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 Truck for the price - 2011 Nissan Titan
  By smoothnuke - June 17 - 10:48 am

  I bought this truck a little over 3 years ago now and overall it has exceeded my expectations in all aspects. I bought the Pro4x brand new for $28,400 just $400 more than the SV model and I am glad I did. I have used every feature on the vehicle and have had no problems. As of now I do not tow anything regularly, I have towed up to 9000 lbs without any problems at all. I have never gotten stuck in snow/mud and I have definitely put it to the test. The locking rear in 4 low will go through anything. I have put this truck up against many other comparable models and it has out performed time and time again.

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  Never Again - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By Jim B. - June 17 - 6:10 am

  This is the second Sentra I have owned and it is clear that the quality of Nissans cars are not what they once were. Blown Head gasket at 70,000 miles. Tried to work through Customer Service, but they offered no assistance (less than 36 months, but over on miles). This is a design flaw relating to the number 2 cylinder, but Nissan is turning the other way hoping this issue will disappear.

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  The BEST ever!! - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By mamateddiebear - June 17 - 4:06 am

  This SUV is so awesome. My husband was not too sure about my choice. After riding in this only twice...he now wants one for himself. He loves the huge truck tires. This rides and drives like a truck. The insurance rate was so low. I went from a 98 dodge van to this vehicle and only raised my monthly insurance by $15. WOW! This is a truly amazing vehicle. I will never own anything else. Keep it UP!!

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  sputtering - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By chocolatecake - June 17 - 2:38 am

  I love my 2013 Pathfinder with the exception of the sputtering every so often. I have been told that there is no fix and Nissan is working on one; so therefore there is no recall as of now. It feels as though it will cut off when it does this. I have been told that no Pathfinder with this problem has cut off so far.

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  Think Twice - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By sonja killip - June 17 - 12:46 am

  I have had 4 Maximas and when I saw the 04 I had to have it and I bought this car the first week it came out. Since then I have had nothing but trouble. Ive had a new computer, 6 new injectors and now this week the dealership stated I need a new cat. converter. The tires have been replaced 2xs due to wearing out at 40,000 miles. This car has been in the shop more than any car I have ever owned. The front grill has also been replace due to peeling paint.The list goes on and on. I dont know if I will ever buy another Nissan.

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  2006 Nissan Pathfinder - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Jeff K - June 16 - 9:23 pm

  I have had my Pathfinder since last August and have tallied 6400 miles so far. It has all the options (leather, all airbags, sunroof, etc.) you can get on an SE accept the DVD and Navigation. Highway ride is excellent and quiet but jittery over bumps. Off- road ride on gravel and pitted roads is sure-footed and controlled. Only one trip to dealer for malfunctioning stability control sensor, replaced under warranty. Fit in finish inside is tight with no rattles or gaps. Plenty of room to haul lots of stuff when all seats are folded flat, including large dog crate and hunting equipment. Child safety seats easy to install, although middle position has no LATCH. Overall, very satisfied.

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  Only Negatives - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By DMW - June 16 - 10:26 am

  I only want to comment about negatives aspects of the car because there are too many positives. First, Nissan needs to fix the dull looking fuel guage. Also, the guages are very hard to see in the sun light. Second, and PLEASE NISSAN, LISTEN TO ME ON THIS! PLEASE have an option to display the SPEEDOMETER DIGITALLY. I cant tell you how much easier it is to have a digital display. If not replace the traditonal needle with the digital display, at least give us an option to show it with a multifunction display inside the speedometer, like Honda and Mercedes-Benz has done! Fix some blind spots and the rear visibility, but I guess that might take away from the exterior beauty of the car.

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  This is my 2nd Pathfinder - 2010 Nissan Pathfinder
  By CFM56Mech - June 16 - 9:43 am

  The Pathfinder is a magnificent car with all the handling and comfort anyone should want or need in a mid- sized SUV. Plus, I pull both a heavy boat and a car trailer. The 6 Cyl engine is plenty and it has all the towing power and handling with a trailer, yet still gets better gas mileage than most other SUVs when empty! I use 87 Octane and do fine. These are such great cars that my 40 year old son traded his Tahoe and bought a 2010 Pathfinder also!

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  My 2nd Altima - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By SDB - June 16 - 8:50 am

  This is my 2nd Altima. Just traded my 2007 in for the 2010. I guess my only complaint so far is the lack of nav and the position of the chargers. I drive over a 100 miles a day in my commute, the gas mileage is excellent, and the ride is very comfortable. From previous experience, I know if I keep up on my regular maintenance, this car will last well over 100,000 miles. Looking forward to seeing what Nissan does for year 2014, IF I decide to trade!

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  Good, not great - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Good Car - June 15 - 10:13 pm

  Put 33k on my 2006 Maxima in 14 months and it is a decent car. Good performance, nice to look at, good highway mileage, stereo and bluetooth are excellent, and its a big car. However, Ive had the brakes done twice (11k and 26k), The lumbar in the seat broke, 2nd gear a little notchy when cold, and AC stopped blowing real cold air and dealership says its fine. Couple of annoying rattles in dash. My biggest complaint is seat comfort. No lumbar or upper back support compared to other "Sport" sedans. I drive 30k miles per year at least and my back is broke after a 300 mile drive. Back was never sore in my 2004 acura TL. So... going back to Acura or step-up to lexus/infiniti.