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:

• 

  Impressive! - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By dep22 - April 7 - 6:46 am

  Other than gas mileage which we expected with the V8, we LOVE our Pathfinder! The outside is quite attractive and it rides like a dream. If I could change anything it would be to make the inside a bit more luxurious, it is very practical.

• 

  Absolutely awesome - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By doublemp2262 - April 7 - 4:53 am

  Ive never been so eager to drive. This truck is fun both on and off road! Perfect for camping, traveling or just daily driving, and the base price is a lot of bang for your buck.

• 

  Great looking SUV, questionable quality - 2017 Nissan Armada
  By J Leon - April 7 - 12:39 am

  I evaluated a Yukon Denali and couldnt justify the 14K extra that was going to cost. I have bought GM products in the past and have not been pleased with the fit and finish, trim pieces falling off, leaks, electronics that stop working, etc. I am towing a trailer so need maximum towing capacity, so Armada seemed like the right choice. I liked the look and interior of the Armada. After having driven for a while there has been some issues. The interior lighting had a broken ground wire, the radio keep rebooting itself, the transmission kept losing power under acceleration. The last two required a software update from the dealer so remains to be seen whether I will encounter the issue again. The dealer has been good, but a car that is nearly $60K should not have issues like this.

• 

  Best little car in town - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By HRD - April 6 - 2:40 pm

  I LOVE everything about my new 2004 Nissan Sentra 1.8S. I shopped on line for a month,comparing Honda, Toyota, Hyundai compact sedans.The Sentra was my last choice, until I saw it and test drove it. I knew this was MY car, and it moved all the way up to #1 spot. I also thought it was at least $10K more than its actual price tag!I love the great front and rear design, sleek and elegant,the interior dash is well laid out with easy access to all controls, the exterior/interior workmanship, fabrics and construction is superior to its competitors. This car has great zip, steering control and it really hugs curves on winding roads. The doors slam shut with the sound of a really expensive car.

• 

  It is what you think it is - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By Titan Man - April 6 - 2:30 pm

  Titan King Cab SE 4wd with offroad pkg, tow pkg, util pkg, bed divider and extender. Perfect for a young guy who rarely carries more than you passenger. Drove f150 and silverado. Really were nice trucks for the 45 and older crowd. Power and handling well exceed competitors (except big8 Ram and Tundra). Every Ram has the exact interior of my friends moms 1997 caravan. Couldnt give rams away in 2007 ($10,000+ off msrp). Definitely best value. Comparable Ram +4000 comparable Tundra +8000. And doesnt fall apart or randomly accelerate. Plenty of power, good all around handling, absolute 100% reliability. Get one before they become the Nissan ram next model ye

• 

  If you need an SUV this is the one! - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Eddie O. - April 6 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SUV but likely my last. While this may sound like the start of a negative review, it actually isnt. I really dont need an SUV, I dont have anything to tow around and despite it being amazing in the winter its just not a neccessity. The truth is, I got caught up with the whole yuppy craze with getting an SUV. I am really disappointed with the fuel mileage that this type of vehicle gets. I knew it would be worse than a typical car but I think 15mpg is just unexceptable. The reliability and comfort of this vehicle are fantastic. I looked at all the competition and this is the one to get, if you really need to have one!

• 

  Great car - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Juls - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Great car never had a problem with it would buy another one in a couple of years. Highly recomended.....

• 

  Problem Vehicle - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By 77 - April 6 - 10:00 am

  This is not a well built truck. I had 27 trips to the dealer for major repairs such as brakes, the ABS system failed twice, and I still have problems. Dealer support is almost non- exsistent, and contacting Nissan directly was useless.

• 

  maxima eval - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By bernsyb - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Very pleased with everything.

• 

  Nissan usa a-ok - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Dog Man - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. Somewhat small, but very reliable