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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  2001 GLE Nissan Maxima - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By tecato - April 12 - 5:56 pm

  This is the 3rd nissan maxima that i own and i cannot say anything bad about the MAxima. A lot of power. Reliable, etc. Ill not change for another make or model....

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  No complaints after nearly three years - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By tomsan - April 12 - 2:22 pm

  We have had our 2009 NAH since June 2009. The on-board computer for mileage runs high, as many have noted. I just completed tallying my mileage after recording miles and gallons at each fill-up. After 24,000 miles, I have averaged 34.74 mpg, through all seasons, right in line with EPA estimates. With gas here at $4.20/gallon, Im feeling fine. Overall, it runs like any gas-powered car. The shift from gas to electric is very mild and not an issue. The rest of the car is quite fine: good comfort, good power, good feeling of safety. Yes, the trunk is a bit small but thats the price for a hybrid. And I LOVE the fact that it goes into electric at the VERY long stoplights where I live.

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  Class leading reliability. - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Jay108 - April 11 - 10:00 am

  This truck is absolutely a pleasure to drive. Recently pick-up the SE 4WD W/sunroof and Bose stereo system. Class leading Reliability and excellent fit and finish.

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  Some problems with this truck, normal? - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By sandiego - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought this truck new in 98 and here are some problems Im having: Bushing in stabilizer bar been replaced twice; radio light is dying; A/C is very noisy and horsepower is lost when on; clutch is dying at 56k; horrible gas mileage; well see if this truck makes it to the 100k w/o spending too much in repairs! this truck is fun to drive though, and very nice ergonomics. So-so resale value.

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  Schmieds Review - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By schmied - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I havent had any problems with this car. Its been great and fun. Lots of power...just be careful make a turn after it just started raining. Its engine is very powerful and you could lose control. Comfortable vehicle.

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  2001 Nissan Altima SE - Nicest SE ever - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By CARLOS - April 11 - 10:00 am

  The reason I bought an altima is because they made an SE. I think that if this model wouldnt have came out right now I would probably be driving something else. So far I have put 7600 miles on the car and it runs great. I recommend this car to anyone who would like to own a luxury sport sedan.

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  Unbelievable! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By shaqintyre - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I fell in love with the appearance of this vehicle months before it was available. As soon as I test drove one, I knew I had to purchase it. Every one of my friends has an Accord, Camry, etc. But I wanted something different and much more exciting. VALUE, ROOM, SPEED, GAS MILEAGE, & GOOD LOOKS, this car definitely has it all!

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  Great Crossover - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By B. Drubin - April 11 - 2:23 am

  What caught my eye was its exterior appearance. I was sold when I got into it and test drove it. Ive had it for almost 1 year and I love it. We also own a 2002 Cadillac Deville DHS which we love. The Murano although much higher is almost an equal to our Caddy on the highway. Road handling is great, the acceleration is wonderful, its comfortable, it has very good cargo space. Its easy to get in & out, has great features.

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  2005 Pathfinder LE "Awesome SUV" - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By kuryakin46 - April 10 - 8:53 pm

  Have the 2001 pathfinder LE 4x4,love it and still have it. I have the 2005 pathfinder LE since dec. 15, 2004 and it is awesome driving it. Powerful top 10 rated 270hp VQ engine is very smooth and a lot of power to give when passing. The growling engine sound make me even enjoy driving this suv. Leather seats are very much will designed and comfortable. Lot of cargo room when third row seats were fold flat into the floor. Third row seats is good enough for average size people for a short haul. Storage is more, specially for cd and dvd. Console and instrument panel layout was given very much attention in detail to my opinon. Sound system is superior with 9 speakers. Overall it is awesome.

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  Outstanding So Far - 2011 Nissan Leaf
  By jsgenc - April 9 - 9:56 pm

  Just picked up my Leaf a few days ago and Ive put several 100 miles on it already. Im hooked. Its a remarkable car in many ways. Quiet, smooth, surprisingly powerful and nimble, and cool as all heck. It is not a toy or part-time car by any stretch of the imagination. So long as you understand its limitations, you will use it all the time. I rarely drive more than 80 to 100 miles in a day so it is perfect for me and my familys needs. Its excellent for commuting to work. It is great for running errands and schleping kids around. If you are someone who regularly drives more than 80 to 100 miles per day, do not get a Leaf. If not, check it out now.