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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  This truck rocks!!! - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By bpace3 - January 29 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd pathfinder. Drove the first pathfinder available in Ohio when they first came out. Purchased a second. I was not happy with the design about 5 years ago. Decided on a durango. BIG MISTAKE. The pathfinder is a great vehicle. Smooth, tons of power, very sharp. I get tons of compliments. I love to throw the keys to others to take for a test drive. They all come back smiling!!

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  The Japanese - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By mmars80 - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Nissan has never been one to take risk with the styling of its product. However, they began to move away from the "rolling appliances" into cars that sparked pure appeal, passion, and denotes the creativity that used to only be synonomous with high-end luxury sedans. The front grill is imaginative and possibly something the automotive world is not ready for. However, the "coupe-esque" body lines make up for that. My car came with the 5speed manual mode and the 3.5L engine making this car ready to haul down the Interstate swiftly and comfortably. If you want the performance of the G35 but need the space, add this car to your shopping list.

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  Sexy Car - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Ken Swanson - January 29 - 6:46 am

  Very nice winding out the gears after hitting 2nd gear. Hugs road nicely on turns. I disagree with the "take" that it is so hard to see out back, on the hard tops anyway. Shifts very quickly. Jumps from 65 to 120mph.

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  Best Truck - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Rafal Zep - January 28 - 7:26 pm

  Best Truck off and on road. Poor Hemi drivers have too smell my dust

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  This car turns heads... - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Danté D. - January 28 - 5:16 am

  I have an 04 Onxy Drivers preferred package SE. I love everything about it. I looked at an Audi, Lexus, Acura, etc. and this wins hands down. For the money its one of the best cars on the road. I see myself driving this car for many, many years. They could have put a little more thought into some of the cheap plastic parts in the interior but the performance and styling more than make up for it. Overall grade - A+.

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  Best truck you will evr find - 1999 Nissan Frontier
  By shill83 - January 27 - 6:40 am

  There is no better truck in the world. This truck is running just as good as the day i bought it and shows no sign of wear. during the worst ice storm my area has ever seen last year the truck ran over every tree that blocked my way. after some drunk guy smashed into the side of it and hit the rear wheel dead on going 50mph the truck started right up and took me home. when i took it to be repaired, we found out the leaf springs had blown apart....and it still took me home. i love this truck and when this truck finally dies, if it ever does, i will buy another.

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  Great Car, Great Value - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By catnip63 - January 27 - 4:04 am

  Ive always been a Nissan Pathfinder fan, till now ( I hate the new body style) Ive owned my 2003 for 5 years now. I live in Utah and its the best 4 wheel drive Ive owned. Ive had a 1989, 1990, 1997 pathfinders and now the 2003. I have never had it strand me or had any expensive repairs. I do all the recommended maintenances though. The gas mileage would be my only "con" but I wouldnt trade better gas mileage for the power it has. I do love the power and control this car provides. I think for the money this is a solid, reliable, well built car. I see lots of 2003 Nissan Pathfinders with over 200,000 miles. I think that says a lot.

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  This is an AWESOME CAR - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Rich270 - January 27 - 1:23 am

  The 2005 Nissan Altima has to be one of the best cars I have ever driven. With the cost of fuel these days, the efficient 2.5L engine is easy on the wallet but doesnt sacrifice performance even with the air conditioner on. Thoughtfulness is everywhere in this car - from the sunglasses holder, on the wheel audio controls - even down to the two cupholders. Stylish, comfort and combined fuel economy sets the Nissan Altima above all the rest in its competition.

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  Best deal in its class. - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By al - January 25 - 11:36 am

  This is my Max but Ive known the blood line since the Datsun 710 and 810 days. I have to warn you, that CVT is quick. Yes I did have some reservation about CVT and performance. This car put that to rest. I was in the market for a TL Avalon and considered an Accord but after crunching the numbers and the grim factor the Max won hands down. This car has one issue however, its happiest when pushed, say at a RPM of about 27+. The acceleration is quick, seamless and the braking system assures you all is well, in the event you need to calm youself down. I would opt for the VDC over the TCS, just my opinion. I commute in an area with a lot of hills and this car make those hills disappear.

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  6-Month Update on my Altima Hybrid - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By tjf - January 24 - 4:20 pm

  Total miles: 4,030. Avg mpg: 32.38. Total miles will easily double/triple in 2009. I came out of a 1999 V6 Toyota Camry. The Altima is nice but the Camry tracked and drove smoother. The power just flowed effortlessly and I could get up to 30 mpg hwy and 18-20 city. The premium I paid for the Altima Hybrid has yet to be of benefit so think through your driving style and driving demands. I also considered the Ford Escape Hybrid for the huge advantage of cargo space and functionality. I decided ultimately on the better gas mileage Altima (by 3 - 5 mpg) was worth more since gas was over $4/gal at the time and there was talk of going to $5/gal. The $2350 tax credit helped the decision too.