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:

• 

  Its my fault Im not impressed - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By naquin - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This truck provides an excellent view of the road. I have the four cylinder (my fault) and the rear wheel drive (also my fault) I disgusted myself when I discovered that for 20.00 more a month, I could have had the V6, 4wd, power everything truck of my dreams. Dont skimp, or dont buy. Believe me, power door locks, 4WD and extra power would be worth another 100.00 a month.

• 

  Over all a great family truck! - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By Bryan Short - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable great for my familey Gas millage is low for a small truck Over all I would buy this truck again Had one problem under waranty Nissan did a gret job fixing and even gave us a rental car

• 

  GOOD SMALL TRUCK - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By BarryB - May 25 - 2:00 am

  HAVE DRIVEN TRUCK FOR 3 YRS, HAVE ONLY CHANGED TIRES, AND OIL, BEEN VERY RELIABLE.BUT DO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH STEREO, IT CUTS IN AND OUT.

• 

  The best of the rest! - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By skichick - May 25 - 2:00 am

  In March I traded in my 1997 Chrysler Sebring Convertible towards my purchase of a brand new 2003 Nissan Pathfinder. This car not only beats out any other SUV Ive driven. I work for Enterprise Rent A Car, I drive all makes and models often, and just like Red Riding Hood, I am picky....The Durango & Trailblazer are excellent, but too trucklike. The Jeep Grand Cherokee down the road is one of my brances best customers for service, that has to tell you something about that vehicles quality.

• 

  lemon - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By susan persina - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I have had to have this car towed away twice for not starting. I have never been imformed of the recalls either with one being problem starting engine.I am now driving my car around with washable paint on it saying this car is a lemon and it has many recalls on it. Since they would not trade this car back for me I will continue driving it the way it is. It gets parked 5 days a week in Trump Taj Mahal parking garage where everyone can see it also plus the 45 minute drive to work everyone notices me. Until I get some satisfaction I will be driving around like this. Who would think having a brand new car and it not starting.

• 

  X - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By vwguy - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I love driving this vehical. It stands out in a crowd. This vehical stands taller than most cars and trucks on the road. I like the feel of the Xterra.

• 

  problems already - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By evgrenmayer - May 25 - 2:00 am

  the first time i had to call roadside assistance, when the car was one month old, it happende to be bad gas, with water in it. this time, one month later, the car died near my home, withthe brake and bat tery lights on. eveidently someof the 2003 muranos have defective alternators, i would love to get my money back and get a volvo. i got a new car so i wouldnt be stuck on the side of the road, i travel all the time and am just lucky this happend near my home.

• 

  Not the total truth - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By cool willo sweethart - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I Like the Vehicle. But when it was sold to me not everything was presented. Ex. I would never have bought the car without cruse control. I do long distance driving and use it all the time. My fault I should have asked. But i though all cars were coming with cruse control these days. Oh well. I know for the future. Otherwise I like the Car. I have no real need for a lot of Passenger space so the back seat is not a problem. But I could have passengers a little cramped. Seems to be good on gas and that is a very important point for me.

• 

  My Murano is great! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Mursan - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Im very pleased with my Murano. It handles like a dream, is appointed conveniently, and is really fun to drive. Disappointed in gas mileage. It gets great mileage on a highway/expressway but mileage slips in stop & go driving. All controls work well and I am finding the navigation system helpful and easy to use.

• 

  A true performance experience - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Smart Buyer - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my BMW 740 sl for the Altima 3.5 L v6 and I cant believe that anyone that actually likes to drive true performance wouldnt do the same. The Altima is probably the most over looked car for its performance by Edmonds surveys- shame,shame!!! I have owned several Jaguars,including the xj12 and ill take the Altima handling and suspension system over the BMW,Mercedes,Volvo,Trans-Am Ws-6 (I own one),Corvette,Camaro,etc. etc. Just so you know I pay cash for my cars and can buy anything that is available. Check out the Nissan cars they are real sleepers.