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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  Nissan 3.5 Fun on Wheels - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By awireless1976 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I own the Nissan 3.5L 2003 and let me tell you its been a gem so far. Its fun to drive and has a ton of power. I would strongly recommend this car to folks that like high horsepower and a not so high car payment.

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  Love my Nissan - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Lesett - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I got the 2.5SL. I feel like im driving a Lexus. I love the leather. The radio says the song it play. Its loaded. I love it.

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  Altama,s + and - - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Ralph Celia - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Had my 2003 Altama for a few months now, but yesterday was a different situation for me. Iwas driving in the right lane and about 5 cars to my left were next to me coming on pretty strong. The lane merged into one lane to the left. Well.For the first time i had the car i hit the accelerator all the way.WOW!!!!! I saw the pack of cars in my rear mirror, quite a car. FORany person buying a altima get the 6 not the 4. Also before you buy it have the dealership take those Brigestones off and replace them with Goodyear r/s GTs. the Brigestones are garbage.Also very comfortable car, stiff suspension but its a hell of a road car.

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  Great Car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By MOBO39 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I feel very secure in this comfortable and solid car. It drives like a dream and the mileage is great.

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  fun with shep - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By cancercj - September 26 - 10:00 am

  our altima, named shep, is beautiful,sleek,comfortable,roomy and luxurious. we live outside of charleston, sc; entering the ramp to the freeway, shep glides to 70 mph without a sound or effort. if we dont use the cruise control, we risk a speeding ticket, because she takes off so smoothly, you dont notice the 110 mph at all:)) listening to sarah vaughan on the bose sound system is like being in carnegie hall.

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  WILL OUT RUN A 5 BMW - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By RANA WARREN - September 26 - 10:00 am

  LOVE DRIVE WITH MORE POWER THAN NEEDED. BUT WHEN NEEDED( WOW)THE WHOLE CAR

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  My experience - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By louis - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Love to drive this classy car. Great handling and amenities - temperature controls, lights, radio and cd controls on the steering wheel, etc. A great car to own.

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  Altima is almost the ULTIMATE - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Javy - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I did quite a bit of research prior to buying a new car and am very glad that I did. This is my first Nissan and it may not be my last. I have owned the Altima since July 2002 and thoroughly enjoy driving it. It is stylish, comfortable, spacious, fairly economical, and so far reliable and solid. I highly recommend the Nissan Altima to anyone looking for the above stated needs.

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  What I think - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By 1Tommy1 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This car handles well, fun to drive, yet very praticle. I went to tail gate and had room for chairs table Bar-b-q pit and all the goodies. For the money it is my "Best Buy". Acceleration is perfect on any grade. I am not left wanting for power in my driving experience.

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  Nissan Altima - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Chiquita Steward - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The altima 2.5 4 cylinder performs very well. It is very good on gas highway/city. It had great storage area.