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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  Great Car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By LMAC - March 17 - 2:00 am

  This is a true sleeper. Step on the gas and it just goes. For a family sedan, its a fun car to drive. Just the right mix of performance and luxury. Some complain of the rough ride, check the PSI on the tires. Mine were at 44 when delivered. I lowered to the recommended 32 and its a world of difference.

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  fear - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By HOWARD - March 17 - 2:00 am

  We live in fear since buyng ths vehichle. We were not told that the headlights ,which cost $2000 apiece were being stolen in droves. You replace them they get stolen. Great car if you live in it and never leave it anyplace unattended

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  fear - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Howard - March 17 - 2:00 am

  We live in fear since buyng ths vehichle. We were not told that the headlights ,which cost $2000 apiece were being stolen in droves. You replace them they get stolen. Great car if you live in it and never leave it anyplace unattended

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  Dealer decline to honor warranty - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Gilbert - March 17 - 2:00 am

  The car showed a paint imperfection like small craters all around the body. I took the car to the dealer to get the dealer paint the car. However it declined to do. The fact is that the car is parked under the roof/garage all the time. The dealer alleged it was caused by environment. The dealer is Motorambar, San Juan Puerto Rico.

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  Dealer decline to honor warranty - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By gilbert - March 17 - 2:00 am

  The car showed a paint imperfection like small craters all around the body. I took the car to the dealer to get the dealer paint the car. However it declined to do. The fact is that the car is parked under the roof/garage all the time. The dealer alleged it was caused by environment. The dealer is Motorambar, San Juan Puerto Rico.

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  Very nice package - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Tink - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Very good and solid small car. It competes well with other cars in this catagory.

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  Reliving My Childhood - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Nemo - March 17 - 2:00 am

  I am re-living my childhood driving this car! It combines the raw power of my 1965 GTO with the reliability of my 1994 Camry. It goes like a bat of hell when you want it and still gets great gas mileage. It impressed my daughter when she drove it the first time and that says alot for the car. It gets a steady diet of compliments from the tuners around my neighborhood. Definitely worth the money

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  good vehicle - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By stuie - March 17 - 2:00 am

  quiet, reliable, solid no squeaks or rattles after 36k, no problems or shop time. i think this one is a keeper..should get 200k out of it with the proven V6

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  very good design - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By kler - March 17 - 2:00 am

  I have this vehical for more than a year. I naver had any kind of problem. Very good looking and lots of power under hood. I alwys feel like I am driving an extra ordinary can not like regular car. No noise inside even at high speed on concrete pavements. Very good excelration, braking and smooth ride.

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  PF LE 2003 - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Robert29 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  I checked out just about every SUV on the market before deciding on the Pathfinder. There is no comparison. The PFs ride, handling, styling, utility, and comfort exceed all oter SUVs out there. And it is priced well. I have two kids and I am planning on taking a cross country drive with it.