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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  WOW!!!!! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Biggun - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned several trucks and have never been really "Brand Loyal". I usually go with the best bang for my buck! But that may change unless the Ford, GM and Dodge designers do alot of work because none of them are even close to this truck!!! Fit and Finish are head and shoulders above the rest. Im sure by now that everyone has heard the reviews of the drive train! Nissian hit the first pitch out of the park with this one!!!!!!!!!

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  Good Choice - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Wooten - March 3 - 10:00 am

  The Titan is an excellent choice for an average truck user. The reliability rating is based on 4 months so this is not an adequate assessment. I enjoy the performance, cab size (crew cab), and the fact that my truck doesnt not look like ever other truck on the road.

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  love the car - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By tati girl - March 3 - 10:00 am

  this car for the can compete with any europen car. i have owned in the past 2 bmw vehicles. the maxima for the price brings much more features.

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  nissans rule - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By fred albert cabooski - March 3 - 10:00 am

  thats right i only have a 2.5 liter and it runs so smooth...OOOOOOOOOH it is by far the best car ive had

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  The Final Frontier - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By bemak1951 - March 3 - 9:53 am

  Overall this has been an excellent truck. My primary use is to carry clients to show real estate in the mountains of North Carolina. 4 wheel drive is a necessity in the winter and to get in and out of undeveloped areas. Has good visibility and is comfortable. Reliability has been excellent.

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  Nissan 350Z Intial Review - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By MDD - March 3 - 9:43 am

  This car is exciting to drive. When it comes to horsepower, the 350Z has 287 hp (auto),300 hp (manuel) which makes the hair on my neck stick up.

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  Big Improvement in the Frontier for 05 - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Todd - March 3 - 4:50 am

  Just purchased a 4WD Crew Cab. This is a great new truck for Nissan. I compared it to the Tacoma and the Canyon. It is a lot of truck for the money. It was an easy decision. The V6 is powerful. The ride is better than previous years and the exterior is sharp and masculine. Finally looks like a guys truck.

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  Definitely Recommend! - 2011 Nissan Pathfinder
  By nowa - March 2 - 8:16 pm

  This is my 2nd Pathfinder. The 1st one was a 2006 and was leased. Had a Murano after that but wasnt in love with it, I missed the Pathfinder. So, here I am...with a 2011 Pathfinder Silver. Its great! I really like the improvements made to the heating/ radio controls. The inside quality is there and the styling is nice. Im averaging about 18 MPG in the city (even though its rated at 15 MPG). Its great on the hwy, very smooth and quit. Ive read reviews by car magazines and they criticized the rough ride...Im not sure where they were driving but I think its fine. Remember, its an SUV...not a Cadillac!

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  Female Perspective:Rides like a truck... - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By phzcskk - March 2 - 6:06 pm

  only worse. Didnt know its a truck chasis-wish Id paid closer attn @dealership. Feels like spine compresses when u go over the tiniest bump. Nowhere to put purse. Purse/any cargo-no matter where in car-rolls around, contents spill out. I put crates in back to contain groceries etc & they slide around too. Net is useless. Back hatch extremely heavy & takes all my strength to close. Passngr seat has a 1" gap between the seat & seatback. Whatever is put on seat ends up in back floor. Cupholders are too close together. Cell charger in the way when in park. CD player ate a CD while under warranty so dealer had to replace. Hi-test gas. Bad blind spots on both sides. Limited passngr legroom.

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  early death of transmission - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By n.c. - March 2 - 12:36 pm

  I bought a 2006 Nissan Maxima in 2008 with low miles from a dealership. By the time it hit 72,000 miles, the transmission was jerking. I called the dealer who said the warranty was up, so they could not help me. What? R U kidding? Ive had two Maximas a 1998 and a 1999 that performed well over 200k miles. I called headquarters who told me to get a diagnosis from Nissan service only which costs $130. Service rep said I need another tranny which would cost $3,000s . thats for a rebuilt transmission. Waiting for headquarters to take action.