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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  95 Max GLE - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By ger3sf - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car privately ($11.5K) in summer of 1999 with 57K miles, and now with 77K miles. Used as a second car when transporting 3-4 people, cargo, or whenever I dont want to drive my Z3 or Boxter. Always gets dealer servicing every 6 months, and insist on OEM replacements where possible. Had one breakdown in summer 2003 due to failed starter. Good quality, inexpensive hauler that allows me to have 2-seaters for daily driving.

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  Downsized - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By XGMOWNER - June 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Pathfinder used with 46000 miles on it to replace a 3/4 ton Suburban. Now have 87000 and am very happy. The only non routine repair has been replacing one oxygen sensor. Mine is a 5 speed, and I consistently get 19 mpg city and over 21 highway. Far better than my 454 Suburban! By the way, the headrests fit nicely in the floor under the folded bottom cushion.

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  Nissan Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Bilall - June 5 - 2:00 am

  The best van ever made.i like it better than the sienna and the award winning town and country.

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  Best Damn Car Ever! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Bartman116 - June 5 - 2:00 am

  I traded my Range Rover in for this minivan because my family got larger. I have never had so much fun driving a car like this before. It has so many inovative features, along with styling and comfort, that it far surpasses any luxury car out there on the market. From coolest things like the sky roof and the dual dvd screens, to the drain system in the doors that lead out of the vehical if you spill your drink, this car has just about everything to make it the perfect car on the market today. Definitly take a look at this minivan if your in the market for a minivan or an SUV.

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  Terrific Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By LA Texan - June 5 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a new Nissan Titan LE 4-wheel drive. It has more than lived up to my highest expectations. This Titan is so good it justs blows Ford, Chevy and Dodge out of the water. The ride and handling of the Titan is more like a fine sedan than a full sized truck. And the 305 hp engine seems much stronger in actual use. The 5 speed auto transmission is impressively smooth. The interior is well planned and has loads of space, but is not as plush as the new Ford Lariat. Nissan has definitely set a new standard in full sized 1/2 ton trucks with the Titan. Ford, Chevy and Dodge will have to run hard to catch up.

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  Car and Drivers #1 - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Ray Harris - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Car and Drivers #1 choice over the F- 150. It out performs the Hemi in almost all categories. And it has the most interior room. Not to mention the fact that it is the most innovative of the big 5.

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  Test Drive this truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Tom Linehan - June 5 - 2:00 am

  This truck can comfortably seat 6 NFL linemen. With the tail gate down the bed is long enough to take a 4X8 with only a few inches sticking out. The factory sprayed in bed liner gives good foot traction even when wet. The Titan has incredible power. The transmission is smooth. It is difficult under normal circumstance to get the RPMs over 3000. My wife likes the heated bucket seats. I like the dual 4X4 modes. The low mode of 4WD gives incredible traction. Both axels have limited slip differentials. The ride is great. In short this is a first rate vehicle. If you are in the market for a pickup truck you owe it to yourself to test drive a Titan.

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  z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By aldawg - June 5 - 2:00 am

  very happy with this vehicle. performance, handling, interior and exterior is great

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  Dissapointed with 03 Altima - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By harkel - June 5 - 2:00 am

  I have had the vehicle for 18 months. In which time I have had to replace the tires twice and evidently the only tires available for this model are the ContiTouring and they are very cheaply made tires. I have had to have the driver side window mechanism replaced 3 times and it is going into the shop this week for another repair. Also, the driver side door latch will not work, which means the door cannot be opened from the inside. At 15000 miles I replaced 4 tires and then again at 30000. I have had to have wheel bearings fixed at 22000 miles.

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  No Country Machine - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By SANSL - June 5 - 12:50 am

  The truck is quite good. Power is great and cab size. The Utilitrac bed system looks better on paper than in real life. Radio replaced due to poor reception. Lots of rattles but dealer has taken care of them. Major problem is with tires. Goodyear Wrangler SR-A 265-70/R18 ar passenger rated and no- one elses makes them. Have had 4 flats in last year due to gravel road hazards. No one makes a light truck tire for this yet. Two tires ruined. Two weeks to order replacements and they had same problem. I dont travel cross csoutry without a 6th tire with me.