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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  Nearly Flawless - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Mike234 - November 14 - 9:30 am

  After 2 years and 23K miles, the performance has been nearly flawless. I have towed near the 5000 lb limit with no issues (flat terrain). Drivetrain is excellent, handles like a Maxima. Though it drives like a car, this vehicle is still very much a truck - and you can treat it like a truck and its perfectly content. My nits: 1. Bose stereo could use a little more volume. 2. "Pathfinder" logo separated from floor mat. 3. Minor rattle behind dash. So pleased with this vehicle that I bought an 06 Pathfinder to replace minivan.

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  One of the worse experiences of my life - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By thebent - November 14 - 7:53 am

  I have had the center dash in my 2005 Nissan 350Z replaced nine times. The radio has been replaced three times and Im waiting to replace it a fourth time. The windshield wipers have never worked correctly and the brakes have made funny noises since Ive had the car. The worst part of all of this is the customer service from Nissan. They have been very rude and very hard to work with. When the car worked properly it was fun to drive. But that was just for a short time. I will never in my life buy an Nissan product.

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  Nice car but engine problems - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By km - November 14 - 1:40 am

  Ive owned this car since 2002. Only owner and I took it back the dealership each time for a decent oil change service. For some reason unknown to us, our engine had to be replaced after about 50k miles. At first the dealership wanted to make us pay for it, but arguing with Corporate Nissan helped us get it for free (after warranty ran out.) Some other minor repairs but overall not a bad car except for the engine issue.

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  Out with the old in with new - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By bo - November 14 - 12:23 am

  Recently turned in our 2005 Murano. My wife actually cried in the salesmans room when we turned in her 2005 leased murano. That car was the best ever. Never a bad moment with the exception for a coil going bad, and the dealership kept for 5 weeks trying to find the culprit. They gave us a loaner which says loads for them. Purchased a new Murano S series and am impressed to the utmost. Had leather seats installed and it looks and rides fantastic. Great acceleration and ride. Not many of the bells and whistles on this one but still a fantastic vehicle. Anyone who is considering one should look at the Murano. Compared it to the others and still came back to the best.

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  Sooooooooooooo fun to drive; great gass mileage - 2016 Nissan Juke
  By Deirdre Coutu - November 13 - 9:18 pm

  I LOVE my juke. My favorite attribute is the ruby red accents that adorne the interior including the seats and insides of the doors

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  Altima GXE 01 - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By emg - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Decent car for under $20k, got the LTD edition. Lots of torque for this class, much better hanlding once you get rid of the stock tires. Steering is tighter than average (good thing), auto tranny shifts smoothly, though wish it was a 5-speed auto. The sound system is great - even at louder volumes the bass doesnt overpower the high tones. Only warranty issues: replaced rear stabilizer bar bushings and driver side power window motor. Still pretty happy and going strong at 55k miles!

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  finally got a suv we liked - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Pal - November 13 - 2:00 am

  after reviewing suvs the pathfinder had the stuff we were looking for.

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  Silver Bullet! - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By LiquidSilver - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I have had my eye on the Altima and took the opportunity to buy one of my own when my 99 Ford with less than 80K miles needed a new engine! I love this car, it is beautiful and fun to drive. Very smooth shifting and ride. Very low road noise. I wanted an 05 but got a much better interest rate on the 04, and I dont regret my decision. No more American junk for me!

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  Fun, reliable, and cheap!! - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By nismon00b - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I love my Spec-V! Though I have left it unmodified so far, it is still great to drive. The huge engine has plenty of low-end grunt, making passing a breeze even without a downshift. The suspension and Brembo brake system are top notch, especially considering the price. I paid 16,980 USD! All in all, for the money there is no car that can compete.

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  More Fun than an Adult Should be Allowed - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By pab0830 - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I ordered this car to specs last August and received it in January. I have had more fun with this car then any I have owned to date. The clutch is pretty tight and it can turn on a dime. Very responsive and on the open road you feel every bit of the 287 hp. While the word "minimalist" comes to mind for the interior, some of the features make up for it. The DVD navigation system is terrific. There are many different compartments to help make up for the lack of space. The stereo is perfect. There is not enough good I can say about this car. It is more fun than an adult should be allowed to have!