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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  Xterra: Built Nissan Tough - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Unidentified - April 1 - 10:00 am

  The Xterra so far is possibly the funnest, most exciting vehicle Ive ever been in. I just recently bought the XE 4x4 5M. The thing is awesome!! Now, if only the gas prices would go down a bit so I can drive a little more!

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  What a great car! - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By LmSpencr - March 31 - 10:40 pm

  I drove this car for a route that covered 300+ miles per day. I put over 200k miles on the car in roughly 2 1/4 years, with only the most basic maintenance. I then let the car sit for 8 months. The car still drives like new! The Sentra is indestructible! Even as the fuel economy is solid (I usually averaged 30-32 mpg), the car is not miniature. The acceleration is very good for a 1.8 liter engine, and the tranny is solid. I have a certain sadness as I am trading the car in. I am convinced that it will go another 100k+ miles, but have to move on. I wish the car would meet a happy road ahead, but at 235k miles, I have my doubts. I would not hesitate to recommend Sentra to anyone.

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  My Pathy - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Roger - March 31 - 4:50 pm

  The best truck I have ever owned! Its 1.5 years old and I have not even had the need to take it into the dealer for any of the typical "punch list" items you find on new cars/trucks.

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  Fun to drive, and more - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By BirdBrain - March 30 - 8:10 pm

  I was a life-long GMer but last year decided I had to do whats best for me than try to keep blindly supporting the domestics. I also needed better MPG yet retain some sportiness, as I spend most time commuting alone and need some fun driving. I researched hard and narrowed it to the (then) new Malibu, Mazda6 and Altima. The Camry was too blah & Accord a bit large and also vanilla. The Malibu was closest but still a bit mushy and was a brand new model. I have put over 30k miles on my SL and couldnt be happier still. CVT is great once you get used to how it works/sounds. Great handling too. Nice interior and controls, quik-down windows. Decent std stereo. GR8 sunroof

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  Love my murano - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By evrelz - March 30 - 7:53 pm

  I absolutely love my murano, my kids and I cant get enough driving and riding in it. I love the intelligent key system, its makes so much since for a mom whos usually got my hands full to not have to go dig in my purse for keys. The backup camera is great, I had the beeping on my last car, liked that too, but the camera is better. All of the safety features are a great big plus for me since I have children, I do feel safe in it. I like the t.v. and dvd player in the center console, it can be concealed when not in use. I wish it had bluetooth capability, and there does seem to be some glare on bright days, overall I love this car. Its really a sexy looking vehicle for a woman.

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  Excellent choice - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By walsh03 - March 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Max with a 5 speed SE trim model. This was by far the best car I have owned with very few complaints. It had goo power for a "family sedan" and handled well especially with a few do it yourself modifications. The 5 speed trany was very easy to drive and the road feel was excellent.

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  Front Alignment and Fuel Usage Nightmare - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By Jumper011 - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Nissan should go back to the drawing board with this engine. Supercharger is good idea and helps make up for the wimpy-6. Really bad fuel economy - 16 city/20 hwy for a compact pickup. Have to align the front-end every 5,000 miles at $55 bucks a pop - one of the Nissan production techs told me this was a common problem with the "bigfoots" as he called it, referring to the large wheels and tires they put on the S/C models with no suspension modifications. Do not expect tires to last more than 25K mi.

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  Sentra GXE-The Jury is still out. - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By DLJ - March 30 - 10:00 am

  MPG is 20 which very poor. Perhaps it will improve with time, If not I will take it up with Nissan as defective and deceptive. Everything else about this car is fine. Its reasonably attractive inside and out, peppy, and comfortable.

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  Disappointed yet Xtatic - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By DisaptdYetXtatic - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Bot a 03 GLE. Felt great to ride until I heard terrible knocking sounds on every bump second day of driving. Dealer says the Rear Shocks are defective and requires replacement. Very disappointed!!!!:( For the money I am paying, I have spent more time at the dealer than in the car. I dono if I have a lemon in my hand. I expect Quality from Nissan and If I am not getting it for the price I paid, I should probably sue them. Should I demand the car to be replaced??

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  Love the car... hate the tires - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By phillipw - March 30 - 10:00 am

  I love the car I justwish there was more room in thebackseat and that the tire (Bridgestone Potenzas) were better in wet weather. I have slid into a curb causing the alloy wheel to be replaced and hydroplane quite often at such low mileage (4300) the tires are horrible but the car is great.