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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  2006 SE-R Automatic - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Rob - December 12 - 7:56 pm

  For the money one of the best sports sedans on the road. Linear speed, top- of-the line tires and wheels, and great- looking to boot! Had it for one month and I look forward to driving it every chance I get. Carries 3 kids in comfort in the back and rides beautifully. Does have torque steer but thats normal for a powerful FWD V-6. Make sure to buy the air bag-TCs option for safety. Considered the Acura TL, Maxima, and the Mazdaspeed 6. No regrets about the choice. See below for potential improvements.

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  Happy camper - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By exjumpseater - December 12 - 3:26 pm

  It has been a pleasure to own and has done everything I have need to do from towing my boat to camping and 4 wheeling. The only draw back is electrical, the power window lift on the passenger side is real slow.

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  Nissan needs improvement - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By Tab - December 11 - 4:20 pm

  I bought a 2010 Sentra in April and Ive already put 13,445 miles on it. I drive a lot for work. The one thing I really wish they had is cruise control. Why is not standard. I dont know. Also, theres only power source. I use a GPS and a cell phone so I have interchange the two, which is annoying. Some things should just be standard. Overall, its not a bad car for someone who doesnt drive that much.

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  2004 Nissan Murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Joyce - December 11 - 7:30 am

  Safety issues with this car. Towed twice for different problems. The transmission had to be replaced. Had to replace front wheel bearings. The alternator bracket broke and split the alternator cable (this one year after an alternator recall).

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  The best minivan - 2013 Nissan Quest
  By carlsbad2 - December 11 - 5:51 am

  We had Honda Odysseys for 12 years one if them a top of the line Touring. No real complaints but the Quest LE is better. The vehicle is luxurious. The ride is superb for a van. This van is overlooked by many buyers and as a result there are big discounts to be had on remaining 2013s. Every gadget you could imagine . Technically less cargo space than others but the seats fold flat to a Make cargo room rather than get removed. Leg room in the first row is wonderful. I am 6.4 used to feeling crowded in most vehicles not this one

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  logical and economic - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Rob Malcolm - December 10 - 11:32 am

  This car is very good with fuel mileage.It handles great on smooth and somewhat bumpy roads.Be carefull when parellel parkparking.The hubcaps will get scraped up if you come too close to high curbs.The sound system sounds great.The brakes are very good.good.This car is good for city and highway driving.

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  Lucky owner - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Mark - December 10 - 4:00 am

  I bought this former lease vehicle with 36K on it in 2001. 4 weeks in the check eng light comes on. Dealer says too bad & deal with it. But was told that it would not effect engine and it hasnt. This has truly been a great vehicle for me. Has been in the shop 1 time (2002) for a non-wear & tear repair. Replaced the brakes/shocks/struts in 2005 for the only time. Has been paid off for over a year so I have definitely gotten my moneys worth. I would buy this vehicle again in a heartbeat. Has definitely been a great experience to own.

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  After 5000 miles - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By sjo - December 9 - 5:03 pm

  I left a review back in Jan 05. Loved it then. Still like it, but after 3000 miiles the brakes make the front end shimmy as others have mentioned. I need to take it back to get it fixed and it is making me mad that this has happend. Milelage is about 15 mpg. Since day one the car vibrates at about 75mph. Had then balance the tires, and it comes an goes on the highway. Just want something to work right without problems for once.

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  Enjoying first SUV - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By dawn388 - December 8 - 12:06 pm

  So far I am enjoying my first SUV. Very good ride, interior and space for my needs. Its actually a little more space than I really need. Everything is easily accessible. The gas mileage is very good. Ive had it three months and no problems to date. I bought the SL Premium edition. I read a few complaints here. Unfortunately, every vehicle will have some glitches -- no matter what the make. Theres no perfect car. Ive owned Hondas, Pontiacs, Chryslers, Mitsubishis and Nissans and there wasnt a perfect one in the bunch.

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  Great Choice - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By redpathfinder - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! I bought this car used with 46,000 miles, it has 76,000 miles now. Never put a penny of maintence into it other than oil changes and inspection stickers. Never owned a vehichle that sailed through inspections 3 years in a row with nothing needed like this one. I live in central Pennsylvania and this puppy handles the mountains and snow better than any truck or jeep Ive experienced. Never got it stuck; plows through DEEP snow in 4wd. Would buy another one!