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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  Tire Trouble - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Stharris - August 18 - 6:30 am

  I enjoy the drive and reliability of the vehicle. However, I have gone through two sets of tires. The enter tire is constantly wearing causing the truck to make a lot of noise, use more gas and ride uncomfortably. Also, I was told that I needed to replace the timing chain for $1700.00. It is a slap in the face to me to have to put that amount of money into a vehicle this soon. I am disappointed and will not refer this vehicle to any of my friends, perhaps my enemies.

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  I love this car! - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Jimv - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Ive had a lot of used up-scale cars including a few BMWs and Audis. They were nice cars, but the Maxima just does everything right. Its quick, comfortable, and excellent on gas. One of the best used car purchases Ive ever made.

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  FABULOUS - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By MattB_Esq - August 18 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is by far the best Ive ever owned... and Ive owned about 15 cars so far. The interior is very plush and luxurious and the amenities are free flowing. The vehicle handles marvelously for an S.U.V. The ONLY complaint is gas mileage. But then again, it is an S.U.V.

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  Love The MO - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By the canuck - August 18 - 2:00 am

  An admitted Nissan devotee, the Murano has exceeded my expectations in all regards. As can be seen at freshalloy.com and nissanmurano.org, most new owners are extremely pleased and excited about the MO. The CVT coupled with the hp make for an outstanding level of performance for a vehicle of this type. With only a couple of minor exceptions (eg. sun visors), both the build quality and quality of materials appear to be typically Nissan -- excellent. If youre unsure about whether or not the exterior styling is "in" or not, just check out the photos of the new BMW X3. If that isnt a copy of the MO, I dont know what is.

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  Solid SUV - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Murph - August 17 - 11:00 pm

  If youre expecting a plush SUV, this is not for you. The ride is not overly rough and the power is exceptional. The interior is solid with plenty of room for its class of SUV. Overall a very strong performer!!

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  Do Consider When Comparing Compact Sedan - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Mike S. - August 17 - 5:36 am

  Very fun to drive, great handling, and surprisingly roomy! The new styling is very sharp. Controls are easy to reach because of the Sentras cockpit layout. I got the convenience plus pkg with bluetooth and audio controls on the steering wheel which keeps my hands on the steering wheel. I commute to work via the interstate with speeds around 75. My Sentra has 3500 miles now and I am getting 33 mpg so far with the CVT. Very happy with the Sentra. Make sure to consider the Sentra when you do your comparisons.

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  Oil Well Wanted - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Annointed - August 16 - 4:43 pm

  This car after dealership replaced catalytic convertor due to an engine code began using oil at an alarming rate-a quart every 6-700 miles. They dont know why and are putting me through hoops doing an "oil consumption test" that will take months to complete the way they want to do it. Meanwhile I have a car I cant trust to take far from home. Very sorry I purchased a Nissan.

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  Good Value for the Money - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By rangermutt - August 16 - 4:28 pm

  This is our second Maxima, the first a 1996 GLS with 160k miles that is still running strong. This model is the SE Platinum Edition and presently has 105k miles. We purchased it used with 50k miles and has so far been pretty much trouble free.

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  Not impressed - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By fayettedale - August 16 - 7:39 am

  I have owned my 2011 SV AWD for 3 months now. I have put 2300 miles on it and keep it the garage and baby it. The interior build quality is spotty at best. I had to have the instrument cluster replaced because of a rattle inside the cluster. The stereo rattles in the center console. There other rattles throughout the cabin, very disappointed in the build quality. The CVT is horrible. It is very noisy and doesnt really help fuel economy, I average 24.6 mpg. I would take this back in a minute and buy something else if I could. On the bright side, it does feel and drive like a sports car. Very smooth ride, as long as the road is smooth and the stereo is very good.

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  sentra fun - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By rad - August 16 - 4:06 am

  all i can say is hit the gas during your corners