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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  best for price - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By bill sivi - March 28 - 2:00 am

  went from 96 4runner to this vehicle. i got more power and features for $4000 less. does everything i want for a suv. do not go off road, but pull 2500# mcycle to fla every year, and pull utility trailer. cannot beleive difference from 4runner. maybe new 4runner is better, but i am not waiting for price gouging arrogant toyota. as for wind noise from roof rack, had dealer remove it. never used one anyway.

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  2003 Nissan Pathfinder 4wd se - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By pgaman - March 28 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle provides a very comfortable ride. Very good power in the engine.

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  Murano Rules! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By cindy3792 - March 28 - 2:00 am

  What a wonderful vehicle! I feel safe, yet stylish. The transmission is awesome - smooth as silk! Mileage is better than an SUV by far! Its easy to get in an out of - rather than hiking myself in and out of my old Explorer! The Bose system is worth the $$!

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  Nissan Has A Winner - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Mister B - March 28 - 2:00 am

  A fast, powerful and fun car to drive. Steering at times gets dicey. Large turning radius makes for awkward turning maneuvers. Owned several ZXs and this car is just as strong...lots of interior room and cargo space

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  Mine - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By deadhead - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car which is fun to drive and filled with conviences

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  I love my 2005 Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Michele - March 27 - 1:56 pm

  I love driving my car, i feel very secure, and i love how roomy it is. i love the v6 power, never am i going back to 4cyl.. the altima has everything your looking for in a car plus more.

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  love my Z - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By jim - March 27 - 10:03 am

  I own a 2003 350Z. It is a blast to drive. I dont think that it can be beat for the price. Even after owning the car for a while, it still thrills me. The reliability has been good. I had the tire feathering, but nissan replaced my tires and adjusted the camber. I plan to drive the car at least another few years.

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  Great Car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By MBrownin - March 26 - 12:50 pm

  Had my Silver 3.5SE for a week now. I am in love! It is fast, yet smooth and seats four very comfortably even with the front seats all the way back. Many people have complained about the cheap, plastic interior. I on the other hand think it looks fine. If you look at other vehicles in the price range there isnt much out there that is any better. The V6 even gets pretty good gas milage for the power you get out of it!

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  Great Mini Van - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Vinnie - March 26 - 9:13 am

  All though it is a great mini van there has been some problems. Ive have had the rotors turned and new pads that did not fix the pulsation so they replaced with new rotors and pads again. now there was a clicking noise in the front end so the dealer replaced one cv joint. The driver side window regulator needed to be replaced because it was making a clicking noise now the passenger side window goes all the way up then comes down again the dealer said it needs a new motor that is on back order. All of these problems with only 18,000 miles

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  mco - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By mco - March 26 - 12:03 am

  excellent truck. needs more detailing inside. confort and computer panel on le should be more uptodate.