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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  LE CREW CAB4X4 ,6000 miles - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By DADDYMACK - August 10 - 4:13 pm

  So far I have enjoyed my le titan crew cab. I have owned all the other makes at one time or another. The Titan v8 has more power plus the best gas mileage. Unless you are going to tow more than 7200 bls ,DONT GET THE TOW PACKAGE! Most customers think they have to have this to tow . Thats not true. I get 18.37 to 18.69 mpg on the highway not towing,and 14.38 to 14.68,all round. This includes a lot of stop and go in town and out. The 03 prof. grade truck I had only got 16.54 on the highway. The ride is good for a 4x4 and so far only one little rattle. Handles more like a car. The transmission so far is excellent! GM needs to take notice.

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  Wow! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By cycler1 - August 10 - 10:53 am

  Looked at numerous vehicles for a year, hands down the best, sporty yet stable handling, carlike smooth ride, seats fit me perfectly, very comfortable leather, good thigh support, head room just enough, am 6 feet tall, bountiful leg room, actually have seat forward with plenty of leg room in rear. Went shopping and had plenty of cargo room. Dash very smart, simple and sporty, all gauges easily readable, acceleration more than ample, car feels like going slow at 65 mph, tried paddle shifters, fun but not necessary, grey with grey interior, beautiful and classy, wife so happy with car, never saw her like this with a new car, she loves the look, the feel, the comfort. Nissan has a winner here.

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  I heart my Sentra! - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By danielle1072 - August 10 - 10:43 am

  I purchased my Sentra after my 1995 Maxima sadly died and I LOVE IT! Its adorable, fun to drive, and an absolute pleasure to be in. The interior is huge, the trunk is a nice size, and the price was right, especially for the extra bells and whistles. Ive been recommending the Sentra to anyone I know thats considering a new car. Its great on gas and just a great car overall. Im a loyal Nissan customer for LIFE!

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  Excellent - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By Marcel - August 10 - 9:46 am

  I bought my Xterra in December 2007 after been around dealers because I wanted a real good SUV safe and stable in the highways. After reviewing dealer by dealer all the SUVs in the market this one was the more affordable and comfortable. Is excellent, the only thing I will love to add on my X is a moonroof!! Other then that, excellent.

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  How i like it. - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Tyler Sather - August 9 - 9:00 pm

  This vehicle has bad comfort after your sitting in it for 2-3 hours. Performance is really good.I wouldnt sell it for a new corvette.

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  Best Mid Size 4 cyl Car out there!! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Ed from Orlando - August 9 - 7:03 pm

  This is my third Nissan (95 Altima and 06 350Z). I have owned three Accords (86, 93 & 03). The 2008 Altima is by far the most practical, good looking and balanced car I have ever bought! We looked at the Camry, Accord and the Altima. I went back and forth about three time between Accord & Altima. Altima was selected due to the outside styling, performance, gas mileage, Intelligent Key, simple Interior & Timing chain = less maint cost.

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  2005 Pathfinder LE - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Charlesbosworth - August 9 - 5:33 pm

  Car has unbelievable power. Easily outruns most sedans. Is extremely smooth, comfortable and road worthy at all speeds. No internal rear hatch release in case of emergency. Sound system is excellent. No rear window bug deflector available as with earlier models. Trailer hitch has to be bought as a separate item unlike previous models where is was included. No place to store this hitch inside the car. Steering wheel and horn leaves much to be desired in relation to previous models. Horn "button" does not go out to edges of spokes of wheel. You can try and use horn and not reach it. Radio and cruise control buttons are not illuminated making them difficult to use. Vehicle has all gauges.

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  Loved it - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By SHARAKIN54 - August 9 - 7:40 am

  Loved it till the CVT messed up during a Memorial Day trip.. This is a great car to drive and really love everything about it. Wanted one for ever since the body was re designed. Could use more interior storage,

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  A pleasant surprise - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Quia - August 9 - 5:00 am

  I traded a 2004 Isuzu Rodeo S for my 08 Pathfinder so right off the top I was immediately impressed. The exterior styling is commanding yet sleek; great ground clearance; and I was pretty pleased that the hitch was standard on the one I bought. Ive seen some Pathfinders around with these weird contoured pinstripes, but mine doesnt have that fortunately. Even for a base model I was pleased with the remote keyless entry, power windows, locks and tint. It rides much smoother than my Rodeo (and the Lincoln Aviator and Acura MDX which Ive driven), but not quite as nice as the Lexus GX470. The rear seats are a bit tight, but we just put the kids back there anyway.

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  Piece of junk - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By big ron - August 9 - 3:26 am

  I hate this truck, nothing but trouble. Every sensor went bad. Radiator went bad. Broke on inside one big mess Nissan would not fix. Transmission gone bad. Cant fine a new one. Will never buy another one. Should have stayed with Toyota