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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  Stay away from thw 2002 Altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Gone Driving - October 27 - 10:00 am

  The car is just shy of 2 years old and has had a new catalytic converter, radiator, engine mount, heater core and ABS sensor. It has ongoing problems with vibration and wind noise which have still not been corrected . There is rust on one of the engine brackets which according to Nissan has no metal in it. The car had starting problems. The brakes have no power assist in very cold weather for the first minute or two after starting the car. Unfortunately all the excitement that I had when I bought this car has turned into lack of confidence in Nissan Products.

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  Great Car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By katiesue - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I love my Altima. It has been a great experience having this car.

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  New Van - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By swanny123 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Very well equipped. Engineers did alot of thinking to add the details of the features.

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  2004 Nissan Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By sushi96720 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  The Quest has more power than the american counterparts however the engine noise is rather loud as compared to Dodge Caravan. The seats are not as comfortable as I initially thought. You dont get the feeling of support from the seat.

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  Rah Rah Murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By dsmith9066 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Greatest fun to drive since my 65 Mustang. Nothing has gone wrong. It turns heads because of its exterior design.

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  A step above the others - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By mo0990 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Its big, bigger interior than a 1500HD crew cab. Its smooth and quiet, except if you step on it. The motor sounds a little like a v8 Camaro from the 80s. Very comfortable seats unless your tall. Its certainly faster than my 99 z71. Lots of little items than add up to a well executed vehicle. Worth a look if your open to driving an import. It took me a while to convince myself not to buy a new chevy, but Im glad I did.

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  Excellent tough suv - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Goran Tomic - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Excellent tough suv with smart interior design and excellent performance. Looks meet performance!!

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  02 MAXIMA SE - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By kkitchens - October 26 - 8:26 pm

  The car is the compromise for a sports/luxury/family car. I love the car esp. the power. The front wheel bearing went out at 34,000 and I know someone with a little over 100,000 on his 02 SE and it has went out 4 times. It makes me think I need to get rid of mine. My O2 sensor went out the next after my bearing. Thank God it is still under warranty. Nissan needs to try to fix this problem. This is my only gripe about this car. The customer service you recieve could be improved by leaps and bounds.

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  Great Performance - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By YoYoMan - October 26 - 6:46 pm

  Been a Great Car so far. Fun to drive, great for road trips. 33 MPG on the highway! Love the engine, friend has a 2005 Mustang GT and the Max gives it a run for its money. Looks spectacular with tinted windows and 18" Chrome Wheel Package.

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  Transmission No gears - 2014 Nissan Frontier
  By Ed - October 26 - 3:58 pm

  I have a 2014 Frontier at 32000 miles transmission started to slip within five miles no transmission. Forward and reverse gone. You could smell the clutch a mile away. I hadnt shifted in 5 miles. Towed vehicle to dealership where I bought truck I have extended warranty as well. 1689.99 later clutch flywheel pressure plate throw out bearing all replaced. 1000 miles after repairs I could feel the clutch was already wearing. Service director wanted me to test drive him and show issues I was now having, Heat plate rattle, grinding fourth gear clutch already wearing out and lets not forget the crease in the passenger door, Service director thanked me for knowing how to drive a stick. Gee only 30 years driving one. Now its in the shop see what they say this time. 1 year and already 1700 maintenance for an issue that wasnt my fault! Is it the hydraulic system to clutch? Yesterday another 2014 coasts into gas station 27000 No transmission clutch smell months later a new clutch flywheel. Then rebuilt transmission back at mossy Nissan for pressure plate and throw out bearing. Just over 40k.