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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  Looks Great but too many problems - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By ylewis - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I love the look of the car but with the problems experienced with tire feathering, faulty front cup holder and rattling sounds when idle Id NEVER purchase the car again. No glove compartment and limited trunk space. This was my first Nissan and my last.

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  GREAT CAR - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By TUFEEK - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Bought used (2 years old). Has been a pleasure to own and drive.

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  Pathfinders for life - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By BossMan - September 16 - 2:00 am

  My first SUV experience has been a excellent one thanks to my Pathfinder. Good feel and feedback on the road as long as tires are properly balanced. Great cabin appointments including leather. Front seat could be a tad larger for my liking. No problems with rear seat fold down as suggested by Edmunds; and rear seat has ample room. Love the Bose stereo too. Rear springs could be a little stiffer for carrying loads.

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  k - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By hamp13 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Third row would be a plus. only downfall of the vehicle. much more power than my 99se 3.0...second pathfinder in 5 years... that is statment enough

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  Personal Experience - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By BigDawg - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Big, Powerful, Roomy (I am 320 lbs @65") stylish, affordable, reliable, fun to drive, great service after sale, all the right bells and whistles, corners well and "feels the road." Worth looking at and test driving if you are in the $30,000 to $34,000 range and know you are buying from a reputable dealer. This bad boy is HOT and bigger that the Sequoya, Tahoe and Expedition but a littler smaller than the Surbaban. Check this one out. I did and bought it.

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  Incredible Review - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Scott O - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Just got my loaded Armada SE Off-Road 4WD and it is impressive. This is my fifth Nissan in 6 years and this is by far the most impressive. Performance is incredible. Comfort is amazing. While fuel economy is less than desireable, my supercharged XTerra got the same mileage and required premium.

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  Not a typical entry-level model! - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By ScottinRKE - September 16 - 2:00 am

  This was my 4th Nissan (1 Sentra and 2 Altimas). I made the mistake of buying the 02 Altima when it 1st came out, and had nothing but problems. While at the dealership (where it had been towed again) I saw the Sentra. The interior was far nicer - though smaller, had the same engine, and the price was right. Bought it on the spot. While not as attention getting as the Altima, it feels much more solidly built, and has standard options (ABS, side-impact SRS, trip computer) that I have never had. Very underrated car!

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  Great style - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By CarlosArguello - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I searched and test drove every major brand. I ended with the Quest for its style, passenger style driving, big engine and lots of room. No regrets!!!! Love the van. Get the DVD system, best option I ever paid. Kids were great on the long trips.

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  Minivan sports car - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By thebrit1970 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Not only did I have an excellent experience at the dealership, but has been extremely impressed with the van. It drives like a sports car, but has the space of a minivan and the comfort of a luxury SUV. Could not be happier with my purchase.

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  Almost Perfect - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Kiawah5 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Fun, enjoyable, ruggedly sexy just a beautiful dependable vehicle. I always owned 4 wheel drive vehicles (30 years ) but this is like nothing I have ever owned or driven. We have had number of snow storms and its perfomance has been impeccable