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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  No blind-spot warning!!! - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By tmatem - September 12 - 8:25 pm

  This car is very comparable to the Infinity JX. The JX has some high technology features that are not offered in the Pathfinder, but costs about $9k more. One of these features is the blind-spot warning. Unfortunately, Nissan offers the blind-spot warning as an option in the Altima, but not in the Pathfinder.

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  Great long term car. - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By jcopeland - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought the SE new in 98 and aside from one malfunctioning indicator light (under warranty), it has never needed a repair. I drive it pretty hard and its yet to let me down. Only complaint is an occational vibration noise from the dash but the sound is very minor.

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  Totally happy! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By landandseaciar - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2002 V-6 Altima in mid- April, coming out of a 1995 Cadillac Seville SLS. There are only a couple of features that I miss, but otherwise have been totally happy with this car. Very fast, with great features. I can see why this was voted North Americas Car of the Year!

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  Best car out there! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By smc98m - September 11 - 11:43 pm

  I had the 00 Maxima and bought the 07 Altima SE V6 CVT. I thought I was going to get another Maxima, but was sold after test driving the Altima. I wanted the V6 because I drive in Dallas city traffic and need the "get-up-and-go" speed from time to time. Let me just say the 270hp engine is fast, but is smooth and easy to control. You cant beat the CVT. I absolutely love the convenience of the Push Button On/Off feature. Talk about never having to fumble with your car keys again! As long as you have the key in your pocket then you can lock and unlock the car from the outside push button on the door handle. Get the 07 Altima... well worth it!

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  Great Car - 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Troy - September 11 - 11:33 pm

  Just purchased this weekend and first tank Im getting 32 MPG. The transition from EV to Gas is rather seamless. Dont get fooled on performance, while a hybrid it still has plenty of power. With Nissans 4k rebate it was too good to pass up.

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  zshan - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By zshn - September 11 - 3:40 pm

  I was looking for great commuting car and i test drove versa and right away i orderd this car, i got 1800 miles on it right now and i love driving this car because its drive like a midsize car and with SL package you cant go wrong , which has bluetooth and inteligent key get you in and out and even you can start your car without taking your key out from the pocket, 36 miles per gallon with CVT transmission, this is a overall better car than Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris.

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  2008 Nissan Altima - nice car - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By rclark - September 11 - 1:30 pm

  First let me say I love this car. I have had 4 weeks now and it is fun to drive. My only problem with it is that the Nav and phone have most of their features disabled when the car is moving. Its a car, these features should work while you are in it. I am now forced to fumble with my phone if I want to make a call, that is precisely the reason I bought a car with bluetooth, so I could be safe and not have to do this while the car was moving. In order to access your phone book the car must be stopped. In order to pick a new destination you have to stop the car, please make it so the passenger can operate the toys

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  My baby red is a lot of fun to drive. - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Diana Roman - September 11 - 8:40 am

  My kids and I love "Baby Red". It doesnt feel like you are driving a small car because have good movements and is very roomy inside. I feel like a "cool mama" driving this car. The only negative thing is not too stable while applying the brakes. The poor thing is taking a beating traveling around 70 miles a day and is holding up like a champ.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Flying - September 11 - 7:50 am

  So far I have only had it for 3 days now. I went out of town on business with it and it was an excellent ride. The leather quality is great and it looks very luxurious on the inside especially with the wood trim. I bought the LE, which is the loaded version minus DVD and nav. This SUV rides as smooth as a car. Very spacious and fun to drive. I bought this car over the 05 Toyota 4 runner. It was more stable and bigger than the toyota. Test drive the pathfinder before you consider anything else, you get a lot of features and styling for the money.

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  Great suv - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By Ben Killion - September 11 - 7:43 am

  Bought with 90000 miles and its now at 185000. And besides a driver window switch that I bought from eBay I have done nothing but routine and preventative maintenance, i.e., timing belt replaced.