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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  One of the best - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By capitolcars - September 20 - 4:16 pm

  Bought this car with 75K miles for commuting, and also for occasional off-road use. With regular maintenance, this car held up through mud, rain, snow, ice, and more off-roading than I expected. Very few problems with this car, the transmission started slipping around 160,000 miles, but it just kind of corrected itself? Also, since I bought it, the back passenger-side window wont roll down on its own, you have to operate it from the drivers seat. Today, this car just passed 200,000 and still no real, major problems.

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  It was just a rental - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By Eric - September 20 - 12:10 pm

  While on business in Fort Lauderdale, the rental company gave me a 2010 Xterra because they were out of Town Cars. I LOVE driving it. I have a Mercury Mountaineer back home and am considering trading it for an Xterra. Its high up (which helps in Miami traffic) and sporty and very comfortable. I would recommend it to any executive traveling. Definitely not your typical "soccer mom car".

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  the BEST car out there! - 2010 Nissan Cube
  By colbs - September 20 - 10:33 am

  I just got my new cube today! ABSOLUTELY in love. Its so fun, easy, comfortable, cutesy... all the good things you want in a car can be found in the CUBE. I admit at first, it looked a bit odd, but when I "discovered" all the different features that it comes with, my jaw dropped. It has a lot of features in such a small car. Im 6 feet tall and I can fit in the front and back seat, comfortably. I love all the storage in the back and in the glove compartment. Plus, all the extra lighting is awesome. You dont expect much from it, but it surprises me as each minute passes.

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  First one - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By LaEmperor - September 20 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Nissan truck (had a 300zx and a 510 before).I took a chance a bought a repo and I love it.The truck is perfect for what I need it to do which is light to medium hauling and tooling around. I am very satisfied with this truck

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  Perfect daily/first car - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By nametakennow - September 20 - 10:00 am

  This is my first car. I love it to death. Quick and understated, but it always turns a few heads. "Hey, what do you drive?" etc. A lot of fun and perfect for a daily driver, particularly for a young driver like myself. Quick, but not quick enough to get you into too much trouble. The suspension is incredible, handling is amazing, way more suspension than power, which is good for a young driver. Some boost -I have my plans there ;)- and this car would be perfect. Besides the God-awful tires, that is... Ditch the Firestones. Stock LSD is wonderful to have whenever youve got to get on it to get out into traffic. 00-01 SE> 02+ SE-R/Spec V

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  GREAT SUV!!!! - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By NELLY - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I TRADED MY FORD EXPEDITION IN FOR MY NISSAN. THIS SUV IS A GREAT ALL AROUND VEHICLE. ITS BETTER ON FUEL,COMFORT, AND OVERALL HANDLING. I HAVE NO BAD THINGS TO SAY ABOUT MY PATHFINDER. I ALSO THINK OVERALL YOU GET A GEAT PERFORMANCE SUV FOR A GREAT PRICE.

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  I love it!!!!! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Susan H - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Its a large truck but has a large turning radious.which makes turns a peice of cake. It has quick pick up and a smoothe ride. Im surprised theres not more on the road. Theyre really not that expensive considering how spacious they are. They have more leg room then compartible trucks in there class. I just sold the Land Rover Discovery, Which it blows away.

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  I love this minivan! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By amystoops - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I just got my minivan last month! It was a hard decision as I was torn between this one and the Honda. In the end I have been happy with my Nissan I previously owned so I went with the Quest. I would recommend this van to others!

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  Murano Rocks - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By purrrin - September 20 - 10:00 am

  The Murano is an awesome vehicle. I compared it to the Lexus RX330 and feel this is the best choice. It is a very comfortable vehicle to drive and gives the driver a feeling of driving a very solid automobile. It is responsive in handling and a pure pleasure to drive. I am very satsified.

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  More Bang for your Buck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By bill from nj - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I used to have a 2000 Toyota Tacoma 4X, and it was a great and dependable vehicle. I examined the Dodge Ram 1500 and the Titan, and though the Dodge offerd many incentives to buy, I still felt the Titan offered more Bang for the buck. I also feel with the great reputation of Nissan, this truck will give years of good dependable service. I only have this truck for just over a month, but it performs as advertized, and the interior is like a Infinite with a bed attached. I would highly recommend this truck. Look-Out Ford Dodge & Chevy P.S..Everyone looks at this truck when I go buy, its still very rare around here...!