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 SUV, More bang for the $$$ - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By A Alejandro - December 8 - 2:46 am

  After switching from our 03 Pathfinder LE we found the 05 to be boxier in shape which takes some time to get used to. But the third row and the added sq footage is sure a blessing for thing like a stroller w/ groceries and other small items. It actually sit higher than the older Pathy but the feel and quality of the new one is better than previous. The power delivery is smooth and strong. Though some have noted the engine noise, this is a refined work- horse vehicle. As for the mileage the 05 LE is actually has better milage than out 03 LE. Since our Pathy was finished being built on the end of March I have not noticed the rattle and imperfections some have noted. Possibly they have fix it. :)

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  I wouldnt buy another one - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By rivergirl - December 7 - 5:10 pm

  So far my truck has had to have a new computer, I have had transmission problems, it has gotten locked in park and the solenoid that releases the gear shift was malfunctioning, The air conditioning drain was draining into the front passenger floor and all of my carpeting had to be replaced due to mold. Purchase price was 29,600 and trade in is 15,000 in just over a year. I am afraid to drive this vehicle too far from home due to its history of leaving me stranded. The mileage on my truck as it sits in the shop today is 18,500.

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  I definately recommend the Spec V - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By ewraven - December 7 - 2:06 am

  Ive got 5500 miles on it so far. Its been a really good car. Very fun to drive. The rear end likes to slide; but, its nothing a better set of tires wouldnt fix. Seats are perfect. I took a 2000 mile trip and didnt have any sore spots. Shifter gets bad reviews; but, I got used to it very quickly. Only option I didnt get was the ABS/Side Airbags. I wish I had gotten the ABS, those wide tires like to slide on wet blacktop streets.

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  Its ok - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By John - December 6 - 10:26 pm

  I bought this vehicle used in 2003. with 43,000 miles on it. Its the SE model and it has every option in it. Very good V6 smooth till this day amazing! I have changed the brakes, tires, coils, spark plugs, alt., AC compressor, belts, and Im probably gonna end up bringing it in again for coil wires or something with the xpark plugs because the car shakes bad when accelerating. But overall I love the car, I just gotta keep taking care of it.

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  Good and Reliable car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Imncognito - December 6 - 9:50 pm

  I purchased this car new. It had only 8 miles on it when I drove it off the lot. I have been satisfied with the car ever since. It has great power for a 4-banger car considering other 4 cylinders I had researched during 2003 With 175 hp, it still remains amongst the top of 4 cylinder cars in 2005. I am 6 ft. tall and I sit comfortably in the car. Very roomy. I love the exterior styling of the car. I have not had any mechanical problems with the car thus far. I am a satisfied consumer with the price that I paid for this car. It is a fun, everyday ride. I think I would consider buying another Altima in the future if the styling is still appealing but I might go with a V6 the next time around.

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  Hidden/Sleeping Racer - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Scottyb873 - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I agree with the comment about a sleeping racer. This car is the best I have owned yet. No Problems, Fast. I too am up to about 190hp, and that wa with very very few mods. I can easier hit 70 in 3 gear and only tapping on 3000rpms door. killer car. braight shiny red, you never see it coming till its to late.

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  #1 sports car under $20,000 - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Royal Mist - December 6 - 10:00 am

  One word to discribe this car: awesome! I was looking to buy a new car, and was considering the following: RSX, Celica, SE-R, Eclipse. SE-R has the best Aggressive exterior looks, BEST performance of 165hp/175lb torque ! 4 dr acaully saved about $500 on insurance. Im glad I brought the LAST new 03 SE-R model in all the dealers of my area, beause the 04 model is just BUTT UGLY. took me a few days to find this one (black) I wanted to get a Spec- V but it was $5000 more and the car was missing parts, it was also the last brand new one in the all of the dealers in my area.

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  Approaching One Year - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By DND - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I did a lot of research before buying. Decided on the 165hp automatic SE-R with the Sunroof and the 16in wheels. Purchased my SE-R in Dec02 for a little under the 12/02 TMV price. This is one solid car. It has a lot of pickup and handles very well. The ride is smooth and relatively quiet. The red light indicator panel and the fog lights make it fun to drive at night. Its great to have a sporty looking 4dr sedan.

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  Big Bois Review - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Big Boi - December 6 - 10:00 am

  this car has everything you want in a sport sedan. speed, acceleration, great suspension and amzing looks

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  The Armada has landed - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Squidhead - December 6 - 10:00 am

  Some of the seat controls seem to stick at times, but I appreciate the versatility of the seat transformations. The cooler console on the LE does not seem especially well thought through, the one I looked at was smallish on the inside, and the attaching clip had already been broken.