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 car - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By leroy patterson - November 28 - 3:00 am

  We like our car a lot. Like others say small trunk space. Was surprised at how much room in rear seat. Plenty of power. We get 29-33 mpg others say they get more, we drive 75 mph, and my wife has heavy foot.

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  ROOMY, LOTS OF PICKUP... - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By capergal - November 27 - 8:21 am

  Really good mileage - lots of pep on the highway. A little concerned with the braking - mine tends to go an extra foot or so before completely stopping even after brake is fully applied. Dealer says theres no problem. Also, the CVT, although supposedly good for mileage, takes some getting used to. Im still on the fence about that. On inclines, it does help to slow you down without braking, but this feature isnt always helpful on level ground. As soon as you take your foot off the gas pedal, theres little "coasting" - it stops much quicker than any other car Ive driven. Not so sure I like this feature.

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  quite pleased - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By smabes - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Aside from a few little odds and ends that I would improve, I feel as though the car has lives up to its name and has proven itself worthy out in the woods. I tow things with it, carry canoes and kayaks with it, although this is sometimes difficult as the height of the car is a bit high, and have had lots of fun 4-wheeling around in the woods and getting around town when 9 inches of snow falls in a day and the city doesnt feel like plowing. Overall, I dont feel bad about getting it dirty or even a little scratched up...as long as I have a good adventure to go along with it...and thats what I think the Xterra is all about

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  Most Reliable Truck ever owned - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By 95SEPATHFIDER - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my 95 SE Pathfinder for over 4 years, and have not had any problems AT ALL (knock wood) since purchased. Its not the fastest out there, but the ride is good up to 75 mph. I want to buy a new SUV but cant justify it (buying). This (95) was the Last year before the major changes, so this is a tried and true truck, with a 10 + reliability rating!

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  All Around Decent Truck, But... - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Squid - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Lots of people have complained about the gas mileage and yes its not great. Recently, got about 315 miles on 15.6 gallons. Thats about 20 MPG with mostly highway driving and thats what the sticker said, so Im not complaining. Very pleased with the long bed. Ive run into quite a few instances where the extra length was needed. I really like the overall versatility of the truck. It seats five (somewhat comfortably) and yet still has plenty of room in the bed for bikes, fishing gear, whatever.

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  Not the same car as in the commercial. - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By sauron666 - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Actually, I really like the car alot, but since delivery have had an ongoing problem with driveability. That is, bad tires are giving me a rotten taste in my mouth. Nissan switched to Continental all-season tires from Firestones. These tires do not sit well in the lot. I have been told to drive my car more to even out flat and high spots, but the bouncing and steering pull are driving me nuts. Nissan says it doesnt warranty new tires. So much for the whole car concept!

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  Good truck posing as car - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By pathbuddy - November 24 - 12:40 am

  Bought it used and have put 40000 miles on it in 5 years. Have had to replace struts, exhaust and ignition switch. Currently have a check engine light on for sensors in the block, probably will cost $1G. I like sitting up high and instruments easily reachable. I also had that experience with the gas cap door, though mine is just out of alignment. Mileage is acceptable 18. Im getting some rust on the exterior of the step bar outside the doors, nowhere else. Will have to replace the timing belt shortly because I have 80000 on it now. I dont know if it is the tires but I get a humming at high speeds.

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  2003 Altima - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By NISSAN - November 21 - 5:00 pm

  driving the car is fun, but i made the mistake of putting on Goodyear Gts on. In IL. it does not handle in snow very well and by the reviews it said good things about handling the snow and rain.Other than that its a blast to drive.

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  Great Little Car - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By Kitchy Guy - November 21 - 12:06 am

  Its a fun little car to drive. There are other cars out there with better performance, but at a much bigger price tag. Ive had the car for almost 3 years now, I love the performance. No matter how fast Im going, if I hit the gas, it still has plenty of pick-up. Due to the size of the engine, the fuel economy isnt the best (maybe its how I drive). The torque also makes driving in the snow a challenge. The front seats are very comfortable, the back seat is small for 2 adults, 3 adults is just uncomfortable.

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  Love this car - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By bubbalouie1 - November 20 - 8:27 am

  Owned 1992 SE, bought new, drove it 120k miles-no trouble great car. Next came 1999 528i, bought new in 2000, drove 135k miles...spent way too much in repairs and maintenance-tired of getting robbed by the dealers. Love the new body style of 2009 Max...bought new in Jan 09. Tested A4, ES350,G35x, Acura TL. Nothing close. This car will crush the 528 anyday. I have almost 80k miles now-only investment has been gas, oil changes, one set of tires all around and front brake pads only-everything else still original and looks great (yes garaged). The cost of ownership has been incredible. Yes I will get another Max.