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:

• 

  Love my Maxima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Stuart Alperin - March 14 - 3:46 am

  I have been purchasing a new car every three years with most being "upscale" sedans. My most recent car was a Volvo S-80 T-6 and this Maxima surpasses it in every category and costs $10,000 less. The normally aspirated Maxima is just as fast as the Volvo turbo. The looks are great and it has provided trouble free performance. Most of all, I love driving it. The only negative I can think of is that the turning ratio is is a bit too wide.

• 

  01 Pathys OK, but... - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Stinger_Bee - March 14 - 1:10 am

  Ive had my 2001 Pathfinder LE for quite a while now. I have not had any truly mechanical issues during this time so have to say that its been pretty good. As with several other reviewers, Ive seen the following issues: 1. Engine, transmission, drive shaft sensors have all been replaced 2. The Bose in-dash 6-disc changer (made by Clarion by the way) gave me the Err messages at about 3 years in or 40K. Had to replace it with an after market unit. 3. The interior durability is VERY poor. Ive replaced the driver side power seat motor/rails. 4. Today, Im going to be paying about $700 for some A/C repairs. All in all, its just been OK. My 1999 Maxima was rock solid but was pre-Goshen..

• 

  Great car at an affordable price - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Kaya - March 13 - 3:23 pm

  Very happy w/ the purchase. Looking at a G35 but went w/ a loaded Altima Coupe 3.5 SE and saved 8K. Not one that needs to have the status of owning a G35. Heard the Altima Coupe is a "poor mans" G35, I say its a wise mans for those not into status symbols and for those whom arent professional drivers. Great car for the driver who wants to have a little driving fun at great price.

• 

  Awesome upgrade from the Pathfinder - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By Nvious2 - March 13 - 2:50 pm

  Besides fuel economy, it is a really nice ride. Lots of room and extras. I just love the front/back sonar and the backup camera. The automatic lifting gate is a really nice touch too. This vehicle looks very professional inside and out. Looks like they thought of everything when they built the 2008 model. I wouldnt trade it for the world.

• 

  Getting rid of after 2 months of suffering. - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By bradhenson - March 13 - 11:28 am

  Trading today. Best day of my life... By far the worst car Ive ever owned. Keep your sanity and avoid this car at all cost! I am dead serious. I gave the ratings what slack I could since Ive reviewed before and cant delete previous ones. If powers that be can delete the others, feel free...

• 

  Great bang for the buck - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By tellurian - March 13 - 10:53 am

  This is an excellent little car. For a modestly priced vehicle it has all the basic safety and handling features. Ive had it for a week, it is a solid and well built vehicle.

• 

  Almost the Best - 2009 Nissan Quest
  By Jeremy McCoy - March 13 - 7:10 am

  This van is simple and practical, while still having todays new technology that is a lot easier to use, it is fun to drive and a lot more roomier than the other vans I have driven. I hope this is the best to come.

• 

  2013 ALTIMA - GREAT MIDSIZED CAR - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By mrboston1 - March 13 - 6:39 am

  I have 2k miles on this vehicle and can say the 2013 Altima is what a mid-sized car should be, solid build, great fuel economy, very comfortable seats, solid on-center steering, very stylish, no-problems with quality, very quiet on the hwy. I have had no humming or noises, the car just drives very smoothly.

• 

  2005 Nissan Frontier XE - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Joe - March 13 - 5:30 am

  This is a very nice truck to own. Very sharp looking truck. All my friends like the look of it and how it rides. Only problems I notice are: (1) your legs come close to hitting the lower dash; (2) truck horn is very wimpy and truck should have two horn buttons at each edge of steering wheel, not just one in center that is hard to use; (3) dont plan on getting any custom wheels for it because the 6 X 114.3 lug pattern is not standard size - there are very few makers of custom rims that will fit on the truck, very few custom rims will fit; (4) interior should have two dome lights, one near front of cab and other near the back of cab.

• 

  Still the Fastest, Best in its class! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By KrazeDiamond - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Since 92 after I got my very first car, a Maxima SE, I quickly fell in love with it. At that time, it was really the better car to get for my money. And ever since, I get myself a new Maxima every 4 years(so I can always drive the newest designed Max!). Never had any problems with them, except the ride is kinda rough but given that its sport-tuned! the Maximas can outhandle any car in its class, and thats why I went and bought the 2003, with the new 3.5L engine, this baby tears up the road!