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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  Good Car with a value for money - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By Eldin - April 10 - 9:32 pm

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  Solid Two Person Tripper - 2013 Nissan Juke
  By Charlie - April 10 - 9:44 am

  It has sporty aspirations despite its ~180 turbo 4 banger and CVT. Comfortable for two people to take a road trip with their luggage, the back seats don’t fit anyone taller than 6’. Good value and reliability for the price. If I did it all over again I would still buy the car, but there are better choices if you can spare an extra $5-$10 grand.

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  Couldnt be Happier - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By NPD - April 10 - 5:56 am

  To say that I am happy with my Nissan Altima would be an understatement. This vehicle replaced a 2006 Murano. It has everything I could want... and more. My car comes with Bluetooth, which is easy to use and it actually understands me! I dont have the optional Navigation system, but there is a convenient compartment with electrical to plug in my portable Nuvi. My Altima only has 4 cylinders, but I have no problem with acceleration onto the expressway. My only regret is that I am leasing. If I had known how happy I would be, I would have bought it.

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  Japan Knows How To Build Realiable Cars! - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Britt - April 10 - 5:50 am

  Japan and Its people sure know how to Build Reliable and Maintenance Free or no Trouble Cars!! Especially Nissan!

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  SUV satisfaction - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By jmkf - April 10 - 2:00 am

  We got the full 4-square treatment, but still paid close to Edmunds TMV at the time (around 30k). We have had very few problems and mechanically have had to just do the usual oil changes and regular service. My wife is the main driver of this vehicle and she was dead set on getting an SUV. We looked around at a number of them - Jimmy (unsupportive seats and mushy handling), Tahoe (too big), Passport (buzzy interior), Cherokee (this one was used and too old) - and found what we wanted in the Pathfinder.

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  Nissan proven quality and reliability! - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Dunlop - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new in the beginning of November 2002. I test drove the Protege, Civic, Spectra and Impreza. I must say that the Sentra fit like a glove. It is solidly built and very practical. I also own a 95 200sx SE-R which I bought new and have never had a problem with it. My philosophy is if something works for you stick with it. Nissans are great cars and I encourage anyone in the market for a new car to check them out.

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  2002 Pathfinder LE - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Gymbrent - April 10 - 2:00 am

  The pathfinder is well built and fun to drive. I like the attention to detail including self adjusting seats and automatic headlights. The pathfinder replaced a 2000 Ford Explorer... no comparison, the Pathfinder is a far superior vehicle.

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  Ultima 2002/2003 - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By ayh822 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I am a first time Nissan owner. I have always purchased Hondas in the past. I have enjoyed the drive on the new Ultima. Its handling is great, I like that it has more power considering its a 4 cylinder vehicle. I bought it for its sleek new lines and of course the color. Its definitely a fun drive on the open road.

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  Great car. - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Pmano - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Roomy interior and best styling in its class... The Bose 8 spkr system is one of the tops out there. This is a highly competitive class but the altima is the tops in my boook. the accords new styling was a bit off... The Camry is nice but too bland. The Passat doesnt have the reliability and is too expensive. We wont even start with the american cars (although the stratus is pretty good).

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  Reliable ride for 3 years - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By lajla - April 9 - 11:47 pm

  Bought this Nissan with 99.000 km (Canada), sold it 3 years later with 143.000 km. No issues whatsoever, absolutely reliable, rattle free, firm ride, no squeaks. Started every time in any temperature without any hesitation. Only dislike I had was underpowered engine and Pathfinders feature of not locking the torque converter until the engine is hot. When you get on the hwy with cold engine, it seems like the 4th gear wont shift in. I actually thought first that its a bad tranny :-) Other than that, awesome vehicle. Oh - gas milage is poor - got 15 mpg in city, maybe 16 on hwy, light foot. My 04 4Runner has better milage and more power, but not as smooth ride like Pathfinder