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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  Ready to Trade - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By missd - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I did months of research and the Altima was one of the ones that ranked high on my list. I purchased the 01 Limited Edition model and obviously this model was not included in the high-rated reviews I kept reading about. My car has died 3 times in one week, starter problems. I have to wait for it to die again and then have it towed to the mechanic for troubleshooting. The drivers side mirror vibrates on bumpy roads and when the CD is in use. No explanation or repair available. The ride isnt as smooth as I would like and the drivers side door doesnt want to close completely... go figure. Im going to look into a 03 Accord.

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  Happy Consumer - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By jordan - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 02 XE S/C 4wd for just over 6 months now, and I couldnt be happier. Im coming from a 96 Blazer that was as reliable and fun as anyone could ask, but I dont miss it a bit. My only complaint about the Xterra is having to remove the back seat cushions to fold them down flat. They either take up space or you have to leave em at home. Other than that the truck rides great and is a blast to drive. I couldnt ask for more. I would recommend this truck to anyone who seriously uses their SUV like a truck, but still wants to be able to get from point A to point B in comfort and with some fun.

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  Great Fun to Drive - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Mark S. - May 4 - 10:00 am

  So far, so good, except for slight problem with trouble lights on dash that have been staying on after intial start up. Dealership unable to fix. Problem goes and comes.

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  Dream Come True - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By babels - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive been waiting to buy one for 18 months, and its as good as I expected. I love this car!

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  Sports Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By saini - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Very excellent driving, like a Cheetah. I have the Elite model with navigation system. It has telescopic handle, Auto folding mirrors, all seats heated, beautiful interior and spacious. Many other features not seen in many luxury cars. Worth the money.

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  Worst SUV Ive ever owned - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Chris - May 4 - 9:26 am

  I purchased the vehicle with 39k miles. At 55k miles, the fuel sensor broke and it had to be replaced with the fuel pump since its one unit. Cost $480. At 62k, the vehicle was vibrating and I had to spend $450 to replace the drive shaft joints. The mechanic now tells me that Pathfinders are notorious for timing chain problems which can run close to $2000. If you have a Pathfinder, sell it before it reaches 50k miles. After reading Nissan forums on the internet, I found that other owners have had the same problems. I called Nissan about the problems and they basically told me to go pound sand. I will not buy another Nissan SUV.

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  Great vehicle! - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By SMitten - May 3 - 7:06 pm

  The Murano has exceeded virtually every expectation I had, except one. The vehicle runs, handles, and performs like a dream. The only real complaint is that the MPG of 20 to 25 should read 20.8 at best. There are a few interior rattles that bother me but I am really picky so that should not dissuade the average car owner.

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  My 2007 nissan sentra - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By 2.0 4 door sedan w/ - May 3 - 5:50 pm

  that i bought used Aug. 07 with 22000 miles has so far at 41000 miles has been a great car to own With the exception of a break master cylinder recall Nissan paid for. The car drives and handles well. I like the cvt trans. It rides and handles well. My gas mileage has been 29 city and 35 H way. I would buy it all over again.

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  Better than expected - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Kirk - May 3 - 9:13 am

  When it was time to replace my wifes car, she suggested the Murano. I really wasnt expecting much when we went on the test drive. Smooth, quiet ride. Very comfortable seats both front and back compliment the luxurious interior. Tons of handy features standard. So far the gas mileage has been around 20 mpg with mixed driving... pretty good for a fairly large vehicle. We compared it with Highlander, Endeavor, Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Explorer and for the same money there was no comparison. I would strongly suggest putting it on you list of test drives if you are in the market for a mid-size SUV.

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  Not too bad for a family sedan - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By LLKoolNurse - May 2 - 11:26 pm

  I havent had my car a year yet but its a nice one gets great fuel economy and mileage. I bought the 2.5S with the special edition package so it has lots of power extras that i love. Ive seen some of the other reviews and I havent had the problems some speak about. This is a dependable family car. Good for a single parent or college student that wants style. I visited my sister in Miami, Fl and they really hook these up down there which gave me some ideas. only thing is in the winter I have to take my chrome rims off because of he snow and salt on the roads other wise .