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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  The Beast - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Nissan Pathfinder - August 4 - 4:00 pm

  I dont think I have had more fun driving a vehicle than our Pathfinder (and I have been driving for over 40 years). The cargo space is great yet when needed will hold 7 people. I have had 6 cyclinder vehicles before but this is the strongest one I have driven. This is my first Nissan and I am real pleased with it. We considered buying a Toyota Highlander because I have owned several Toyotas and was pleased with it. But the Pathfinder was to us in a class of its own. I highly recommend this.

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  BEWARE!! .. SV Daytime Running Lights do not work! - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By B. Clark - August 4 - 2:58 pm

  The list of 2016 Altima SV Standard Equipment in Nissan Literature includes "Daytime Running Lights". Even though the lights are installed near the headlights, they DO NOT WORK!! I called the Nissan Consumer "Care" line. Their response.. "use your fog lights instead" .. turns out they know the lights dont work and THEY REALLY DONT "CARE". I am now making an appeal to the BBB Auto Line claiming fraud. I understand my chances are remote.. but Im upset. If you are looking at the 2016 Nissan Altima SV, make sure the sales person demonstrates that the mounted daytime running lights really work.

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  Great vehicle, very reliable - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By matthans - August 4 - 9:26 am

  Bought new in 2004 and never a problem yet. I maintain normal wear and tear items (Brakes, belts, fluids, battery & oil) and nothing seems to beak. Going to drive this truck to its grave.

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  My first car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Lil J - August 4 - 6:30 am

  Man there is only one thing that i have to say about this car. Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I got this car after i graduated from high school. I thought that i was gonna get a 2.5S but i got a 3.5Se. The performance in this car is awesome. I can reach 0-60 in like 6.0 Seconds. I remember one day i was on the expressway and i thought i was speeding, i looked down at the speedometer and i was only going 50. This car has great handling and great pick up. I especially love the dual exhaust and the xenons that my car came with. It makes me think that i have a lexus or something. The bose system is great to. The only thing that i want is the navi system but i can deal without it.A great car.

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  A Great SUV - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By John Hill - August 4 - 6:16 am

  I thoroughly enjoy our Pathfinder to date. I, like others, test drove about every competitor SUV and came away buying the 05 Pathfinder. The third row is really only for children or people with short legs. The second row has ample room. I have read a lot of criticism concerning the stock cd player (not the bose) and I have no complaints. It sounds fine to me.

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  6 years and still going strong - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By barc2009 - August 3 - 8:31 pm

  So Ive had my 2.5-SL for 6yrs and 57,000 miles now ... havent had a single issue with it beyond routine maintenance stuff. Its been a great car ... was very happy with this purchase.

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  Great SUV overall - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Siberian - August 3 - 5:23 pm

  Bought fully loaded 2004 Nissan Armada. Quiet yet powerful V8 engine, fun to drive, great acceleration. Duriong last Xmas, I drove it to Mexico from Minneapolis, MN - not a simple problem. Best features in the class: DVD Navigation, lots of computer settings you can adjust, nice leather with heated seats. Much better than Toyota Sequoya or Ford Expedition. SHIFT_drive!

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  Oustanding - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Jimmy - August 2 - 8:53 pm

  What a wonderful vehicle. I love everything about it. The ride is great and all of the equipment is just like its big brother the Infiniti FX. Recommend everyone who is looking at a Murano buy it you will not regret the purchase

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  The "TITAN" - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Bdanger231 - August 2 - 1:20 pm

  "Titan" is a good title for my truck. I bought it very used with 87,999 miles on it and I have just completed a move from Texas to California pulling a 8,000 lbs trailer with no issues. I will drive this truck till the wheels fall off. At the rate this truck is driving i will probably die of old age first. The interior is a little dull but very reliable and very easy to use. My favorite feature is the audio controls on the steering wheel. I cant believe the trade in value is so low for such an outstanding truck. Tons of torque and get up and go power. Go get yourself one and enjoy! I change the oil every 6,000 miles with synthetic. No issues at all. Never in the shop.

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  Good first car to buy for your self - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By Terrin - August 2 - 12:23 pm

  This is the first car that I have bought on my own. You can find really good deals on these cars now. I paid 3200 for mine and have not have a problem with the motor or tranny since i got it. I have put 20,000 miles on it this year alone. Yeah the gas mileage could be better, but hey the good shadows the altimas main downfall.