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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  Great basic car with tolerable downsides - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By hnamous - August 17 - 3:18 am

  After 7,500 miles, my experience so far has been mostly good. Power is adequate for everyday driving, but it doesnt inspire much confidence in highway passing. The build quality seems to be good although one of my foglights popped out for no apparent reason. No reliability issues so far. The interior materials are acceptable. Missing standard features such as HD radio and USB. Bluetooth is GREAT. Major Downsides: Handling is not so good (possibly due to the tires). Rattling under acceleration. Squealing breaks (wet or dry). CVT is noisy and dimwitted. Never achieved EPA estimates - and I drive carefully!

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  Almost Got It Right! - 2007 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Vance - August 17 - 3:10 am

  Lease ended on our Pacifica AWD which was loaded! Wanted a family vehicle minus the boring Minivan factor. The crossover Pacifica, while the best interior quality of ANY vehicle, lacked the fun factor and our kids could not see over the high door/window lines. We stumbled upon the Pathfinder while looking at a Volvo XC90 and Chrysler Aspen. Boy is the Aspen crap (cheap materials) compared to the Pacifica... Chrysler was out. Volvo was to $$$ for the bells and whistles of our Pacifica. Then came the Pathfinder... Had everything our Pacifica had (dvd, nav, leather, dimming mirrors, Bose etc.) for an very good price. And it was FUN to drive. Boxy, but sharp and family friendly.

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  Excellent Family Car - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By sukhi kohli - August 17 - 1:30 am

  My wife used to hate the thought of driving a minivan until she drove Quest. Its the best family car, with ample legroom in front, rear and third row seats. We love taking this car for long drives and will soon drive cross country. I recommend Quest to everybody. Enjoy your ride.

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  poor fuel economy - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By Mike - August 16 - 11:16 pm

  The truck is good looking and has sufficient power. Truck has been well taken care of and has met the off road demands that I have placed on it. Interior and exterior are well designed. A crowed favorite.

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  Great vehicle but not without its quirks - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Bill - August 16 - 10:46 pm

  Over 15 months/22,000 miles of ownership, my Sentra never left me stranded and gave me good, dependable transportation to/from work. While not a sports car by any means, it could blow away any Civic or Corolla on the road. Styling was nice for a car in its price range. The CVT was a neat variation of the traditional A/T and helped make the most of the engines power, but it was disconcerting during stops as it would often cause the car to slingshot forward while braking, almost like downshifting too early with a manual. Gas mileage was okay, typically in the mid-20s, but nowhere near the advertised 36 mpg hwy as others have mentioned. Interior was nice, but quality left a lot to be desired.

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  A mixed bag - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Cleanshot - August 16 - 11:06 am

  This car has been a mixed bag. The engine, transmission, and interior have held the test of time. It currently has 130K miles, but right around 100K it turned into a money pit. In the past 30k miles I have put close to $5K in it for weird things like a new brake system and electronic engine mounts. Its always gone to the dealer for regular maint. The worst part is the suspension. Its crap! The road is absorbed through the steering wheel and the struts always feel loose. Ive also had a constant wheel shimmy that we live with. I will keep it as long as possible, but I just bought a second car Lexus ES 350. Its no performance car but I love the ride.

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  2500 Mile Mark - Update - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By rogueman41 - August 13 - 12:39 pm

  After 2500 miles, Im still enjoying my Rogue. Finally getting used to the CVT. It could use a little more power. It scoots around town just fine. Passing and entrance ramps are another story. Maybe with the next re-design, they will address that issue. If they would just figure out a diesel option for this vehicle, the low end torque would be awesome. Ride is just ok for a crossover....many times you can tell youre in an entry level vehicle (although it really doesnt LOOK entry level). I get a lot of complements on it. But you can usually hear and/or feel small road imperfections. Gas mileage has been right around 25mpg (combined city/hwy).

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  Love my "Batttleship" - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Jack - August 13 - 7:06 am

  Im a big guy with a big family, so this is the perfect vehicle. Yes it is a thirsty beast, but I knew that going in. This is by far the most comfortable vehicle Ive owned. Family trips are great with six of us and our gear easily accommodated. Pulls my camper with ease. Handles amazingly well for its size. Moves the soccer team and school band like a champ.

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  powerful! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By maxima02 - August 13 - 2:00 am

  the xenon lights are a hot item, stolen off my car 3 times!

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  Catch me if you Can! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By nocboy - August 13 - 2:00 am

  My ride is awesome! I got the 3.5 V6 back in Feb. of 2002 and I still dig it. I was waiting around to see what the 04 Maxima looks like and finally saw some pics. Nicer ofcourse but you could see that family resemblance so Im cool with keeping the Altima. I take the freeway on a daily basis for my work commute, I luv working those lanes through traffic! Not too fun going home from Orange County to Corona Though...(traffics a parking lot). But then again its a perfect time too show off my ride!