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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  Strong engine - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By James&Yolanda McGrew - April 27 - 7:50 pm

  I like the rugget look of the pathfinder and the performance was better then all the other suvs we tested before deciding to purchase the pathfinder. The ride was a little harsh on bumpy roads. The interior quality could be a little better for a vehicle in the near $30,000 range. The back doors require a hard push to make them shut completely. But this suv can stand up against the other top suvs in its size range and the styling is a eye opener. I have 4 children and this vehicle was able to seat us all comfortly.

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  silver touring - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By silver arrow - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Great car for the money...

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  Bigger and Better - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Man-e - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Best suv I have had,and I have had many its beefy, stylish, and commanding

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  the quest is best - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By leah meyer - April 27 - 10:00 am

  we love driving our new quest van! It has been our favorite car of all time and is so roomy and versitile.

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  Shoulda Waited for 2005 - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By ShouldaWaited - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Weve been to the dealer three times, and will be back again: 1)Leaky skyroof. Took two weeks to receive and two days to fix. 2) Skyview shade not "on track", causing edges tear. Dealer replaced it. 3) Annoyingly low arm rests, and no way to adjust! My 95 Montero adjusts to multiple levels; this should be standard in a $33,000 car. Dealer says "sorry". 4) Plastic back of passenger seat broken at the factory. Dealer replaced it. 5) Temp control knob sticks causing temp to ramp up to 90F. 6) Sunroof wont always close - itll close then come back to half open and stop! This will be looked at this week. 7) Starting to get a "catalytic converter" smell.

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  Nissan frontier fun - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By RichardjohnsonII - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Great new truck, have had it for a month. Looking forward to a great ride

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  Love It - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By dexico - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Tremendously fun to drive. Has become my primary car. Convertible makes all the difference .. hardly ever drive with the top up.

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  Great all around sedan - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By David - April 27 - 12:56 am

  I have owned my Altima 2.5S since early 08 with 120k and have driven it to 150k with only minor repairs which I dont think people realize of course are to be expected. Over 2 years; cam/crank sensors, ignition coil and computer reflash. Relatively cheap dealer cost too. This car is gorgeous outside great paint quality and you can really feel the build quality in this car. The door close solidly with a satisfying clunk, moonroof is great, tons of room front and back (saying a lot coming from a 66" guy) 4cy engine has a lot of pep, and very comfortable ride. Keep it clean and tasteful and this is a very sleek professional looking saloon. It has never let me down.

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  Awesome Car for the money - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Ben - April 26 - 8:43 pm

  My fiance and I love our coupe. I feel its the best bang for your buck at this price range. Between performance, styling, and mpg it really is a great all around car.

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  good suv, but........ - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By sean williams - April 26 - 7:36 pm

  the armada has been a wonderful suv for me. the performance is great. there are some flaws in the brake rotors. also the interior overhead console was poorly designed - the plastic rattles.