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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  great buy - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By iron017 - June 3 - 5:43 pm

  Had the car for almost 3 years now. No problems (knock on wood). hauls great and good room for loading things which I wouldnt expect would fit in it!

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  Yup. Its That Good. - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Steve T. - June 3 - 12:13 pm

  Weve had our hybrid for about a month now. It is a very well-designed, comfortable car. We get exactly the EPA estimates on the freeway (36 MPG) but around town were only in the low 30s. The dealer tells us this will get better as the engine breaks in (we HAVE noticed a slight increase). We have the full package with nav, XM, and all the right stuff. The owners manuals stack up to over an inch thick (not exaggerating). Lots of things to play with! Everything is designed with typical Japanese attention to detail. Im 61" and fit in both front and back seats with no problems at all. The new body is very rigid and quiet, and attracts a lot of looks from other drivers.

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  Just a great truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Pioxen - June 3 - 8:03 am

  Bought my 2006 Nissan Frontier in November 2008. Havent had a single problem with it. I drove over black ice and hit the center barrier damaging the front end and rear driver side. Minimal repair cost and no frame damage...what a tough truck. Ill drive it till the wheels fall off!!!

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  Coolest mom in town! - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Dsimcox - June 3 - 7:56 am

  I love the quest, have had it since last June and have put 18000 miles on it so far. Only problems have been in twice with the rattling sliding door. We are leaving for a 1100 mile trip to Florida and my 3 kids cant wait. It is a really comfortable traveling car, cant say enough!

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  Love it! - S 360 Value Package - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Amanda - June 2 - 3:36 am

  Just purchased a 10 Rogue. Love it! I have not driven it that far yet to test the gas mileage, but otherwise the seats are very comfortable. Watch if you are a tall driver, as the large rear view mirror (mine has a backup camera in it) can create a blind spot for those taller drivers. Im short, so I dont see the blind spot issue. The interior could use more pockets and spaces for CDs, and other junk.

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  A jewel - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Phil - June 1 - 5:10 pm

  Im very impressed with this one. It has proved loyal and dependable. I get offered to sell monthly. Im happy and will continue to hold on to it.

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  Chosen over 06 TL - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By lchat - June 1 - 4:00 pm

  I purchased my 2007 3.5 V6 CVT SL with 40K & I love it. This car was loaded w/lther, Bose, turn signals on the ext mirrors, b/u camera, Nav, XM Sat, 6 disc chngr, sunroof, bluetooth phone etc. I chose this over an 06 Acura TL. Yes, its true. I went shopping to replace my much loved 03 TL Type-S. I just could not rationalize spending 2K more & get less. This car has 270hp & rides smooooth. Its black on black. The Bose is fantastic. If you can buy an Altima that is loaded, you wont find a better value, how do they sell Maximas next to this...? By the way I would not have bought the 4 cyl version, only 170 hp.

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  excellent - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By wildoak - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I looked at the Murano/s last year, and am soo glad I waited until this year, the second I saw it in the dealership, I was hooked. And i researched it, and all the others online for quite awile. And then I went out and drove it, and that was it, it took a little more time, But I wanted to wait to get what I wanted, and I am handicapped, and it is very friendly and comfortable for me. And it tows a camper with no trouble.

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  Assessment - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Paul Holloway - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Superb handling and riding quality, solid as a Mossler Safe! Suggestion: #1 The size of the fuel, temperature gage, and odometer needs to be increased. Could be placed to the right of the display window. I strongly believe that the display screen shoud be gray with black letter presentation, difficult to read during daylight. #2 The Manual instructions for tuning the radio is poorly written, particularly the A,B,& C, portion, confusing! HELP!! Otherwise, a fantabulous

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  Love It!!! - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By theroaches - May 31 - 9:50 pm

  I bought my Pathfinder used 5 years ago- it was love at first test drive. I do admit I baby my cars, but its handled 6 hour road trips like a breeze. Ive also towed my husbands Honda Accord short distances when it broke down. This thing is a tank. Ive only ever had minor O2 sensor problems as far as engine problems go, but we bought the platinum warranty & everythings been covered. Unfortunately Im trading it in- expecting baby #3 and 3 carseats just wont fit!