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:

• 

  2005 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE-R - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By SE-R Fanatic - July 11 - 4:36 pm

  I bought this car at a large auto auction. I was looking for a 2005 Altima SE or Maxima SE. Came across this one and fell in love with its design. This car has it all for a stock 4-door sedan. The gas mileage is okay, I am averaging 21 MPG, but that is probably due to the fact that this car wants to be driven hard. This car will flat out fly. I had to by the automatic b/c the wife refuses to learn a manual. The ride quality of this car is good, but not great. This is due to the 18 inch low profile wheels and super stiff sport suspension. This is not your grandpas Caddy. Bottom line, I would buy this over the competition. Nissan is making some of the best cars on the road.

• 

  04 maxima SL not worth it - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By avalonlady - July 10 - 6:44 pm

  I bought this car new in white diamond pearl with heated seats, Bose 6cd changer, sunroof, etc. This car made a rattling noise since about 30,000mi. Dealer claimed they couldnt hear it as always. Rear struts gone< 30,000 mi, tires worn @ 18,000mi despite rotating every 4,000 mi w/oil change. Gas mileage sucked until I got 100,000mi.then 25mpg. The Bose speakers went out and radio/ 6cd changer failed around 24,000 mi n was replaced with a so- called new 1. At $32,000, I expected better quality.warranty out 110,000mi had 2 replace another radio aftermkt now,tune up @$750, front and rear hub n barrens over $1200. New front struts @ $500.New tires every year at $700 set.no throttle now... Saddd

• 

  Excellent SUV - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By jds - July 9 - 9:03 am

  I have really enjoyed this vehicle. There were a few minor adjustments that needed to be made to the vehicle (squeaky stereo compartment) which the dealer fixed. Otherwise, the power is excellent and for a SUV, it rides pretty well.

• 

  plenty of power - 2002 Nissan Quest
  By dacow - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I dont understand the knocks against its power. It has plenty of power and is very smooth in acceleration. This van feels much more solid than its competitors.

• 

  2003 2.5LE Sentra - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By nissanbuyer - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a limited edition sentra in oct 2002.Overall, I am pleased with the performance of the car- good acceleration, and for the price there is no other car in its class that can compete with all the features that this model provides (ABS/side airbags/165hp, etc) I am upset however because no more than a month after I had the car, I discovered that I had a pin-size hole leak in one of the lower radiator tubes. I am surprised at this and did not really anticipate experiencing this type of problem from a company such as nissan. However, all in all the car is a good buy for commuting.

• 

  Love this car. - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By Tom Dodson - July 8 - 3:46 pm

  This is a daily commute vehicle thats been fun to drive. The 2.5l four cylinder engine performance has always impressed me. I had the automatic transaxle rebuilt at 225K miles and thats the only major work ever done. No engine work at all. 25MPG combined highway/city. 100 watt stereo/CD player, remote entry. I love the split fold down rear seats that allow you to load large cargo into a small car, really convenient. I also love the overdrive lockout button on the gear shift that allows you to use the engine compression to slow the car in traffic like a manual transmission. Ill miss that feature because the new Altima doesnt have it.

• 

  Solid Feel SUV - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Alan L - July 8 - 11:53 am

  Feels very solidly built. Interior not as cheap feeling as others. Does feel narrow though and rear seat could be larger. Horsepower very good. Steering tight making it easy to drive. Buying experience not good, very slick dealerships.

• 

  Great Truck - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By sah - July 5 - 2:53 pm

  Have owned this car since new, continue to keep this while trading/leasing others. The size, ride and functionality are incomparable and we have had minimal problems with a first year model. Highly recommend this vehicle to those considering. Do your homework. The brake concerns are to be expected for a large, heavy SUV that gets traditional auto miles. We have 65k miles and are going in for our second brake job... the first was covered. 2nd set of tires are in great shape. Compare to a Suburban/Expedition by taking a drive test... it is a hands down winner.

• 

  smilingary - 2015 Nissan Versa
  By Gary Gibbens - July 5 - 12:59 pm

  I get 41 mpg easy on highway at 70 mph. I also took a drive on a road with only 2 stops in 40 miles and no traffic I drove at 50 mph and got 54.7 mpg. I could not believe it myself but I double checked it. In the city it is hard to get 31 mpg. The car labors to get up to speed and looses gas mileage. I usually get about 29 mpg. If you want a fast car this is not the one. If you want gas millage this is a choice. Over all I am happy so far.

• 

  Bulletproof - 1996 Nissan Altima
  By mikelrb - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Have had this for 32 months. Super reliable. No maintenance other than oil changes. Now has 85,000 miles. Just goes and goes and goes. Never had such a reliable car. Has sold me on Nissan / Infiniti. Looking to get an Infiniti or Maxima. Not real comfortable for long drives, but does the trick. Around town, just fine. Get up and go when you need it from a 4-banger. Mileage a little low for this size engine. Overall super value.