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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  unsafe on steep downgrades. - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Ed Brenneman - February 2 - 2:00 am

  We love and hate our new Quest 3.5S. The problem is the transmission. In low gear, on a 10% downgrade,from a complete stop, the car will accelerate to 50 mph in 0.3 of a mile without ever using the gas pedal. I have since test driven one other Quest 3.5S and a 3.5SL they both performed the same way. If you think it is unsafe please write the NHTSA to get it recalled.

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  Rattle Trap! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By T in T-Town - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Like other reviewers, we were initially attracted to the Quests sleek body style and "non-minivan" appeal; indeed, every day we get comments from admirers. Unfortunately, though, the vehicles integrity does not match its style. Weve had it back to the dealer 3 times for interior/side door shudders, rattles, and other mechanical malfunction, and for starting failure during cold weather. Generally, we receive inconclusive answers from the service department. We would love to keep it but need it to just WORK!!!

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  2004 Maxima 3.5 SE - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By tjoerob - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2004 SE in April, 2003, and overall Im very pleased with it. I enjoy its unique features like the Skyview roof. Ive had no mechanical problems at all with the car. Its not to be confused with a luxury car, but it is very sporty and comfortable sedan to commute and travel in. I recommend the gorgeous maroon color if you like to be noticed.

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  more power - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By burley - February 1 - 10:00 am

  very reliable off road suv. havent had major problems. have had new off road shocks and struts which gives it a better ride that seems to be more like a truck. air bag light is blinking and is annoying! brakes have been replaced.

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  "Very Disappointed" - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By LISA - February 1 - 3:03 am

  I buy my Rouge in July 2008 in my 4 months used the car CheckEngine on. The dealer say me nothing happen only need be careful to gas plugin correctly and the checkengine is off. But that not happen. My second request to check the car dealer found a problem is the gas censor had fabric damage. The dearler repair but in 1 year have the car appear more problems at this time is the temperature very high, airconditioner dont working and shaky all car.

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  Love It So Far - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By North Alabama - February 1 - 1:36 am

  I have only had this vehicle for a week, but thus far I am quite pleased. I had driven 3 different vans over the last 10 years and was quite nervous about transferring to a smaller vehicle, but so far so good. I enjoy the get up and go this vehicle has. I know that if I need to get out of the way of something, I have the power to do so. I have always enjoyed driving pickup trucks and the Pathfinder has the same sort of feel. I live in a small community and there are not many Pathfinders around, but the response it has gotten regarding its look has been astounding. My previous vehicles have all been white and my Pathfinder is Storm Gray, which has proven to be a refreshing change.

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  Burned by the CVT - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By wiulax - February 1 - 12:24 am

  I been very happy with my 2008 Rogue over the 1st 126,000 miles. I liked it so much that I decided to hold on to it beyond the 120,000 warranty on the CVT. That decision is now going to cost me 4,000 for a new CVT since the transmission failed to the point where I had have it towed to the dealership. Of course Nissan has not offered to pay 1 penny of the replacement cost. When it comes to the CVT failure, I think it not a matter of if, but when it will fail. Hopefully the replacement CVT is better than the original

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  fun RIDE, out of snow - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By mike - January 31 - 7:06 pm

  I love it; just donÂ’t try to drive it with even a dusting of snow on the ground. ItÂ’s a great bachelorÂ’s car.

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  Sentra - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Tstones - January 29 - 4:03 pm

  Roomy Interior, nice ride, great daily driver.

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  Needs improvement. - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By cleo - January 29 - 4:36 am

  The 2007 Nissan Sentra falls short in comfort and price when compared to its rivals like the toyota corolla, hyundai elantra, mazda3, and honda civic. Options like side door moldings, fog lights, and lighted console mirror, keyless entry are extras when most of these features are standard on other vehicles. The engine is noisy and the steering offers no flexibility in making wide turns. For a smoother ride and more accessories the smarter choice is the 2.0S or 2.0SL.