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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  Nice look but poor build quality - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By akabook - September 29 - 11:36 pm

  My wife loves the look of the car and thats why we bought it. But the build quality of the car is not good: the car is light, the steel sheet feel cheap and thin. Our doors have already collected a lot of dents and dings. I am a little worried how long this car can actually last. Engine and CVT so far so good. The automatic windows can be inconvenient. You have to start your engine to be able to operate your windows.

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  Better Than Expected Mileage! - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Mark Gould - September 29 - 11:16 pm

  I bought the Altima Hybrid with the Technology Package. In my first 1,000 miles I averaged 39.7 miles per gallon. Since then, I have improved the mileage up to 40.9 miles per gallon. If you use the energy flow information correctly on the big screen you can really boost your mileage. I still drive 60 - 70 mph, but on declines I back off the accelerator and let the electric motor take over even at 65 mph. When I get tired of driving for the mileage, I kick in the 198 combined hp. It has 8 more hp than my 1996 Maxima did. However, if you only want the power, choose the 270 hp Altima instead. I am enjoying going for 750 miles between fill ups. I am looking forward to my $2,350 tax credit.

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  Dependable - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Diesel - September 29 - 6:43 pm

  Bought used with aprox. 20,000 miles, in 2006. Now has 80,000 in 2010. I have only changed the oil, the air filter, the head lights, wipers, and battery. Did every thing but the oil myself with ease. My good friend, a mechanic, recommended I buy an Xterra. I am glad I did. I owned a 2000 Frontier that never gave me a problem either, so I was happy to by another Nissan. Id bet it has the same 2.4 litter engine, but geared lower. I removed the roof rack air dam for better mileage.

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  My right arm - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By edjl - September 29 - 4:13 pm

  My wife and I were heading towards a Yaris, but by the time we had all the features picked out, the price was to high for our budget. We looked at the Versa and got a lot more car with the needed features. I use this little car for work, and kept my truck for the big stuff like hauling trash and getting gravel. I am disappointed with the highway mpg and steering wheel. Plus, no right arm rest! I hope Nissan has one for 2009, and some form of a retro-fit for my 2008.

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  reliable wheels - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By g.con - September 29 - 1:00 pm

  Now 35K....not one problem.....have 2001 with 107K......replaced only an idler pulley and two belts.....toal repairs....$45.00......they are slow but you know youll get where you are going

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  Fun to drive! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By DGR - September 29 - 12:43 pm

  I bought this car used with 45,000 miles on it last year. City mileage is in the low 20s but I get nearly 40 mpg on the highway! The car has incredible power and handles like a dream. The ride is firm but very comfortable on a long drive. The headroom in the rear is too low for my 61" son.

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  Best First Car Ever! - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By College Kid - September 29 - 10:26 am

  I bought this car at 16 years of age and it has proven its value in the near 5 years Ive owned it. I bought the car at 119,452 miles and it now has 302,679 miles and still runs like brand new. I drive all over the place as you may be able to tell by the number of miles Ive put on it. I occasionally race newer sports cars at the lights and Ive beaten many smaller turbo charged and V6 cars, with the occasion of some bigger V8 powered cars. The only repairs Ive ever had to make on this car was a section of the rear subframe rotted out and needed a new section put in ($240), and new rear drums ($100). If this isnt good enough yet, then let me tell you I get 37 miles per gallon combined.

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  Purchased NEW-Delivers Good NEWS - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Jerry L. - September 29 - 7:33 am

  When we moved to Texas, we purchased Ms.Path (05 Nissan Pathfinder) because of six adjustable vents for cold air/heater (2 each rows & 2nd/3rd row is attached on top). Weve checked most SUV and Ms.Path has the only vent system ever built. Weve been to family road trips coast to coast at least once a year: some were non-stop to Northern CA, FL. and Midwest that Ms.Path gave us comfort, safety and stress-free trips. At this time, Ms.Path havent had any minor/or major repairs. She was just following the preventive maintenance such as dealers oil/filter change, fluid change and proper tire inflations/rotations. Ms.Path has power to accelerate, powerful enough if needs for speed.

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  12k Horror - 2013 Nissan Sentra
  By ptkchic - September 29 - 4:43 am

  I got this car back in March. It is now 8 months old with 12,000 miles on it. There is a whine coming from the rear breaks. I took the car in and they said my rear breaks are wearing and it will take at least a month before the parts come in. The gas mileage is at 20 mph and they have no idea why. When I turn the wheel left or right there is huge clunking noise. (I am told this is normal) My front brakes are wearing faster than they should. The car has been in 3 times for the rear brakes.I have to slam on the gas pedal before the brakes engage. Im considering using the lemon law.

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  Thin line between love and hate - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By E.Zinn - September 29 - 4:16 am

  Having bought this car as a demo with 5000 miles on it I attributed many of its brake, strut, rotor problems to being abused by the dealer. After reading many of these reviews now I realize they are design issues. Despite its flaws (see suggested improvements), overall I am happy with the car. I get about 430 miles per tank for the type of driving I do which is a hybrid of mostly highway/city driving. The car has plenty of room for 4 adults. Acceleration is excellent, just be prepared for the torque steering when you punch it. Car pulls when stopping and steering wheel shimmies on highway. Replaced horrible goodyear tires with Michelin Pilot MXM4 and have been 100% happy with them.