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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  absolutely the best SUV you can buy for the money. - 2014 Nissan Pathfinder
  By nettech - August 15 - 11:33 am

  First off, this is our second 2014 Pathfinder. We purchased a standard SL V-6 Model last year, and grew to love it so much, we traded in my eight year old Camry hybrid for a Hybrid model Pathfinder. It retains all the comfort and smooth handling of its V-6 cousin, but adds in some very impressive MPG numbers to boot. Im only on my third tank of gas after owning it for two months, and Fuel Economy has improved with every tankful (27, 29, and now 31 MPG). Its actually a bit quieter then its V-6 cousin, due to the extra sound deadening material, and the transition from engine to EV mode is a lot less noticeable then it was in my old Camry hybrid. Nissan gets an A+ for this model.

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  Its a great car! - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By W. Schaefer - August 14 - 1:10 pm

  We just got home from a 3200 mile vacation trip. 23.4 MPG average. Any comparable vehicle is $10,000 more and burns more fuel, usually premium gas. We use regular all the time. Its fun to drive, looks great, and Im getting lots of favorable comments and questions.

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  2007 Enthusiast Model 6mt - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By Steve J - August 14 - 11:56 am

  My 2007 350Z (Enthusiast / Redline Red / 6mt) has the re-done VQ35HR 306 horse engine. This engine has 80% new internal engine parts and dual fresh air intakes. The performance is phenonenal with tachometer redline limits now at 7500 with engine improvements. This is a true sports car with road handling capabilities rarely found except on high end sports cars.

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  Just OK - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By LRS1217 - August 14 - 11:23 am

  I purchased this car used in 2004. Dont get me wrong, I do like this car but I have been a bit disappointed as of late. I have always taken care of my cars, but I feel like in the past few years Im always taking this thing in for maintenance. I know this car is getting up there in years (I also have 75000 miles on it) but I feel like Im always taking time off from work to get this and that repaired. Mind you, I do routine maintenance and treat my car well. I am disappointed that I cant trust this car as much as I would like to. I highly doubt I will be buying another Nissan.

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  Lien holdet - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Fredrick Cole - August 14 - 3:11 am

  Good running car

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  Excellent car!! - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By rita1971 - August 14 - 2:19 am

  I purchased this car ten years ago, it now has 354,000 miles on it. Have only replaced transmission once, never had engine problems and now just needs a power steering line. Its very reliable and great for your money. I highly recommend this vehicle for anyone that uses highway miles a lot and desires to put lots of mileage on a car. I have been driving mines forever and I love the car....Its has exceeded its expectations at 354,000 miles...Unbelievable!!! Im passing it down to my son now.

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  Great Value - 2009 Nissan Armada
  By wcoates - August 13 - 5:11 pm

  I was originally looking at a Sequoia but couldnt resist looking at the Armada because of the price. Ive put 10K miles on this truck so far and am quite impressed with it. The only issue Ive had so far is with steering wheel audio controls not working all the time. Gas mileage could be a little better, as compared to other SUVs in its class, but not a deal breaker for me. Leg room is pretty impressive. Overall I do not regret buying this truck. I love the way it drives and traction control does a pretty good job of minimizing tire slip. I will definitely consider another Armada later down the road.

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  Nissan 350Z a winner - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Michael - August 13 - 9:46 am

  I love driving this car it handles very well, very responsive, smooth exceleration. Radio system could be better although adequate. Backing up a slight problem because of vision.Gas mileage not to bad 15 city 20 Hwy. Convertible top fast and smooth both up and down. Overall a great car for the money

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  Great car!! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By zip12 - August 13 - 5:40 am

  Purchased a 09 Maxima SV in black. Sweet car. Has all of the latest technology, a great ride, and is very comfortable.

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  Excellent Automobile - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Mathilde - August 13 - 3:16 am

  This car has been totally reliable for my husband and me in the 2 1/2 years we have owned it, routine maintanence only, no problems whatsoever. This is the second Maxima I have owned and would definitely recommend this car as a solid, reliable and fun vehicle to own. We have two children and they fit in the back just fine, a little tight with two carseats.