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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  Plenty Happy - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By SteveD.1911 - December 24 - 12:40 pm

  Bought brand new and this X has never disappointed! Taken it cross country (NC-OR, NC-AZ) 3 times and have never had one issue! Rides like a truck and thats what I wanted. The factory suspension in the rear is lacking and bottoms out fairly easy. Easy fix with some good Timbren bumpstops. Have never had a major issue with it yet, just routine maintenance. Fuel economy is average but thats what is expected from a 265HP 4x4. If you want to wheel your rig hard then expect the front diff to fail since they are weak and you will most likely have warranty issues from the dealer if they know you go wheeling. Overall It is a great truck and I love mine!

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  Love my Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By April Halvorsen - December 24 - 3:36 am

  I have had a couple of minor engine problems, which were covered by the warranty ofcourse. But, overall I think this is a very beautiful car, very roomy for my 3 kids, and quick for a 4-cylinder!! The price was the reason I jumped on this one! $22,000 was a bargain.

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  Hard to Beat - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Mckenna - December 23 - 10:33 am

  We purchased this car used, knowing that it was an ex-rental previously. If ever there was an invitation for disaster, this would be it. And yet… this was a 2003 Nissan Maxima SE, allegedly a Japanese BMW, available for pennies on the dollar compared to new. As the old saying goes; even a blind squirrel finds an acorn now and then. And boy did we ever! I’m 6’4” tall and still fit comfortably. Acceleration is impressive, as is fuel economy (even while using regular), the handling brings out the teen in me (Im mid 50s now), and yet it is still a functional and dependable sedan and business mode of transportation with which to entertain clients in.

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  I really wanted to love it. - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By George - December 23 - 9:13 am

  Bought this car new since family had good luck with older Maximas in the late 90s but this one has been a disappointment. CD changer replaced 3 times for freezing up, lumbar support dead twice, center console arm support snapped, grille replaced for paint chipping, paint in general isnt great and now fighting with Nissan cause clutch and flywheel failed. Mechanics say its a defect but Nissan says its regular wear and tear. Funny how that works. BBB to the rescue!!! I do like driving this car but its put a sour taste in my mouth especially with how Nissan corporate treats its customers and just worrying about when Ill be sitting in service again. I think I just got a dud.

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  Happy So Far - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By mama_in_tx - December 23 - 6:56 am

  I bought my Rogue used with about 19K miles on it. Im very happy so far. It looks good on the outside, very comfortable and quality interior and fun to drive. The rear visability isnt great, but that would be my only complaint. The highest gas milage Ive seen thus far is about 26, and I average 23 normally. I drive about 20 miles on the highway to work, and have not taken a longer highway trip yet, so I expect maybe to see a little higher gas milage with that. I love the bluetooth feature, it works wonderfully! If youre in the market for a smaller SUV, this is defiently one to check into.

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  pathfinder24 - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By k miller - December 23 - 5:53 am

  This is my 3rd pathfinder, and i feel this is the best so far.comfortable, functional and fit and finish is perfect I love my pathfinder.

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  I love my Maxima! - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By gdeniseg - December 23 - 2:00 am

  We just bought our 2000 Maxima, but I am already in love with it. I have been wanting one for a long time and after finally getting rid of my gas guzzling Durango, it is nice to have a sporty fuel efficient car. I cannot say enough about the styling and looks of this car. Oh, those cool tail lights! I just love em. I plan on driving this car until it wont go anymore!!

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  More car then you pay for! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By LI SilverSE-R - December 23 - 2:00 am

  This car has more torque then any other NA 4 cyl new car. If you are looking for great gas milage I suggest a civic or a corolla, they are far superior to the GXE and XE. However if you want a quick car for very little money this is a very good choice. Especially if you are lazy like me and like automatic because no other auto in the price range offers this much power. This car just moves effortlessly. It handles great, its very fun to drive and its not bad looking. The engine sounds great too!! The 180 watt 7 speaker stereo is pretty decent too.

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  A Fun-To-Drive SUV - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Corbett - December 23 - 2:00 am

  My 2003 PF LE drives and handles much like a sports sedan. The steering is crisp and holds the line nicely. The ride quality is good for a suv and it doesnt feel tippsy in the curves.

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  XXX Xterra Xceptional - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Scotty - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Im writing about my 3 year old SE. I bought it about a month after they came out in 99. Mine is a 2000, and I got all the B&W to hold resale value up. I LOVE this car! Ive driven it everywhere my old CJ (Jeep that I drove for 14 years!) used to go, and it handles just as well. The on road ride is acceptable for a truck chassis. Ive only ever had one minor problem with it, and that was a cable that was not connected to the A/C when I bought it. I get up to about 22MPG on the highway, about 17MPG around town. I _wish_ I had the Supercharged version for better takeoffs, but heck, it is a truck, and its geared pretty low. Ive recommended it to many folks.