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 cowgirl truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By lab4747 - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Needed a V8 to tow a horse trailer, and the GMC/Chevy option was not nearly as well equipped, nor as good looking and functional. I shopped around and got exactly the options I wanted, with an excellent Nissan finance deal (2% for 60 months), traded in my V6 and drove the Titan home yesterday. Mileage is estimated to be exactly what my Tacoma was getting, but with this, I dont need to pedal when towing uphill!

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  My Driving Machine - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Mollie - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I was ready for more power.I was intrigued with the new Z car that I saw in an article about 3 years back when they were teasing everyone with articles announcing this new sexy beauty back by popular demand.I remember the article had the orangish color with the matching interior.Then it came.More incredible than any picture.The lines of this car are so voluptuous.The drive is great.When it is driven the way it was meant to be driven-wow.The power is fantastic.I feel safer with the curtain airbags.I got a fat ticket a few weeks ago and it was worth every penny.I thought about the S4s as well and I couldnt be happier with my selection.

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  Needs improvements!!! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Tough Critic Nicky - September 20 - 10:00 am

  The 2005 Altima looks smooth and luxurious. The things I dont like, its only because after driving this vehicle for a few months now. They are the display to the radio, when there is sun, you cant even see the radio station and numbers. Needs running daytime lights. The side mirrors needs to fold back, but dont. The temp controls are a bit outdated- I like the digital readout of the Toyota products, like the Camry, Lexus line. The radio reception is very static and poor. the passenger seat needs to be powered. I also dislike the horn sound of the keyless entry system as one review referred to. Thats my pet peeves on the Altima.

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  not what i have experienced in the past - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By d hadfield - September 20 - 8:00 am

  having been a previous maxima owner, I expected the same great performance as in the past. I sold my 2001 GLE and purchased the 2005 SE and have been disappointed in the gas mileage, the ride and the reliability. Give me back my older 2001.

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  80000 miles and very few problems - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Saurus - September 20 - 3:20 am

  Approaching 80k miles now and in the 6 years i have owned this vehicle it has required: 1. Oxygen sensor replaced at 50k - about $100 2. Exhaust worn out and replaced at 75k -probably due to amount of snow driving and salty roads up here in Canada 3. Tires replaced at 50k and 80k. I am very happy with this truck, it never breaks down on me.

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  I LOVE MY JUKE! - 2012 Nissan Juke
  By 86bandit - September 20 - 2:47 am

  I purchased my JUKE SV AWD at the beginning of the month in Electric Blue. I LOVE it! I traded an 06 Buick Rendezvous w/ all the trimmings and only 22-23mpg. Heard a lot of flack about JUKEs lack of mpg, however, I commute 50 miles one way daily, 1/3=2 lane hwy 1/3=interstate 1/3=city, and Im getting 27-29mpg. I have NO idea why I have never driven a Nissan before now, but it will be difficult for me to drive anything BUT in the future. Its been called a baby hippo, and alligator, etc. I choose to think of it as my frog on steroids! AND I dont see many of them on the road, so that makes it more unique. :) Love, love, LOVE IT!!!

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  I Love my Car! - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Chrstine - September 19 - 4:56 pm

  I bought 2000 PF in 2001 with 9k miles and havent looked back! This car has taken me through alot over the years. In 2004 I was in a accident and the car flipped on its side . .major front end/side damage, but I walked away without a scratch! My insurance copy paid for all repairs and I am still driving the car today with no problems. Just reg maint. and old changes every 3000k. Car is currently at 77k. I plan to drive for another 10 years or more.

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  LOVE IT - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By DEE - September 19 - 4:23 pm

  I HAVE ONLY HAD MINE FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS, BUT I LOVE IT, I HAD TWO XTERRAS, BUT I LOVE THIS MUCH MORE.

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  Suspension Defect!! - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By 2016Rogue - September 19 - 2:36 pm

  At 900 miles my 2016 Rogue started making a popping noise in the front wheels area when I turn the steering wheel. Nissan states it is a manufacturing defect in the struts and they a working on a solution. I was told they know it is annoying but it is not a safety issue. That tells me they are not overly concerned with finding a solution. The paint scars and scratches easily. I wish I had not bought a Nissan. Im sure if I tried to sale this Rogue, no one would even drive it out of my driveway the way it is popping.

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  Great Truck - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Grace - September 19 - 3:43 am

  This is a really great truck. The 6 cyl gets great gas mileage-20mpg with a mix of city and highway. It has lots of storage compartments under the rear seat and you have to love the sprayed bed. The turning radius takes some getting used to. It has all the basic features one would need on a truck, plus more. We were fortunate to get model without the tacky roof rack although I wouldnt mind the running boards (Im 52).