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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  Xterra - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By cogmeyer - November 23 - 10:00 am

  Our Xterra new in 03 had major mech issues right away. Dealer would not admit the engine knock until 20K when it got really severe. Horrible experience dealing with dealer and Nissan USA to get new engine approved, they held the vehicle for weeks before starting work even though parts were at the local distro hub. This turned me off from Nissan forever. Also had bearing in rear diff fail at 8k miles, replaced under warranty no prob, but weird to have this many issues. Since, the Xterra has been quite reliable to current 90k miles. Several leaks (oil pan, valve cover) which are due to the eng replacement at 20ku, but nothing severe. Looks and runs great now

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  My Six Machine - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By B Dan - November 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought my pathfinder used, and instantly loved it! It drove me all over the west coast mountain ranges to every family members house. It was comfortable to be in for long drives. It also did awesome on daily drives up and down a super windy curvy 20 mile highway to and from work. Never felt like a corner was too much for it. (Never felt top heavy). Could pack it full of stuff for camping and shopping at Costco. I never had any mechanical issues. It ran great! Just routine services. Great family car or singles car. Ended having to sell it because of tight finances, and am still kicking myself for it. Awesome car for me!

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  My 2010 Maxima - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By C and K Jones - November 23 - 10:00 am

  The new body style is what drew us to our 2010 Maxima. We love the winter frost color and the car come with so many standard features it was to good to pass on.

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  Roomy small car - 2011 Nissan Versa
  By Al - November 23 - 10:00 am

  I needed a economical car after totaling my G-6. The Versa exceeded my expectations. Its roominess and comfort is more like cars that cost a lot more. I play in a band and needed a car to carry my instruments and equipment the hatchback gives me plenty of room. The driverÂ’s position is higher so you have a great view of the road and traffic. Performance is good with the 6 speed manual and it is fun to drive. I have been averaging over 30 mpg in combination driving. One of the things that impressed me was the fit and finish of the interior, everything looks well made.

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  Love my 2011 Sentra SR - 2011 Nissan Sentra
  By Name Taken - November 23 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 2009 Versa for the 2011 Sentra SR and I am so happy I did. The car is so much fun to drive. Lots more power than the Versa and handles way better too.

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  Rogue 11 - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By julie - November 23 - 10:00 am

  Ive had it for 3 weeks now, 934 miles on it, fun to drive, has lot of cool features in it. the backup camera and bluetooth and the nav is great, the sticker was $29,735. I got it for $26,380. shop around, use the amex auti site, was the best!

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  Xterra! - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By lancedotjpeg - November 23 - 9:13 am

  This is my primary car. I have owned the car only for a couple months. I really enjoy how the SUV is a manual, which makes it really fun to drive! The gas mileage is not too horrible, but could be improved. The car seems a bit basic, but I LOVE the 4x4. This car has been the best car I have ever had.

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  Dont buy brand new - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By ths916m3 - November 23 - 7:23 am

  This truck is overall a great compromise of practicality and fun. The S/C is good, and pulls very well when needed, could easily burn the rear tires if you wanted. Gets attention around town with its aggressive appearance and good looks, even though its mainly cosmetic. Long bed is just what it is, but on a crew cab its that much better. Space is tight for 4 6+ footers, but if you want space buy a Titan. Performance, fuel economy, and comfort can be remedied with some aftermarket items. In conclusion, if you want a great truck to go off roading with the wife and 3 kids with your motorcycle in the bed, this is the truck for you.

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  I am torn on this review...am I one of the lucky ones? - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By andybisnut - November 22 - 9:15 pm

  I love this truck but I am torn on the review. I had the issue where the transmission cooling lines failed, causing coolant to get into the transmission. The car would "rumble" when the torque converter engaged. Installed new radiator and flushed the heck out of the transmission. 30,000 miles later, fingers crossed, the tranny is still OK. I havent had to replace it. Otherwise, the Patfhfinder has been virtually bullet-proof. Its been our go-to road trip car and its survived many brutal MN winters. Great truck. If the tranny issue didnt exist it would get a perfect score. Seriously powerful engine with lots of sound and fury. :) MPG isnt great...maybe 17-18 MPG on average.

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  Excellent car, excellent value - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Gina - November 22 - 9:13 am

  I purchased this car because of the good reviews and the great value. I liked the interior of this car much better than any other small car. Everything is right where I need it and I never get uncomfortable in my hour long commute everyday. The build quality and reliability is excellent so far - no problems. I would recommend this car to anyone shopping for a small sedan.