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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  Happy Owner - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Dan - April 11 - 11:40 am

  I originally intended to purchase the Toyota Sienna, but after checking out the Quest, I changed my mind. The style and price convinced me. There was a noise from the rear seat area when the car had six passengers, but my dealership fixed it with a new latching system. Mileage has been as advertised and the center console is great. Have had no quality complaints with the Nissans I have owned.

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  Loving It - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Lisa - April 11 - 10:53 am

  Have had my 2005 Nissan Altima for one week as of today. Its so much fun to drive! The body style and color are perfect!

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  Love My New Pathfinder - 2015 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Lovez It - April 11 - 7:36 am

  I have had this 2015 Pathfinder for about a month. I just love it! It is a comfortable , luxurious ride, and used 2 tanks of gas, average 21 miles per gallon. I have been driving a Chevrolet Avalanche for the past 4 1/2 years, that averaged 12 mpg. We already have a 2014 Pathfinder in the family, and liked it so well, we traded for another. Nissan got his ride right!

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  3RD NISSAN - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By CAPE FEAR - April 11 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS MY THIRD NISSAN, MY LAST ONE HAD 250000 TROUBLE FREE MILES, IVE GOT 44000 TROUBLE FREE MILES ON THIS ONE, THEY MAKE GREAT TRUCKS. I JUST WISH THE 2001 HAD MORE LOW END POWER.

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  2 thumbs up - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Hudson4028 - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car because it was a nissan and I knew it was reputable. I also knew how powerful and reliable the engine was since my 96 infiniti I30 has the exact same engine. So far I am very happy with the maxima.

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  Still the Best SUV - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Diny - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive own Pathfinders since 1990.. and today, still is the best SUV on the market. Excellent acceleration, superior handling and when it comes to drive like a car none beats it. Also awsome handling under extreme conditions such as towing and off-road. Cannot be bother by fuel mileage for a mid to large V6-240 hp engine.

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  Thanks Nissan! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By durrill - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Great solid running vehicle. Interior design, Engine & transmission beat all Toyota, GM or Ford products. Seems it was built by people who care about the customer rather than a committee turning out the standard dull American designs. Roomy rear seats beat any other SUV

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  Best SUV - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By moonroof - April 11 - 2:00 am

  The Armada is the newest BAD BOY on the road. Great size, power, and comfort. The truck has great towing capacities. I love my new Armada. GREAT JOB NISSAN!!

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  Whoa nelly! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Jim in DC - April 11 - 2:00 am

  This is the car (sorry SUV) youre dreamed about. Interior, exterior, who said you had to comprimise? Drive a BMW 3 series. This beats it hands down.

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  still like new - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By mricha02 - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 02 Altima S model with moonroof, bose, pwr seat and 5-spd. I LOVE IT. Got rid of the crappy continental tires and put on 18 X 8.5 OZ racing wheels with Sumitomo tires, much better ride now. I havent had a problem with squeaks, rattles parts breaking or breaking down. Wish I could say the same for the 50K 2003 Navigator I bought. What you get for the price is far more fun than the bland style and performance of the Camry and Accord 4 cyl. My brakes squeal under light stopping but the dealership cant figure out why...oh well, all in all I love it and dont have to pay a grand to get the timing belt replaced at 90K like the hondas :- 0