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 Rocks! - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By X-fan - October 15 - 4:53 am

  Simply a great vehicle at a great price. The powertrain is unmatched in its price class and even at the $40K level. Theres no direct competition - any Ford, GM, or Toyota SUV will cost you 10K more. Its not meant to be a loaded luxury ride, just a go anywhere utility vehicle that rides, handles, and drives exceptionally well. After 15K miles, I can say Id be back at the Nissan dealer to buy another one if mine were to disappear today. Mileage has been good, consistently at 20-21 mpg after switching to Mobil 1 synthetic oil (75% highway driving). All I can say is go drive one before buying any other small or midsize SUV. I started out liking it, but it didnt take long to love it.

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  2008 Pathfinder SE V6 4X2 - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By momof3 - October 14 - 8:10 pm

  Bought a 2008 Pathfinder SE V6 4x2 on Friday night. Very easy for me to drive (Im 5 tall) and my husband has no problems and hes a foot taller. The adjustable pedals and power drivers seat help with both of us driving this vehicle. It has tons of seating configurations. The front passenger seat folds flat if you get the cloth option, but wont fold flat with the leather option. Good for us because we buy long pieces of PVC and lumber on occasion. If you have small kids (our youngest is 5), step rails help immensely (and they help me being so short) with getting in and out of the Pathfinder. Overall, very happy!!

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  Letjohns Love of the 350Z - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Letjohn - October 14 - 6:43 pm

  I love our new Nissan 350Z!! I still have and cherish my Nissan 280Z, but I knew when I saw the 350Z I had to have it. I have the Sunburst color. My husband added 18" Pirelli tires with NISMO rims. We also added a clear polymer bra to protect the front of the vehicle. This vehicle is a JOY to drive. It is quick and easy to manuever. People are alway commenting about it and looking at it, young and old. Its style is way ahead of the game.

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  Awesome car, thats why mine isnt for sale! - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By weigel5 - October 14 - 5:31 am

  I bought this car new and still have it today. If you can get your hands on one, buy it! Other than basic maintenance, Ive had very little problems. I hope to have it another 16yrs :)

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  Whats going on? - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Pat Clarkin - October 14 - 12:30 am

  2004 2.5 automatic bought 2/2004; 106,000 99% hgwy miles; excellent maintenance; 1 driver only. Within six months of purchase, 1 piston not firing fixed under warranty--told I was LUCKY!); replaced serpentine belt (3 yrs); hesitating 4 1/2 yrs ($1500. to fix); now, oil leaking into engine, told I need a NEW ENGINE! My 3rd Altima, other two (standard, 95 & 98, no problems at all. THIS CAR A MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT.

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  Fast an tricked out - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By MAXIMA5 - October 13 - 11:16 pm

  Why spend 90,000 for a BMW with navigation package, XM sattelite radio, 6 CD changer, heated steering wheel and seats? Maxima has all that. .

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  A Second Look - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By CAMP HILL, PA - October 13 - 3:13 pm

  I have had this car now for over 3 months. The car before was a 04SL which lets me compare the two. These two cars ARE different in most ways. For a $30K + car it still needs much improvement in ride and needs more sound proofing. It is however much better than the 04SL. The handling is much improved. BEWARE of the SHIMMY, this has been a problem in the 04/05/06s and now the 07s. When you test drive your car pay attention to the speed of 50-65. IT CANT BE FIXED ! When I took my car in to have it corrected, which wasnt, I test drove another 07SL and it too had the shimmy. You have been warned. The only other problem that I have is the drivers seat moves when turning. To be fixed ?

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  Good car with some issues - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By mmao - October 12 - 3:59 pm

  Its a good car, with excellent MPG - I can get 37/g except in winter. How ever there are some issues. Internal design looks cheap, the Panic button is annoying (its so easy for the horn to shout out). And just got an issue with the ignition switch: I could not start engine some times, and I was told I need $600.0 to get it fixed by the dealer!

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  Loving it - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By Marine SGT - October 12 - 1:13 pm

  I Purchased my Frontier 11/09. I researched a number of trucks and for the money, options, and owner reviews, my decision was easy. To put icing on the cake, when I test drove the truck, I went from city to highway and back to city driving and she rode like a car but had that firm suspension a truck needs. I once owned a 06, F-150 but had door problems from the start. Im very pleased with my frontier. It hauls my trailer (loaded) with ease. I have taken a couple of 600+ mile trips and love how it handles on the highway. The seats are comfortable and with the 16" wheels she sits up pretty high. Super Black is the color of mine and she is shines all around town.

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  Best truck yet! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By mauifrontier - October 12 - 12:30 pm

  I love this truck! After 4 months of ownership, its still a blast to drive and so nice to look at. Very off road capable and comfortable. My previous truck was an 03 Tacoma xtra cab 4x4. I was perfectly happy with that until driving this truck. Im so glad that Nissan is getting back on track creating exciting and and attractive vehicles again! It reminds me of the products they had in the early 90s. Keep up the good work Nissan!