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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  Love my Z - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By melissakwl - August 28 - 12:33 am

  Having finally crossed over to a 2- seater after many years/makes of the Maxima...Ive learned the driving experience like that from the Z easily makes up for not having a back seat. Sooo much fun to drive. Get a Z and never look back!

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  Above and beyond - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Ron - August 27 - 9:03 pm

  Just an outstanding car. Everything that i have read about it and more. Just recomend it highly. My wife who is just 5ft adjusted the pedals to her liking and loved. the backup camera if just great.Get the sl model. Used to be a Toyota customer for years but loved the styling and features for the money you cant get a better car.

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  Take care of it! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By 2TH Doc - August 27 - 1:06 pm

  I bought brand new and have had NO problems out of routine. Still have original clutch, orig struts (not same ride but is fine), maybe down a quart between changes. OEM stereo died a few years ago, purchased from Crutchfield and upgraded myself. I LOVE this car and am planning on driving it to 300K or more! This is also my 4th Maxima.

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  Glad I bought it - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By shelbydog9 - August 27 - 11:39 am

  I bought my 2009 Nissan Altima new. I was looking for a new car and went to a local car show, where they had many cars of the type I was looking for (sedans). I’m 6’5” tall, my first concern was whether I fit or not. Either not enough head room or not enough leg room eliminated 90% of the cars. Price range, basic features, comfort narrowed it down to this car. I chose the bigger engine for more control and better handling. I have almost 60,000 miles on it now and I still love the car. I did have a problem with the front windshield cracking within the first month; they replaced it without any problem. This car has been well worth my investment.

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  Better and Better - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By Marty - August 27 - 9:56 am

  Just traded in our 04 Quest SL for an 07 Quest SL. Our 04 had 34,000 miles on it and never once had to be returned to the dealership, other than for routine maint. Weve only had the 07 for a week so there isnt a lot about reliabilty to report yet, We are most impressed with the power/smoothness of the 3.5L engine and 5 speed auto transmission. This 07 seems even more refined than the 04 in fit/finish. We were glad to see the addition of left side sliding door and traditional location for speedometer over steering wheel.

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  Love. - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By DebZ - August 26 - 8:13 pm

  Dont even think about driving it if you arent planning to buy it. Because once you drive it...youll fall in love. Its so quick, sleek, and sexy I knew we have to buy it. Weve had no problems in our first year of ownership, only pure joy and admiration for such a beautiful machine. My husband and I are both 6 tall and are comfortable as can be. If youre interested in hauling a bunch of stuff around, this car is not for you, but I take it weekly to get groceries and its perfect. We did store it over the winter as it doesnt do well on Snow, but it handles like a champ in rain. Its a sportscar, so dont expect a sedan ride...its low to the ground and bumpy. But...worth it!

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  I love my Altima 3.5 - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By clarkd - August 25 - 3:06 pm

  I have put 3,700 miles on my car in 2 months. I enjoy the CVT but I love the power of the 3.5 (270hp). You accelerate so fast you are speeding before you know it. The ride is a little rough but the steering is very precise and I love the sport tuned suspension. From the paint job to the dual tray center console, this car is first class.

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  A must test drive: More than it seems - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Margie - August 24 - 12:50 am

  I didnt think I would like this car I traded in a 2010 Toyota Corrolla part of the recall. I was set on a Subaru. I saw this souped up Cube in the Showroom, I was passing by as I was headed out to the Subaru dealership across the street. The dealership had added a sunroof, Ostrich Leather seats that are heated racing stripes. I dont know how this got by me. I love the keyless entry and the no need for a key in the ignition. It drives great and the seats are so comfortable. It also handles well in snow which I would not have thought it would. I think this is an up and coming car. I also had a Yaris this is much better and lots of storage in the back with the added Cargo feature.

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  Love IT! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Love IT! - August 23 - 3:40 pm

  This car is so much fun and so smooth! I love the look, the 4 cylinder has plenty of power and when I took it on the freeway it got 35 mpg. I have been averaging about 24-25 MPG on my daily commute which is short and mostly city. The back seat is small but my kids are grown and I really dont care. I folded the back seats down to use for storage.

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  2002 SE-R Spec V - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By stix006 - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Great car for a great price, speed and acceleration is unrivaled for anything in this price range. I just wish the gas tank was bigger, but it suffices. A great car to drive, takes off really quickly. You have to be careful because theres alot of torque an its FWD, so you have to be on your toes.