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:

• 

  one fine automobile - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By jason mcdaniel - December 5 - 3:46 am

  For the money, this is the best vehicle on the market. You couldnt ask for a more affordable vehicle. Priced right with low payments and low interest rates. You couldnt ask for a better choice.

• 

  So Glad I Bought IT! - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Poncho - December 5 - 3:43 am

  I bought this car in June 09 but it was an 08 left over from the previous year. I paid 21,500 including ttl. They gave me and awesome deal and I loved the service. It has great pick up and no can pass me up. Has good traction and excellent features. It could more cushy seats, but they are ok. The only thing worng is that the right wiper doesnt work right. So I am going to take it to get the wiper replaced. But as far as a v6 it is an awesome car. Better than Toyota and Honda. Another thing I noticed that was fishy was that the gap between the passenger door and the back passenger side door has a larger gap between them than the opposite side. Same with gaps on the hood sides

• 

  Love it ! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Jeff Johnson - December 4 - 8:56 pm

  This SUV feels VERY tight and smooth while driving,city or highway.That tells me that it was made with quality in mind.Looking around it,inside and out, you really see how well made it is.

• 

  Cant beat it with a stick - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By Roy Yeager - December 4 - 6:13 am

  We bought this car new in 1997. It is a 5 speed with the 1.6 engine. 203,000 miles later it is still a good solid car that has had nothing but normal wear repairs for a car with this many miles. After it hit 170,000 I have replaced 1 starter, EGR valve, oxygen sensor and driver side axle. It developed a main seal leak at 180,000 which I havent fixed yet but will. With that done I would drive it cross country. Still has the original clutch. 38 MPG average and 42 MPG on the interstate running 75 to 80. Its part of the family.

• 

  not too bad - 1999 Nissan Frontier
  By brooks - December 3 - 10:00 am

  Good little truck, outstanding offroad performance. Have no problem hanging with the lifted trucks. The truck feels solid in everything I do. Interior is a little dull but the ergos are outstanding and suspension sags a lot with a little load however that may be due to the off road package. The horsepower is down compared to the competition however the torque and short gearing make up for it. Pulls a load(engine wise) like a big truck. Not a good highway vehicle. I drove mine from PA to Alaska in just 5 days and didnt have any problems, and the seats provide great support, however the truck runs at very high rpm at highway speeds.

• 

  Die Hard Nissan Lover - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By SkyRockerr - December 3 - 10:00 am

  I had a 1994 Nissan Maxima , After owning that maxima, i waited 2 years to save up and buy my 2002 nissan maxima se , need less to say, overall performance is good, but i was not impressed. Its going to cost me more money to address the car to my standing, by lowering it, adding aftermarket suspension, already bought aftermarket falken ze 512 tires, installed a strut bar front, rear and upgrading music, all that money spent, i should of considered a 2002/2003 Acura TL / BMW , after having honda for 1 year and driving it like hell i am impressed with honda .. i use to love nissan, but with the HID Theft issues and this hunk of junk.

• 

  Great Buy - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Sunflower - December 3 - 10:00 am

  Going from a gas guzzling Camaro to my new Altima was a great change. I get anywhere from 25-32 mpg which is a HUGE difference. I miss the pep of the Camaro but you will be surprised what this little 4 cyl can do, not to mention the leg room! The lumbar support in the drivers seat makes a long trip more comfortable.For the price, you cant beat the quality and performance...Its a Great Buy!

• 

  I Love MY CAR!!! - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Nichole - December 3 - 10:00 am

  I always wanted an Altima. My husband was so sweet and let me go and look at one. Before we left, we were signing papers!!! I almnost cried!!! This is my first BRAND new car!!! I LOVE IT!!!

• 

  Excellent value for the money - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By kk16 - December 3 - 10:00 am

  I like this small car. It is surprisingly powerful and gets up to highway speeds quickly enough. The front is roomy enough. Im 62" 200lbs and it is comfortable to ride it. My only disappointment has been with the gas mileage. I drive a lot of highway and the best Ive ever done is slightly over 30. Usual is 28 or so I think the mileage suffers more than most cars at speeds above 55 and for cold temperatures. The AC is also good for a small car. Overall it was a good purchase. Ive never owned a Toyota or Honda, so I dont know if they would be worth the extra money. For me, I cant imagine they would.

• 

  Great Buy - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By CSoRelle - December 3 - 10:00 am

  I test drove all the different full size trucks and this truck stood out as the most powerfull biggest in its class. It was also one of the cheaper ones in its class. I am very satisfied and will recommend this truck. This is my first Nissan and it probably will not be my last.