I cannot find any problems with it. Some say the interior is cheap, but for the amount I paid, its exactly what I expected.

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  2016 Altima - good experience - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By GB - September 10 - 9:53 pm

  I was interested in good gas mileage. the posted 39 on the window seems to be too high, but i am getting a combined 31 or so, which is also posted. I am very happy with that. The interior is roomy and comfortable. I would encourage leather seats. I did not get that option - it was not really offered, but I have been in one since and it seemed to be more comfortable. I am not overly excited about the bluetooth-technology package. I drove a Kia Optima before and I much prefer the Bluetooth there. The Altima drives very well. The steering is tight and reminds me of a german car. The AC is very nice for a Texas driver. The blind-spot indicator works very well. The standard warranty is undervalued. It seems like most manufacturers are getting away from extended warranties. I wanted the Altima because I have owned Nissan in the past and know it is a quality vehicle and not usually a maintenance concern, but the 5/10 warranty offered by Hyundai / Kia is a nice thing. Overall I would say this is a very good buy. I would recommend it if a friend was asking me.

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  Reliable, Comfortable, Fun - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Fandango - September 10 - 7:03 pm

  This is my fourth Maxima SE 5-speed. All were bought used and ran for many miles without significant mechanical problems. All this one required besides the usual wear items was an alternator. The car now has 201,000 miles on it and is still going strong. With reasonable care, the power train on these will go practically forever, and the horsepower and fuel economy are great. The handling in corners is good enough to be fun, but as a sport sedan it should be somewhat better. Still, the car is comfortable, reliable and fun and a great value, especially when bought used. Its sort of a poor mans beamer.

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  Great Truck! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By doczachary - September 9 - 10:52 pm

  I puchased my 2004 Nissan Titan with less than 50 miles on it and I currenly have over 120K. There has been 2 recalls (brake shudder and wiring harness) and both were done quickly and efficiently. I have read where people wanted better gas mileage but you dont buy a heavy truck with a powerful 5.6L V8 engine and then complain about the mileage. I have towed 10K, loaded the bed to the point where it couldnt take anymore and everything worked as expected. I have replaced the rear axle seals and bearing with better than factory. Used only synthetic oils since 2nd change. It just keeps running. Never a hiccup or an issue. Been a great truck and I plan to keep it until it dies!

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  Fantastic vehicle - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By R Presuto - September 9 - 12:30 am

  In 28 years of driving, I cant remember a more pleasureable driving vehicle!! The comfort and smoothness is just great, The CVT is the transmission of the future! If you are looking at this segment of cars, dont overlook the Murano, With all the features I think it represents a great value. This is my 4th Nissan and I have been very happy with them all.

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  I love it!! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Lichee - September 8 - 7:46 pm

  I purchased this vehicle after trading my Infiniti SUV, although a little skeptical, I was instantly impressed. I have been driving it for almost 2 years, I dont hear a rattle. There was a recall issue with the brakes, dealership repaired n/c, no problem. More recently DVD system compartment rattle was also repaired and replaced by dealer. Comfortable seating for extra large adults. Roomy and attractive.

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  Im in Love! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By kerry - September 8 - 6:00 pm

  I bought my coupe a week ago, black with charcoal leather interior. I got the premium package as well. This is the first new car I have ever bought and I think it was a great decision! There is nothing about the car that I dont like. I love everything about it, inside and out. I use the bluetooth phone system a lot. The dual climate control is great. And the Bose... well its BOSE! The ride is sooo smooth! I havent seen anyone out on the road with one yet. I would suggest this car to anyone!

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  best truck ever - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Mikey_Missles_41102 - September 8 - 3:56 pm

  this is by far the best truck ive ever owned. no more american made for me!!!

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  Moms greatest fantasy! - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By IluvmyQuest! - September 8 - 2:36 am

  I am a 25 year old mom of two and am in the car a lot! When I saw the Quest, I thought it was so cool looking and sporty. My husband wanted an SUV, but the second row in all the SUVs with a third row were tiny in comparison to the van. I was looking for major interior space, and I found it! I can put a wagon or my daughters bike in the back without folding any seats down! I have had my van for 3 months and am loving it! The power doors and lift gate are awesome. I also love the DVD player. My husband was suprised at how fast it accelerates and it is really fun to drive. I can beat teenagers off the line in it! I was looking for a cool family hauler and I found it! I love my Quest!