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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  My Nissan Titan - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Titan - September 14 - 7:43 pm

  I have owned many different Nissan models. The Titan as absolutely the best vehicle I have ever owned. It is tough, dependable, fun to drive and has great styling.

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  06 Wrangler Rubicon Replacement - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By Nimrod - September 14 - 4:20 pm

  After Telluride last year and Moab this year I decided it was either Big $$ to upgrade the Rubicon or stop and go in another direction. Here in Northern NM mountains, the Xterra has very capable attributes. Ive had it on one of the roughest off-roads in the area with no problemes at all. The ground clearance is better than a stock 06 Rubicon and the stock tires are taller. The extra wheel base gives the Xterra an edge over the Rubicon for comfort. Cargo space is a huge winner and the power sealed the deal. The AT takes some getting use to in 4WD as I now drive with the brake rather than the gas/clutch. Im 64" and the fit is perfect. Familys 9th Nissan w/wifes current 09 Pathfinder

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  A fortress on wheels - 2015 Nissan Xterra
  By Steve - September 14 - 9:42 am

  In 2006, a major car magazine agreed that the Xterra would make the shortlist for a vehicle best able to survive the apocalypse. I agree. I feel invincible in this machine... it might not have the latest technology, and the truck-based frame may not suit all derrieres, but I love not stressing about the weather anymore. There is something to be said for simplicity. This truck is a beast. Rain or shine, wind, hail, snow and anything else mother nature throws my way, I cannot help but smile when I fire up the growl of the V6 and move out. I opted for the six-speed manual trans, and I think that has helped me get outstanding fuel economy (I average between 21 and 24mpg). Just a great, great, great, great truck... Ive hauled oversized cargo in the rear, slept in the back when the power went out in my house, hoisted myself on my tow hitch and on to my rear bumper for a better view of the world when needed, gone to the city, the beach and the country, and feel like my X will be with me for a long, long time. Cant go wrong. I call this my Japanese Land Rover.

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  Good with a few flaws - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By rr - September 14 - 2:10 am

  This was a fine SUV for the price. The ride was good for a truck based SUV with plenty of power. However, with the power comes pretty meager gas mileage. On my daily commute, mainly highway driving, I barely averaged 17.5 mpg. The second row seating has relatively little leg room and is very tight with a rear facing child car seat. The car seat is literally touching the front seat unless the front seat is pulled way almost to the dash. The third row is useless for adults. It would be great if you could skip the third row and take the extra leg room. Overall, the Pathfinder is a great vehicle with great utility. Performs very well in the snow.

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  I love my truck - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By kelly - September 14 - 12:43 am

  We love our new Nissan Titan. It is the best purchase we made. Out of all the cars and trucks we have owned, this is the best.

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  No more Nissans for our family - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By junknissan - September 14 - 12:43 am

  We have purchased 5 Nissans new and used since 2000. 3 Xterras by my mother who now 74 years old, and 2 Pathfinders by me. The 2006 Pathfinder was junk after 40K. The front impeller shaft joint went bad 40K. The steering column replaced at 46K. A running board became loose, and needed replaced. Fog lights worked when they were in the mood at 60K. Then we got to 87K. Radiator cut loose and mixed the coolant and trans fluid. At the time all Nissan would offer is a discounted price of $4000 to do the repair. So I went onto ebay bought a $100 replacement radiator, and had Jiffy Lube flush the tranny. I took it to a Chevy dealer and dumped it for a Silverado 4x4 crew cab. The tranny was slipping.

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  Good Pathfinder - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By R Cross - September 13 - 10:50 pm

  Very good stylish vehicle which has ample storage or travelling space. Rides extremely well and handles well in snow or other wet conditions. We have 2 dogs who enjoy travelling between Rhode Island and Pennsylvania where we use the SUV to go to football games and tailgate with friends and family.

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  Rogueish quality review - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By J.P.M. - September 13 - 5:22 pm

  This car is packed with new concepts in safety , performance, and hospitality details. They are hard to get used to, and with some lifestyles, maybe not required. If you like "simple", consider lesser equipped vehicles and save money.

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  Rogueish quality review - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By J.P.M. - September 13 - 4:47 pm

  This car is packed with new concepts in safety , performance, and hospitality details. They are hard to get used to, and with some lifestyles, maybe not required. If you like "simple", consider lesser equipped vehicles and save money.

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  No one within ten grand can touch me - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Yellow Hammer - September 13 - 3:16 pm

  All of the reviews are correct. Great engine, good design, and a fine little vehicle for fun and top down days. I find myself hunting down Z-3s and Boxters and eating them up (legally of course) just because I can. Nissan put the money where it counts...in making it GO! 0-60 in a little under six. If you are concerned about visibility, put the top down.