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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  I had to have one! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Ebon25 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I finally decided to buy a new car. As I had seen the new Altima recently, I had to have it. I do a lot of travelling about the city and state, so I rack up on the miles. I love the fuel economy. I receive compliments on the exterior and the interior design. I am very well pleased with my choice of a new car. I had always felt that I would always drive a SUV, but the Nissan has forever changed my view. If I do trade it in, I will definitely purchase another Nissan (most likely the newest Maxima)...

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  Very happy & proud. - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Cecil=80 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This automble has never had any trips back to the dealer for any problems of any kind. It is fun to drive (zoom)! This 1s the first 4 cyl. auto I have owned that realy preforms and very kind on fuel up to 31+ mpg. I do recommend having the dearler do any scheduled servicing. Im 80 years young and still enjoy driving.

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  Couldnt be Happier - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By MRK - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Altima after having a Sentra for a little while. I absolutely love the car, and couldnt be happier w/ my nissan products. I absolutely love the car, the gas mileage is great and the car runs excellent especially on long rides.

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  The Ultimate - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Altima Mom - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have completly enjoyed my Nissan Altima, I owned a Nissan Quest for 5 years and it had over 200,000 miles when I traded it in and it was still doing great, I just wanted a car. It has a lot of pick up for a 4cyl. It has a very sporty feeling (gotta love those tail lights). I have gotten alot of compliments on its look and how it rides. I love it!

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  Nissian Kicks A** - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By lovemynissian - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I cannot say enough about my Nissian. I even gave her a name, Ali. The performance is outstanding and the design, well lets just say everyone stares and checks my car out. This is the first new car I have ever owned in my life and I can say, that I am a proud owner of a Nissian Altima. The V-6 is the way to go if you like a car that can get up, go, and keep up with the rest of them. This car is 100% fun, reliable, and just plain awesome!

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  I am so Happy! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By CarlyT - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have always had SUVs - this is my first car and my first foreign vehicle. I am loving it. The price was a little high, but I am definitely reaping the benefits. I actually had someone tell me it looks like a one hundred thousand dollar car. The sleekness of it is so gorgeous.

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  AWESOME CAR!!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Renay - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the 2004 Nissan Maxima over a month ago, and I LOVE IT. Its sytlish, fun to drive, and easy to handle. This car fits my personalilty - which is professional, fun, outgoing, full of energy, and stylish!! I highly recommend the 2004 Nissan Maxima. This is my second Maxima, and I am sold on this car.

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  This is a great car - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Sam - September 26 - 7:43 am

  Like a lot of people I am downsizing. My previous vehicle was a Chevy Avalanche which I loved. I felt like it was going to be a shock moving down to a small car but it really hasnt been that bad. Has a great solid ride and I love the CVT. One thing Ive noticed is the performance when you have it on cruise control. Every vehicle Ive had before you would have a lag and then rapid acceleration when you went up a hill. Not with this car. It just plugs on along no matter the terrain and this has to be because of the transmission. Interior is roomy with a lot of storage which is important to me because I carry around a lot of stuff for my work. Glove box is huge.

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  Just Plain Fun - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By melman - September 26 - 12:23 am

  I have driven many suvs out there and the Armada is the smoothest for its size. With all the features that come with this truck, why pay for a Toyota Sequoia with little to no options? The mileage for city driving would be the issue I would have a complaint with.

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  Great Truck - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By bretp007 - September 25 - 8:56 pm

  I never have owned a truck before, but if youre looking at buying one, consider the Titan. Fun to drive, lots of power and nice to look at. One of the best trucks ive ever ridden in.