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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  Good and Bad - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By Rich N. - February 3 - 10:00 am

  I like the style of this SUV. It is kind of fun to drive, but it eats alot of gas and lack of power. the front seat are not very comfrontable at first and the cloth sucks like hell.

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  Very Dependable - My second Pathfinder - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Stile - February 3 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Nissan Pathfinder SE 4x4 (Also had a 90 model). I have put about 75,000 miles on it in and have had VERY few, minor problems (burst radiator hose, etc.). Many people complain about bad gas mileage and excessive brake wear. However, if thats your main concern, I would suggest that you not purchase an SUV of any make. The excess weight is to blame, and is unfortunately unavoidable.

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  Pathfinders - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Sean T. - February 3 - 10:00 am

  I honestly wish that their was away to express the reliablity of the pathfinder. It is absolutely awesome. I never thought i would love an import.

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  So far so good! - 2002 Nissan Quest
  By HIPAULINO - February 3 - 10:00 am

  We have had this car for almost a week. So far, we love it! We have 2 kids and the family entertaiment center keeps them happy on our road trips. We emailed various Nissan Dealerships to get the best price quote! From now on that is the way we shop for cars! It is the easiest, headachefree way to buy a car! We will write a followup in a couple of months after we have had time to really put it through some paces.

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  Most Fun and Value for the $$$ - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By pheurton - February 3 - 10:00 am

  Had the car one week and love it. Plenty of power and handles great. Really sticks to the road, and the ride comfort is not compromised, as in the Spec-V. Comes with plenty of the good options standard, but if you want a sunroof or fosgate stereo, you must take an automatic trans. Overall, for $15,400 you get every pennys worth.

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  The Absolute Best! - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By mscam - February 3 - 10:00 am

  I did my "homework" for almost six months before deciding on the "Pathy". It was my first SUV. It was love at first drive - and the love affair continues 19 months later! Handling, style, reliability. Over all "coolness" - its great! I could not have done such a thorough exploration on the various competitive without Edmunds - and the corresponding sites, comments, and info. Edmunds, in turn. Led me to. You cant go wrong with this car (please dont call it a "truck"). It is the BEST!

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  2002 SE-V6 Desert Runner -King Cab - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Caff10 - February 3 - 10:00 am

  I just think it is awsome I just live it because I just feel so comfromable in it and the sound system is great and handles very well and is sitting high which I loveand it came standard with steps ,bed liner, bed extender.

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  Pure Sports Sedan - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Dob - February 3 - 10:00 am

  A real sporty sedan that isnt meant for driving in the slow vehicle lane. Traded in a 99 Maxima for the 02 Altima. When I compared the MSRP, the Altima was actually $200 more! The only thing to justify that price was the stronger engine - the materials used are substandard when compared to the pricetag. If youre looking for a pure sports car that you can squeeze the family into and not get socked by the insurance cost, then this is the car for you. Youve got to give something to get something.

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  Buy this Car before your Neighbor does - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By loophead - February 3 - 10:00 am

  I puchased this car in November of last year. I have put 12,000 miles on the car so far without any major problems and only two minor ones. A spring broke in the lid for the cupholders and the car was delivered without the steering wheel controls for radio. Both of these were fixed by the dealership with no problems. I do notice some wind noise at high speeds, but not enough that it would deter another purchase.

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  THE best pickup I have ever owned - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By teckytwo - February 2 - 5:30 pm

  I have owned Chevy, Ford, Dodge and Jeep pickups and I tried them all again before buying my Titan. I am getting older so I like my comfort and this pu is very comfortable and my wife feels safe in it. After a really bad accident in a half size pu I decided once again for a full size. I knew it would not have good mileage but this truck is terrific, no mechanical issues, looks great, runs fantastic and the Nissan maintenance is great. Brakes and tires wear out so no issues for me there. It tows like a dream only drawback is the front columns on either side of windshield takes some getting used to looking around it. No complaints, wish I had enough miles on it to justify buying another:o)