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:

• 

  Poor Quality - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Frank - June 22 - 9:56 am

  The 2005 Nissan is a well performing and versatile vehicle. However, Nissan quality is among the worst I have experienced. Since purchase I have had numerous repairs including replacing power window buttons and door switches, broken trim anchors, malfunctioning A/C, and defective CD player. Now the tailgate is rusting where the release latch is located. Apparently early 2005 models had the chrome tailgate release handle cover mounted directly on the paint. After one year, movement has damaged the finish and caused rust to develop. The solution- Nissan must repair and repaint the tailgate. Nissan is keeping this problem silent and only fixing those when a customer complains. Unreal!

• 

  way cool - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By super titan - June 21 - 5:53 pm

  this truck is totally way cool, and very strong.this truck will beat the socks off the new ford , chevy , dodge, and toyota.trucks yes the 2010 domestics, my truck has a d.f. 10 single chamber racing muffler and it can be heard a block away, and it increased h.p by 23 and tq, by 11 ft.lbs the paint is very clean, the workmanship of this truck is 2nd to none period.

• 

  Its A Nissan...How could you not ?! - 2008 Nissan Quest
  By Colette - June 21 - 2:56 pm

  This is our 3rd Nissan Quest, previously had a 1994, 2004 and now the 2008. I love this van I am 59, my husband is 63, my sons are 66 and 68, and I have two young daughters as well. Would you believe there is room left over. We are going camping next month and we will definitely have a better time with all the space. The look and feel of the car is beautiful, the sound system is awesome!

• 

  still going to buy a pathfinder - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Happy in NY - June 21 - 12:40 am

  Just bought the pathfinder. Had less than 1000 miles when my parents were driving it and they were involved in an accident. Someone ran a red light and hit them in the intersection. The truck started to spin out and flipped onto the passenger side. Thank god for the side airbags! Considering my mother had to be cut out of the car, she only sustained a bruised and sprained wrist. No other injuries, not even any scratches for my mother or father. We are currently submitting our claim with the insurance companies. But as soon as everything is settled my husband and I will be purchasing another Pathfinder. Definitely suggest you get the airbag package that is offered!

• 

  No more Nissans - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By No more Nissans - June 20 - 9:10 pm

  WOW! I thought I was buying a great vehicle from what all the reviews said in 2001. I cant believe Nissan hasnt been required to do a recall on this machine. Chronic Mass Airflow Sensor problems, and O2 sensors that crack!?! I had to go back to the mechanic 3 days in a row with different problems each time to pass DEQ tests. If I would have know it would have been so unreliable I would have bought that 84 Ferrari 308 instead. Then I would have expected the problems and had more fun driving it.

• 

  A Great Car! - 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Alan - June 20 - 3:30 pm

  I purchased the 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid as a replacement for a 2004 Toyota Prius. While the Nissan doesnt get the fuel economy of the Prius (then again what does?), it outshines the Prius in every other area. I purchased it fully loaded, but then again, I didnt have much of a choice as one must purchase options in big packages in order to get the ones that you really want. Not the best way to package options to be sure... Overall, it drives very well, and inspires confidence around corners and accelerates well to get on a highway. I would certainly recommend this car to a friend as it combines good fuel economy (Ive averaged 35 so far), with get-up-and-go!

• 

  So Far So Good - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By PHauth - June 20 - 1:36 pm

  I bought a 2008 Nissan Sentra after owning a pickup for years. I live in Northern Montana and thus far I have been happy with the handling on snow and ice. Unfortunately, Nissan does not offer a block heater for the 2008 model. Instead they offer an oil pan heater, which does OK. I recently started the car in -30 weather and had no problems. The interior is comfortable and roomy for a sedan. I stand 64 and have no problems with head or leg room. My biggest problem thus far has been with the fuel efficiency. To date I have only averaged around 23MPG when I was promised upwards of 30MPG. Overall, a good vehicle for the money.

• 

  There are those who travel on top! - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Cleopatra - June 20 - 9:23 am

  I went from a over priced Lincoln Navigator, to this luxurious suv. The Murano has lots of horse power and a nice sleek interior and exterior design...What more can you ask for!

• 

  Great Commuter - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By MFD - June 19 - 5:43 am

  Bottom line is this is a great commuter car. It is comfortable, gets great gas mileage (28-32), has plenty of power compared to its competition, pleasure to drive (i didnt mean fun, you might fall asleep). I think it out performs the competition all away around. I drove them all. Some small issues I have are: the engine noise in the cabin(its a screamer if you like to drive on the harder side). The CVT can be annoying. It truly does sound like a motor boat. Youll have to use autostick to calm her down. Also the brakes are extremely grabby, be prepared, youll get used to it though. Handles great in the rain with contiprotrac tires. Overall great car for the money!

• 

  2007 SE 4x4 CC LB - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By cfm628 - June 18 - 10:53 pm

  I checked out the Tacoma and the Ridgeline prior to purchasing the Frontier. I didnt like the Tacoma ride and the cost. The Ridgeline was very nice, but not "trucky" enough for me. The ride and feel are so much better than the 2005 Ranger I traded. I have owned two other Nissans and this is the best yet.