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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  Brakes issues, poor interior quality - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By MacG - May 26 - 3:40 pm

  My Q needed a new fuel pump early in its life, which was covered under warranty. Also, front brakes were troublesome, a lot of vibration, several repairs, none covered by Nissan dealer despite known brake issues. No other problems with it mechanically. I loved the center gauges, a lot of people didnt, so that was changed in later models. Drivers seat back fabric wore out just after the warranty on it was up, ended up with two holes! The drivers seat back also seemed to get a bit wobbly, or loose. 3rd row seat was not easy to retrieve from stowed position. I think that many women would not have the strength for it - as a big guy I had to fight it.

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  Extraordinary Drive - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Duane - May 26 - 11:06 am

  I have a 2005 Red SE Max w/ Driver Preferred Package. At the push of a button my steering wheel and leather seat heats up. I added a remote starter so the leather seats are heated when I enter the car. It has been fun getting into the car this winter. I had no problems pulling out of the snow. I just turn on the radio and cruise. My daughter loves the RDS. It shows the name of the artist and the song the radio station is playing. Eight way power seats with memory allows me to preset seat position. The seats and steering wheel actually automatically adjust to let me out when I turn the car off. Once I open the door to get in the steering wheel and seat adjust to let me back in. Extraorinary!

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  I love this car - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By EricaJane - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Great car, fast, sporty. I feel like I am in a luxury automobile with the leather and wood interior.

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  Good Transportation - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Careyd - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Bought used in March 04 when forced to become a courier due to being laid off. Was local rental with 41k miles. I only had $10k and had to find something reliable, low mileage, relatively safe and economical. The Camry and Accord were over my budget and the Altima seemed to fit the bill. After 38k miles in 5 months (thats right!) I have been mostly satisfied. I did have to replaced the alternator ($340 changed it out myself) but only maintenance items besides that. I drive an average of 10 hours a day so comfort is important, and I have been pleasantly surprised by the seat comfort. (I am a big guy!) Actually roomier up front than other cars.

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  sentra - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By buddygill - May 26 - 10:00 am

  great car to drive lots of power for a 4 cyl

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  THIS IS THE ONE AND ONLY - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By SHOOTSNSCORES - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Our last two vehicles have been explorers. Weve owned the murano for a month we will never own a true suv again. We decided to test the crossovers.Drove the murano first. WE WERE blown away. NOTHING ELSE compared. Smooth carlike ride.Seats are the most comfortable ive ever ridden{cloth). FUN FUN FUN TO DRIVE. CVT IS AWESOME. IM 63" and can stretch my legs all the way out in front. Truly an urban suv as its advertised. Getting in and out a breeze. Unique design doesnt look like the typical suv or wagon or minivan. Climate control and bose cd changer is fabulous. RANKINGS 1 MURANO 2 PILOT- 3 ENDEAVOR 4 HIGHLANDER 5 EQUINOX -cheaply made

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  EXCELLENT TRUCK - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By KCLUBER - May 26 - 10:00 am

  LOTS OF POWER,EVERYONE STOPS TO LOOK AT IT

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  we like it so far - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By dbarnman - May 26 - 10:00 am

  we have 10,000 mile in 8 months. no problems with the car it self. good vehicle for the wife. as for me sluggish on power, and i dont reccamend the dealer we used. we hope to have continued success.not shure how cloth seats will hold up. will keep you advised.

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  350z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By nleegunn - May 26 - 10:00 am

  FUN CAR TO DRIVE

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  05 Altima 3.5SE - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By mortd - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Im on week 3 of my black, Altima 3.5, 5 speed manual and love it so far. The radio reception is weaker than what I would have expected but Im enjoying the 6CD changer. The handling is good and the engine performance is superb. Only mechanical problem is a loose cover on the passenger side view mirror.