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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  Excellent First Car - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By belka - April 23 - 2:40 am

  This is a great little fun car for the price. I would definitely recommend it for first time buyers who want something relatively quick.

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  Excellent Truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Gerryfd - April 22 - 11:50 pm

  I drove Chevy trucks for seven years before buying this truck and now have 43,000 miles on it. The brake recall wasnt needed until I reached 35700 and Nissan had done one seatbelt recall. Overall, I am very satisified with this truck. Im going to start pulling a 28 foot Hornet Hideout travel trailer I bought for vacations now but pretty sure this truck will handle it. I had Nissan installed a 2" lift, dual exhaust and K&N Intake in early 2006 and had this truck configured fully loaded when purchased. So far this truck hasnt caused me any problems, rides very smooth and am glad I bought it. I bought the iPod kit and installed it myself because the auxiliary feature wasnt loud enough

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  Going EV - Sooner the better!! - 2013 Nissan Leaf
  By blue_dog - April 22 - 3:35 pm

  I sat on it for 6 months before i pulled the trigger. My daily commute is 40 to 60 miles (one way) and I spend $600.00 a month on gas. model:SL with 360 all around view with Bose sound system I stopped by my health club (before or after work) to charge my car while I work out. Travel takes more planning than driving ICE vehicles but eventually becomes systemic. at times when I get low on battery capacity, i just move over to slower lane. i watch power meter like a hawk and rarely go over the 4th circle.

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  Best for the price - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By mike - April 22 - 9:30 am

  I looked at all the 2007 vans and drove most. Absolutely the best for the money and better than most regardless of price.

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  Not pleased with my purchase - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By me - April 22 - 8:26 am

  I traded in a 95 Cadillac and a 99 Tahoe. IÂ’m really disappointed with this vehicle, not even a week after I bought it, I had the a.c. compressor go out and there was an exhaust leak. Now when I accelerate it still sounds like thereÂ’s an exhaust leak and lacks the get up when I step on the gas. The other thing with it theres something loose that rattles when Im driving. The driver seat is really uncomfortable, the room in this vehicle is very limited to what Im used to when I had my Tahoe, even my Brougham had more room than this Pathfinder. Im regretting this purchase would not purchase another one, I shouldve gone with the Toyota 4Runner at least its reputation is a heck of a lot better.

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  Great little every day car. - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Rick M. - April 22 - 12:50 am

  This is my first Altima and it is a good little car. Its reliable and looks good. If you need a quality car that handles fairly well for a stock vehicle and would like a reasonable price, this is your car. If you are looking for massive power, dont look to this car. Go up to the Maxima which is also a great car.

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  KWs - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By Kathy Williams - April 21 - 11:56 pm

  I really have enjoyed the car these past 5 years, but it can be a little noisy on the highway. If it could be soundproofed some more it would be great

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  Good Crossover - 2014 Nissan Pathfinder
  By taskman - April 21 - 9:15 pm

  We bought this pathfinder AWD back in May 2014 we have put over 6,500mi on it and have had no problems. After owning an Expedition for several years initially I was hesitant to move to this crossover especially because the bad press for CVTs. The overall experience has been positive still able to tow my 18 boat at the same time save gas for daily use. Although the switch from traditional automatic to CTV is not 100% transparent (you need to adapt between keep pressing down the gas vs. hold or overdrive vs. automatically braking with engine for downhills) at the end of the day it deliver a good experience.

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  Dont buy this car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By kelly - April 21 - 10:30 am

  I have had nothing but trouble with this car. I will never buy a Nissan again. The turn radius is similar to a huge truck. I kept getting flat tires because the chrome kept peeling from the wheels and the tires would not bond to the wheel and hold in the air. The transmissions are faulty. I have seen many reviews from others with the same transmission problem. I am sure Nissan knows about the bad transmissions. They told me when it was in warranty that it was broken motor mounts. I would not expect to have 2 broken motor mounts unless I hit something. A few hundred miles later and out of warranty transmission goes south. The interior buttons are cheap plastic and they crack and break lose.

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  Great Car - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By Brendan - April 21 - 4:43 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. I have had it 10 years and other than gas, wiper blades, tires etc. I have only replaced the front brake pads once. So non routine maintenance for this car in 10 years has been under $200. I have other vehicles now and dont drive it as much as before but it is just too good of a vehicle to get rid of. I will definitely buy another Altima when I am in the market for a car.