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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  Love my Xterra - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By -D - December 30 - 5:26 am

  Bought it used 2 years ago w 65k, I am the 3rd owner. Now has 98k, runs very strong. A few maintenance issues that was no big deal= air conditioner recharge due to leaky hose (common on these), a full brake job, new radiator (not expected) and I fouled a plug due to running cheap gas (must use premium at ALL times with the supercharger) so that was my fault. All of these issues in my book are normal wear except the radiator. Bottom line; drives anywhere and runs over anything with no problem. First car I have owned that I can say that I drive it any way I want and it just runs no problem. With the 4x4s get a good set of all terrains and will go through anything. Mud, snow, no problem.

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  reliable transportation - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By 4xe4wd - December 30 - 2:00 am

  ive owned this car for 7yrs and besides change the oil and 1 tune-up i have not incurred any cost ohh yes 1 new battery this past summer if youre looking for a reliable 4wheel drive look at this

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  Nice Compact Car - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By franksentra - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Solid and relible, small outside but big inside, good driving experience. Very practical even not attractive from outside

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  Best bang for the buck - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By johnchoi - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I have over 45K miles on my car and aside from gas and oil changes, no maintenance at all. The car has been bulletproof. I have upgraded with a Cold air intake, Stromung cat back, Hotshot header, and 17" rims and tires. The car flies and is such a blast to drive. I only get around 20- 22mpg but that could be due to my heavy right foot :) For the $16000 that I paid for the car, there is no better car out there. The car is definitely a sporty car and has a firm ride. Those who want a cushy ride should look at the Corolla. Those who want spirited performance are looking in the right place.

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  Personal - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By GMiller - December 30 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has met all of my expectations as to design, functionality, dependability, and value.

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  Love It!! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By LL - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I am on my second Xterra (owned a 2000 first). Upgraded to the 2003 S/C. Had one factory suspension problem with the 2003 model and was given a new vehicle (very pleased with the way the situation was handled). Little disappointed with the sunroof, not usable with cargo net installed. I have become a devoted Xterra owner.

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  Super Fun to Drive! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By fyrwomyn - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I have only had my Murano for 10 days, but I absolutely love it! All I can say is that this is ONE GREAT RIDE! I researched SUVs for several months prior to making my purchase and one of the biggest attractions for me was the CVT...it has to be the smoothest transmission Ive ever driven. Nissan has a winner in the Murano!

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  So far so Good - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By figgi01 - December 30 - 2:00 am

  So far I think I made a good purchase. The power is good for a I4, the interior room is great, the standard sound system actually uses Clarion speakers but wish the reciever wasnt so oddly shapped so it could be replaced with an aftermaket. Squeaks and rattles are my main concern with the car. The front suspension makes a squeaking noise when stopping down a hill and the rear suspension seems to rattle over bumpy roads. We will see how it holds up in the long run.

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  Love My Altima - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By jbjr - December 30 - 2:00 am

  With the exception of the interior (Nissan could of done better), I love my car and would recommend it to anyone in the market. The car has lots of potent power that takes on the some of the fastest cars out there. The exterior is well put together and the car has quiet smooth ride.

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  Love this car - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Providence - December 28 - 6:43 am

  I am absolutely in love with this car. It drives amazing. I love having an SUV. I went from a 2005 altima to an 08 rogue and i love love love this car. I even have my boyfriend who has an infiniti loving it- and hes a automotive "snob" jk hes not but he like his performance vehicles. Love it. Love it. Love it.