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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  Happy 2005 Pathfinder Owner - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By 2005 Pathfinder - April 24 - 11:26 am

  Love the ride! Smooth, very similiar to a standard ride vs. a truck ride. Although, the traction can be a bit rough over uneven roadways. The 3rd row/7 pass. feature is awesome, the 3rd row is a bit tight for adults. Plenty of room in the second row. Overall, interior is pretty roomy. The 2nd bench/middle seat is nice and roomy with two car seats on either sides.

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  04 Quest SE Pleasure to Drive - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Robert Simon - April 24 - 10:33 am

  We bought this vehicle used with only 25k miles. We have had no major problems mechanically other than a hairline crack in catalytic converter weld unknown cause. Caused Nissan a headache but got us new sensors, fuel injectors, new computer and assorted other fuel savings goodies. We love the entertainment features, navigation system (other than expensive to update it) but other than the Low Tire Pressure Sensor going off when the temp changes more than 10 degrees but its not a big deal once you turn the alarm off and you dont have a real flat. We have driven it from east coast to texas to nevada and back to texas and it drove great and smooth. Nice body style and roomy inside.

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  A big & tall persons fun hybrid - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Mr G. - April 24 - 10:00 am

  I am a new owner and very pleased with first month of driving. I am 65" an 275# - too big for most cars and so have been driving vans/pickups - but I tried an Altima at an autoshow and found I fit great in this car. I have only owned for a short time but so far the Altima Hybrid performs well, has a quiet comfortable ride, gets good mileage (now averaging 31+mpg driving aggressive) , it seems to have good build quality/materials - I got convenience package only. I also think it is remarkably fun to drive - far more sporty and quick than my wifes non-hybrid 4-cyl Accord. Also runs in whisper quiet EV mode up to around 25-30mph - which is lots of fun on twisty rural backroads.

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  Disappointed - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By xray2 - April 24 - 2:36 am

  Bought new in 1998, and am quite disappointed. Almost made it for 12 trouble free years, then at 210,000 miles the transaxle fell apart. Replaced the transaxle with another used one. Other that that, the body and interior has remained in great shape. Hopefully the piece of junk will make it another 200,000 miles. lol

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  LOVE MY TRUCK - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By NELSON JOHNSON - April 24 - 2:00 am

  With over 100000 mi i have had no problems. the dealer is superb in quality of work and price.

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  Very average SUV - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By jcohen1994 - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Xterra is not too big, but carries everything I need. The 4WD goes through anything. Biggest drawback: gas mileage. EPA projected 17/20 for the 5 speed Xterra is a joke. I get 13 around town and 16 on the hwy. If gas mileage is important, pass on this truck. If it doesnt matter, go ahead and buy it. Other negatives: Heater/AC system doesnt work well, the 4WD gets stuck (requiring one to go into reverse to unlock the hubs), and there are no drip rails to keep rain and snow from falling on the seats when you open a door.

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  Top Recommended Mini-Vans/Vans - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Tyrone Ellis - April 24 - 2:00 am

  My wife loves this vehicle! Before the 2004 Quest hit the market, she was very against purchasing a mini-van because the current selection lacked "sex- appeal" and "coolness". As a young mother, she only considered SUVs as an option. The new Quest changed that perception.

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  NISSAN QUEST - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By angel quezada - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Enjoy all the extra features especially the digital console and the powerful engine.

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  MY BUTT HURTS - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By OICU812 - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I drove it 900 miles this week and my butt hurts. Extra foam and a Sheep skin seat cover helps some. 100% city driving gave 15mpg and interstate gives 18 on windy days and 19.5 on calm days. At 4500 miles the only problem was an oil leak at a plug near the oil filter. The odometer is off by 3.4% so to be fair you can add another .5mpg to the above MPG. The dealer says the odometer can not be adjusted. I have a 02 Tahoe with 105 more HP and 1000lbs heavier and it gets better MPG, 16 city and the last highway trip was 21MPG(honest injun). AND ABOVE ALL IT DOES NOT MAKE MY BUTT HURT. My first NISSAN and Im not happy. Time will tell.

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  Beats the Family Truckster - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By lsadams - April 24 - 2:00 am

  A very enjoyable car to pamper and then drive like I was a kid. Tight ride, sneaky fast, but not a Vette off the line. Wish I lived where I could drive it all year round. After all the work and family cars, this is a real kick to drive without cleaning out the bank.