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:

• 

  Reliable and great in off-road/snow conditions - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By erynnjean - August 16 - 1:33 pm

  I bought my 99 Pathfinder used in 2006 with 109,000 miles on it. Since then I have put another 100,000 miles on it, driven back and forth across the country 3 times and used my car frequently in off road/snowy conditions. I treat my cars pretty roughly, but Pathfinder never gave me any problems. If you are looking for a reliable truck that performs excellently in snow and off road conditions this could be a great car for you. She is a reliable commuter car, but does not get great MPG. Beware, though, the 99 comes in a 99.5 model. This means that finding the right parts can be a bit laborious - it seems as if Nissan mixed and matched parts when they made the 99.5.

• 

  Its not a G35! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Farhad - August 16 - 9:20 am

  This is my 8th Nissan. I have had Sentras, Maximas, 350z and my last car, Nissan Murano which I traded with this car and I regret it. I have had this car for over a year and most disappointing is the interior. Very poor quality and cheap materials. Have you seen the interior of Hyundais? Much better quality. I had the car in at the dealership several times to fix squeaking sound caused by moonroof. The dashboard squeaks on rough roads, the back part of headliner is coming apart and passenger seat belt rattles occasionally, tires are lousy on snow and so is the fat wiper blades. The exterior and performance and all the gadgets are great. I have the fully loaded version.

• 

  This car is a great workhorse!!! - 1998 Nissan Sentra
  By john c andrade - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive found that Nissan consistently puts out a great car for the money. Before I purchased my 1998 Nissan Sentra SE, I had a 1993 Nissan SE-R which got 238,000 miles before it got, for all intents & purposes, totalled. I had a 5-speed and I was still on my original clutch!!!My SE currently has 254,000 miles on it and, again, Im still on my original clutch!!!Pretty amazing,huh!!!My maintenance costs have been very low for this car-- besides gas & oil,I dont think that Ive spent more than $2000 total since I bought the car.

• 

  2003 Nissan Frontier - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By skiboy - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive had no problems with my Frontier so far. My truck already has over 30,000 miles in less than one year. I tow a Mastercraft ski boat as well as a 16ft. enclosed motorcycle trailer and find that the Frontier has more than enough power. The gas milage suffers when towing. I find that Im averaging 18 mpg around town and will drop to 12 to 14 mpg when towing heavy trailers.

• 

  My 00 Pathfinder - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Bronxboy - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Im quite pleased with this vehicle. My only complaint is the underpowered engine and the abysmal gas mileage. It seems to rev a little higher than it should during any type of acceleration, and it hunts for gears when decellerating. Other than that, its fit and finish is second to none for the money. An all-around sound investment.

• 

  One awsome ride - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Tracy S. - August 15 - 2:00 am

  We have had numerous amounts of comment regarding this new purchase. I cant began to tell you the number of looks we get when were in the truck. I know this was a great purchase for our family.

• 

  At 150k and still going strong... - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By johnboy1015 - August 14 - 11:19 am

  Bought my 2005 new and have had very few problems. Check engine light recently came on but mechanic told me its a misfire and will likely be fixed with a tuneup...which the car has never had, ashamed to say. Have never owned a car this long...nor wanted to. But looking to hand it down to my son

• 

  SE-R is a winner! - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By jimb651 - August 14 - 10:00 am

  When I first saw this car, I thought "Jeez, another Japanese car with a rear spoiler...just what I need (NOT!)." Then I drove it...it was great! Smooth, powerful (as a small car can be) and handles like a sports car. My only gripe is the styling. Now if Nissan could make the Altima look and drive like this, theyd have a real winner.

• 

  Cool Star Wars limited edition Rogue one in white. - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Debra Arrigo - August 14 - 8:40 am

  I love the look of the white with black details. It makes it unique which is hard to find when suvs are all so similar looking. I like the ride, but still trying to get used to the steering. Mine is an SV model with the sun and sound package. The glass roof is great since Im used to the roof height of a truck. The Bose sound system is Bose! Excellent of course. Backing up in this truck isnt my favorite thing to do. It has the rear camera and adjustable mirrors, but I am not comfortable with the view when I turn around to see behind me - another thing to get used to using. The interior design is good, and its comfortable for everyone in the car. It even has AC in the back seat - my dog loves that option. I added leather seats for easier fur cleanup and the front seats are heated. I had it Simonized inside and out, which is well worth the price.

• 

  MPG hoax? - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By dml817 - August 12 - 8:36 am

  As I drive all highways to and from work, I thought the MPG rating made this Altima the perfect choice. Rated at 38mpg highway, I figured worse case Id get mid 30s. Ive had the car since October and have yet to break 30, in fact I average 27 mpg. Highway. Dealer told me "you need to drive it 12,000 miles before getting that high". Really? A full year of driving? I dont think so. They also could not hear the interior rattling sound that I heard driving in, and driving out. Rattling coming from the inside of the panel between the drivers door and back door. All in all, I do love driving the car. Comfortable with good acceleration (4 cylinder). Fix the mpg and it would be perfect.