Nissan Repair: over heating., nissian altima, radiator cap

Question
I have a 1995 Nissian Altima and over the last two weeks it has been getting to hot to fast.
I noticed that once i drive for about 10-15 minutes the temp is almost a third of the way up and when it gets to that point the engine just switches off. After a few minutes i start it again the temp is still at the same point but it will start and i can drive with no problems, unitl its parked for a while and the engine gets cold, then the same thing happens again.
What would cause this?

Answer
First, I would change the thermostat and radiator cap.  next I would change the temperature sensor that feeds information to the computer.  With the cooling system serviced and the temperature sensor sending good information to the computer you should have no problems.