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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  I would highly recommend!! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By ljones263 - September 17 - 3:45 pm

  Exterior design is awesome! Interior is holding up very well. Vehicle has been very dependable for over 5 years. I love my Murano even after over 140,000 miles. Vehicle has not been perfect, but all things considered, thumbs up! Muranos are notorious for having front suspension issues, wheel bearings, etc... After 8 years, expect it, its not too bad. Other minor issues, cable for tail gate had to be replaced. Shocks had to be replaced. Thats about it :)

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  Wonderful Maxima - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By jamalfisher - September 17 - 2:40 pm

  We purchased our 2006 Maxima with about 60K miles on it and has been a dream. The car drives amazing, has plenty of luxury features and proves to be a good sedan. A few reviews have noted issues but those seem relatively normal for a vehicle with 100K miles or more. I will say this, the vehicle is Nissans flagship so it will cost you more to operate. Premium sedans require premium maintenance. Chances are if you complain about the cost of repair, you probably cannot afford this vehicle. Whenever you have a performance vehicle, you will likely put it to the test thus be prepared to service it as you would any other sports car. We personally have had no repair issues other than normal items.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Rob - September 17 - 1:43 pm

  I fell in love with the Pathfinder the moment I saw it. It is my first SUV and is better than I could have imagined. I especially like all the extras in the interior. Nissan went all out on this one.

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  Can you say reliable? - 2011 Nissan Versa
  By plagenzamama - September 17 - 9:14 am

  =) Love my 2011 Versa! I have 2 children and Im going to be commuting a lot for school. Lots of space and GREAT mileage! I can get an average of 30-32 mpg. I was looking into the Honda Civics but their so much more expensive than the Versa for pretty much the same thing!! for the price of an SL Versa with a Nav AND sun roof it would have only gotten me a Base model of the Honda Civic. =/

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  A Great Pathfinder - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Rick - September 17 - 6:16 am

  We traded our 2004 Chev Trailblazer for this 06 Pathfinder. It handles much better than the Trailblazer. This Pathfinder is narrower and smaller, it has the power when needed. I would buy another Pathfinder in the future.

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  First Impressions - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Jason - September 17 - 6:13 am

  Im writing this the night of my first day with my new Sentra. I will give just a simple summary of what Ive observed in the first 24 hours. I like the exterior. Its small-looking on the outside, but really big and roomy on the inside. The trunk space is amazing, considering it doesnt even look like it has a trunk from the outside. The engine makes a lot of noise upon acceleration, but thats the only flaw Ive seen so far. It handles great, it accelerates great (minus the noise) and the interior is smartly designed. I should have no trouble parking this in the city because its compact, but it doesnt feel like that on the inside. Overall Im very impressed on the first day.

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  Great all around car - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By FRANK - September 17 - 5:00 am

  My wife wanted the car, I was not sure about the radical exterior styling at first. Now I love the car as much as she does. Great handling, very roomy, especially the rear seats. Just came back from a 1,200 round trip each way from New York to Iowa, very comfortable; were in the car for two days over 12 hours per day, no problems at all!

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  A commuters delight - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Jason Cilasta - September 16 - 2:43 am

  The vehicle was everything i dreamed about. Though it was tough to get because every dealer was selling them the second they hit the ground. Fireside treated me with the greatest respect and made me want to refer all of my friends. I love the car!

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  Happy I went Rogue! - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Lisa in Boston - September 15 - 7:20 am

  I was looking for an AWD vehicle that was baby friendly (because wow car seats are HUGE), smaller than a fullsized SUV & decent gas mileage all while spending under 30k. I LOVE this car. Still getting used to the differences between it and my Audi A4 (not fair to compare some things) but so far its been great. I expected a little better gas mileage for a 4 cylinder and disappointed that there were no options for V6, climate control or the 360 package (would be nice given the small back window) but that would have pushed the price into the 30s. Im nitpicking because so far I absolutely love it and am glad I chose this over a CRV. Great deals now (fully loaded under $26k, good financing)

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  Had a ton of vehicles and by far best "Family" SUV - 2015 Nissan Pathfinder
  By carlover1980 - September 15 - 2:43 am

  Ok, you are talking to a girl who loves vehicles. Ive had everything from Acura, Honda, Infiniti, Jeep. Ive stood by Honda products and still will. But, this Pathfinder Plat is amazing!!! Tons of space for car seat, stroller, Grammy & Papa, too. I use the cargo area in/the floor as a diaper station on wheels. Ride is great, large pano moon roof. Not sure if Id buy one-since I lease the base path-and wasnt impressed by long term quality-not like my Acura-which aged beautifully. But, going from a Path base to Plat-huge difference and totally worth the $$. Only wish it had the App feature like in the my Altima SL. Looking for space for family and everyone is comfy and happy go w/the Plat!!