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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  amazing car - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By mike - February 12 - 9:10 pm

  I was due to change my car. At the time I was driving an 03 Altima 3.5 with 5 speed. I was only moderately pleased with the ride, handling of the car. The interior of my 03 was disappointing. I find that it is as if Nissan is overcompensating for the weak points in the older models. The interior rivals any high end sedan, The creature comforts are amazing. These include auto open close sun-roof, cvt transmission, dual zone air, push-button start.etc.I chose the nav system, and it is excellent. The only slight drawback is the somewhat elevated noise level on acceleration with my 2.5 engine. At cruising speed, there is no discernible noise.

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  Great Ride - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By VeryHappy - February 12 - 7:23 pm

  We were in the market for a 4Runner and test drove a few. But in the meantime my company offered a decent discount on Nissan. So we bought a Pathfinder LE. We have had it for about 3 months now and we love it. No rattles or squeaks, it is built very well. The only complaint is the gas mileage. I am currently getting 17 mpg. You will feel every bump, it does ride like a truck. Overall, it is the best vehicle we have owned so far at this point.

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  Great car for the Price - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By sluguy - February 12 - 6:23 pm

  Bought Versa Hatchback for my wife and found the car to be such a good deal I bought one for myself 2 months later. Currently have 12,000 miles on each car and only problem we have had is a nail in one tire on wifes Versa. Took trip to St. Louis and found the Versa to be quiet,comfortable and great gas mileage. Got 36 MPG on the highway. I would highly recommend the Versa for the consumers who are looking for a great car for a reasonable price.

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  Nissan Fan - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Heath Webster - February 12 - 5:56 pm

  This is a well built truck. handling, comfort, and quality are are tops compared to the other trucks i have looked at and driven. I have heard the news about chrysler and nissan getting together to build a new truck in 2010. Im glad i got mine now. Anyway, I love my Titan, its a sexy beast.

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  Great SUV, better than the rest - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Teamfee3 - February 11 - 10:00 am

  Just bought this the day before a 700 mile trip and love it. Drove it in all weather and roads including on the beach. The kids loved the rear seats which recline and have tons of leg room. 6-0" + in the front and back not a problem. The acceleration is awesome, it is a brute but rides smooth. The gas mileage is horrible but so is all the competition. Nothing its size does better but they are slower and ride rougher. The interior doesnt look like a crappy pick either. No one gets car sick in the 3rd row anymore (had a Durango). We had 3 adults in the 3rd row and it was a little tight. Tons of features on base model. Drive on and youll buy it.

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  Excellent Car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By cridout - February 11 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent car other than the tire issue. You have not traction at all in snow so dont even venture out. I bought this as a family car but seeing how it will not handle well in weather I am considering selling for something that handles better. Doesnt even handle well in rain.

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  review - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By shepardliz - February 11 - 10:00 am

  I love my Quest! It has so many great features, and it is so well laid-out, with lots of storage spaces. It is fun to drive. I love the 5 sunroofs, and my kids love the dual DVD screens. The biggest disadvantage is that the rear seat isnt split, so if you fold it down you lose 3 seats, on the other hand it does fold completely flat so you get lots of cargo room. The latch to release the seat to fold flat is extremely stiff, I have a very hard time using it. Overall, though, I love the vehicle and am extremely happy we purchased it!

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  A Minivan for All who Hate to drive one - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Hughor97 - February 11 - 10:00 am

  When my wife and I found out that we were about to have our 3rd child,we thought that it was important for us to buy a bigger car.We have a seven- year old, who still uses a booster seat, a two-year old who uses a car seat, a new baby on the way,and grandma who comes home sometimes to watch the kids.We both hated Minivans,so we decided to buy a 2003 Explorer with 3rd row. After the baby was born,it did not take us very long to realize that the Explorer was not going to cut it. When Nissan came out with the 2004 Quest , we both suddenly said, "Wow may be aminivan does not have to look boring,after all." We went to the Dealer for a spin,we were in awe.

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  Love it! ...I think. - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Cory and Laurel - February 11 - 10:00 am

  I think we love this minivan! Chose between 04 Sienna, Odyssey, Quest, but found best features & value for similarly priced trim levels in the Quest SL. All the mentioned vans have a lot of great features, pwr windows (Quest has auto up and down on both sides), pwr sliding dr, rear climate control etc. But the Quest had even more! Love how you never have to remove any heavy seats from the van to carry cargo. On board computer has neat features eg. tire press., trip/fuel econ comp., bright interior lights, printed antenna, etc. Has a great powerful engine, but poor fuel econ. 11L/100km avg. Drive is more car like than Sienna (mushy) and Odyssey I thought.

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  Great Night Driver - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By SquareDancer - February 11 - 10:00 am

  I drive a lot of night miles and the placement of a center console has been great. We average 23mpg overall and I am not disappointed, because I knew the weight and height of the van. My only regret is the Goodyear tires. The first set were all out of round and could not be balanced and the second set is showing signs of doing the same. I drive in the range of 75-80mph highway and the comfort could not be better.