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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  Real Off Road Machine - Out of the Box - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By SarnX - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a vehicle to take me to and from work everyday and be able to play offroad on the weekends all at a reasonable price. Hands down this vehicle is it. The supercharger is a wonderful feature for highway driving and passing. The fact that this machine has a full box ladder frame makes it perfect for real offroading. Aftermarket parts are also becoming more widely available. My only complaint would be fuel economy but if that was my main concern I wouldnt have bought this vehicle in the first place.

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  Fun to drive, need gas tanker to follow - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Ducati Racer - September 20 - 10:00 am

  We waited for the supercharged version to come out and are very glad we did. We picked up the electric blue, stnadard for the family and to tow my ducati on an open trailer for racing. In texas the roads are fast, so 80mpg is pretty normal and no problem with the trailer and loaded with gear. Gas milage is another issue. I get 120- 140 miles on a tank and 9mpg when towing. Ouch! Price was great for what we were looking for as well.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By RLF06 - September 20 - 9:46 am

  I bought this SUV to be able to get up the hills around here (VA) in the snow. Now have 91,000 miles on it, it has been great both off road, and in reqular use. Get 18.5 mpg in mostly highway driving. This truck is fun to drive with the 5-speed manual, and it does everything I expected. I have had no problems and would get another one in a heartbeat.

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  Great Utilitarian Vehicle - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By blharris77 - September 19 - 10:13 am

  If you’re looking for a SUV that you can actually take off road then this is your vehicle. Mine has 45,000 miles and has had no major problems. The ride is a little stiff but makes up for it in off road capability. The interior leaves a little to be desired. Engine seems a little sluggish when trying to pass at highway speeds but more than capable for around town driving. Towing capability is pretty impressive for this class vehicle.

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  2003 Nissa Altima - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Richard - September 18 - 4:10 am

  Excellent car through 75K. I have done all the required maintenance through the dealership. Rather pricey. Good fuel economy, very comfortable interior. Cheap plastic on the inside, armrest and drink holder cover broken in first six months. Very squeaky passenger seat. All in all very nice car for the price.

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  Had to have this car and Im glad I do! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Rebeccahoo.com - September 17 - 11:43 pm

  I love this car - its not so massive as some of the larger SUVs, but its high enough to be able to have a good view of traffic and has enough inside room to transport lots of different items. The only drawback is the fuel economy. When I purchased the vehicle, I was getting about 19 or so m.p.g., however, ever since my alternator was replaced in the recall (I know, it isnt supposed to have anything to do with m.p.g.), my mileage has gone down to around 17 m.p.g. and my driving habits havent changed. I had my 15,000 mile service completed - no change!

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  **Warning**2005 Pathfinder Defect** - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Roger - September 17 - 7:36 pm

  I and many others who bought the new 2005 Pathfinder from the same dealership have found a defect with the exterior. The defect is found on many but not all new Pathfinders, so please inspect before you drive a new one off the dealer lot. On the drivers side [passenger] door, look at the top toward the windshield. The metal should slightly curve inward and be smooth and flush with the lines of the truck. However, on many, the curve has more of a pushed in (bent) look than flush with the lines of the truck. This does problem does not occur on the [drivers] door. So, please inspect carefully in the daylight before you purchase and drive that new 2005 Pathfinder home. Outside of this, I am happy.

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  2006 Altima SE - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Jonathon - September 17 - 2:56 pm

  This is my first Nissan and it has really impressed me. Great on gas, lots of power, fun to drive. Love the Bose stereo and heated seats. I drive 50% city and 50% highway and current gas mileage is 26mpg.

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  After 37K, Update and farewell - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By JohnBuller - September 17 - 6:03 am

  I loved the car when I first had it, but 3 years later, the bloom is off. Still great, but not the same thrill. Its been fast, fun, reliable, but doesnt wear well both interior or exterior, and I am a fanatic about care. Paint quality is an issue; Sheer Silver looks great, but paint is poor, esp on front bumper and hood. The turning radius is HORRIBLE; 40.5 feet puts it in SUV territory. Car felt porky and didnt excite me even with all its bells and whistles. I tire of cars easily, but thought Id have it forever. Traded for an 05 Altima SL. Not that the Max is a bad car; far from it, it just doesnt grow on you. It felt clunky after 37,000 miles; I got bored.

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  My first Nissan - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By twduke - September 16 - 5:10 pm

  Previously had BMWs. Still have one. Needed more cargo space but full size SUVs just too large for me so crossovers got my attention. I researched & drove the Lexus, BMW, Acura, Infiniti crossovers then just stumbled across the Murano on the web, read up on them & had 2 test drives. Decided not to throw money away on other vehicles that were not as good as the Murano when it came to features, power, driving pleasure, and comfort. Got the tech, premium, leather, & dual moonroof options. Already had a portable nav system so passed on theirs. After 1,500 miles I am very happy with the car. Makes for a relaxing commute. Getting 20-21 mpg in rush hour/city driving. Nissan got this one right!