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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  MINIVAN IN STYLE - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By DAVID PANG - March 12 - 7:06 pm

  I dont agree that the consumer report rated right on acceleration for the Quest. The acceleration should be Excellent instead of Good. We did test drive on 2005 Honda Odyssey EX and 2005 Toyota Sienna LE together with 2005 Quest. The Quest excels on acceleration, overpass and uphill climb with high speed driving on highway. The Quest kept up its pace without acting as if it was being flogged like Odyssey and Sienna. We like the Quest smooth ride on the high speed over 75 miles/h. Other facts made us the purchase of Quest 3.5, are the bold Style, powered sliding door/gate, and the value over the price.

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  Solid Truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Old Toyota Guy - March 12 - 2:13 pm

  Being an old toyota guy, this truck matches right with them but at a better price. Very comfortable for a truck but gutsy in the bad weather.

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  great value - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By bladester - March 12 - 10:00 am

  This was the 1st Japanese vehicle I have ever owned and ill never go back to the North American brand. I bought it used with 20,000m. I have put 55,000m and its never had a wrench to it. Regular oil & filter. Thats about it. Its still tight, engine runs like new. I could sell these cars for a living and enjoy every minute of my job I love it so much. Thanx Nissan for building such a great vehicle.

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  2001 Pathfinder SE 3.5 4 WD - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Beep - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Weaknesses: It feels heavy on the steering when your driving, which tends to wear you down on a long trip. The memory seat tends to lose its memory from time to time. I tend to get about 17 mpg combined city and highway with regular unleaded and about 19 mpg with super, also it has a lot more pep. Over all Im very pleased with the Pathfinder. I have pulled a 2500 lb. boat and a 16 trailer with a variety of cargo without ever needing more power.I plan to keep the Pathfinder.

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  an excellent value - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By douglasclem - March 12 - 10:00 am

  i really have to think hard to complain about anything in regards to performance. the engine is perfect and the interior design is perfect. it is true that the ride of the se model is stiff on rough roads, but i like the handling of the sport package. i tried all the entry level luxury sedans, but this car gives you all the quality of those models for a lot less money. mine is loaded with the bose sound system, leather seats and sunroof. everyone who rides with me comments on how smooth the ride is, how great the stereo sounds and they love the acceleration you get when you punch it.

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  2004 Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By sred - March 12 - 10:00 am

  FUUUUN FUUUUN. Looked for a "man" car. Only one out there. This is truly a sports car with four doors.

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  My little white truck - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By fireman - March 12 - 9:10 am

  The truck drives very smooth. The engine is very responsive for a V6. The truck turns like a big truck.

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  Its a winner - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By L. Willis - March 11 - 9:06 pm

  This has been a fabulous experience as a new truck owner. I needed it to haul horses and travel my daily route across a poorly maintained dirt road in front of my home in outskirts of Phoenix (county land) to work in Scottsdale. Its at home in either place. Ive even used my truck to pull cemented fence posts out of the ground and it popped them right out. Ive always been a sports car type but I love my Titan!

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  great - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By darelle - March 10 - 11:23 pm

  my new altima is excellent. ive had it for about five weeks now. the acceleration is excellent i achieved 0 to 60 in 5.7 seconds

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  Best sedan Ive ever driven - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By Reese P - March 10 - 6:46 am

  Incredible car for the price. Quiet and super comfortable. CVT transmission took a bit to get used to but car is fun to drive!