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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  Nissan Pathfinder - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Robert McNeal - April 3 - 2:16 am

  Performs very well on and off road. It has a very comfortable ride. It looks great and its powerful 270hp engine moves it down the road with authority. Plus, the seven passenger seating is worth its weight in gold. Id recommend the Nissan Pathfinder to anyone. Its a very reliable vehicle.

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  Nice design - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By rmada - April 2 - 6:53 pm

  I had a 2005 Armada which I liked but wanted leather and dvd player. traded for the 08 model and the ride is much better. The interior is redesigned and more comfortable. Only real problem is the gas mileage, but its only a family hauler and it doesnt get driven as much.

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  Best Truck I ever owned - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Kevin - April 1 - 3:56 am

  This truck is Awesome! I had one minor problem. There was a brake recall bacause of warping of the front brake rotors due to overheating. I took it in and they replace the front rotors and turned the rear and replaced the brake pads with new ones made of a different compound.

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  Truely a pleasure - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By chademerick01 - April 1 - 3:07 am

  Well, the very fact that I am taking the time a. sign up for edmunds & b. to review a vehicle, pretty much sums it up- either a great car or Im very upset. The 350z is amazing.. I also own a Honda civic (great car), but I havent been able to get out of the Z yet. This car makes you feel like a champion every time you drive it. I honestly would sleep in it if I could. Looks good, sounds freakin awesome (class leading exhaust in my opinion- leave it stock!!), and performs & handles like a dream. Highly recommend- coming from a bang for your buck kind of guy.. Also, Nissan is a reliable engine, what more is needed?

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  Saving $$$ on gas! - 2012 Nissan Sentra
  By srmom - March 31 - 10:33 am

  My previous car was an 03 Xterra and had it for ten years. Nissans quality of cars have never been less than excellent for our family. With my commute that went from 24 to 80 miles a day, I wanted something smaller and better on gas. After a trip to Puerto Rico this past summer, we rented a sentra and thats when I fell in love. Ive put only 100 miles on my new SR but absolutely love the ride and comfort!

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  Pleased with the 03 Maxima - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Ralph Iadarola - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Its a great sedan for those who like to drive - and yet have to consider the logistics related to hauling kids, etc. around town. Looking forward to keeping it for awhile - and expect Ill get my moneys worth out of it.

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  The most bang for your buck - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By chemboy - March 30 - 10:00 am

  After test driving several of nissans competitors, including the hyundai tiburon and the Acura RSX, I chose to purchase the Nissan SE-R spec V. This is a fantastic car! The engine and transmission are solid. The engine produces plenty of power throughout the power band. I decided against the Rockford Fosgate system because Im going to install my own but The RF radio package is well worth the money. My favorite part of the car is the suspension. Its absolutely fantastic. Firm yet not bouncy. You have total control of the car. A top of the line spec V shouldnt set you back more than 18,000 which is a value that none of the other cars can touch.

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  dyers review - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Jim Dyer - March 30 - 10:00 am

  My 02 Maxima is the best car Ive owned. The 255 hp engines performance is superb and runs great on regular. The heated seats and steering wheel make early morning winter drives bearable. I plan to keep it until 200,000 miles.

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  Swiss Army Xterra - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Ren da Canadian - March 30 - 10:00 am

  After comparing all the small and midsized SUV out there, this one stood out. First, its a REAL SUV based on a truck (Frontier). Second, it has the bas tow load (5,000lbs) and Third, the most exciting look. My wife and I bought the Xterra to do many duties include hauling my tools/building materials and traveling in any condition. Our Solar Yellow Xterra stands out from all the cute utes and posers. The HID lights light up everything for miles too! If you are looking for a serious mid/small SUV take a look at the Xterra.

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  Murano is awesome - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By koo_guy12 - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Nissan Murano is real fun to drive, very easy to handle, gives better gas milage. It offers many luxury features at much lesser price than the competition. Its CVT engine is cool and powerful. The back seats have more leg room, and five passengers can fit into the car very comfortably. Nissan has made good use of the interior and cargo space. Programmable memory seat and adjustable power pedals are kool and simple to use.