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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  Peppiest and nices looking of the Hybrid - 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Chris - July 1 - 6:03 am

  This is an early review so Ill amend it later if anything changes. Like the previous reviewer, I was looking at the Milan/Fusion hybrids (other models are not practical for New England driving, in my opinion) and was most tempted by the superior gas mileage (and in my state, sales tax is waived for vehicle getting over 40mpg). Not something to off-handedly dismiss. HOWEVER, the pickup and styling of this care just smokes the Fusion/Milan. Although Im doing this mostly for environmental concerns; I still care about aesthetics. My model is fully loaded.

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  Great SUV for the money!! - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By Rico - July 1 - 5:06 am

  This is my first new Nissan and my first SUV. I mainly brought this Xterra because it fit my active lifestyle. I do a lot of mountain biking and camping and the Xterra has a lot of factory installed equipment that helps me move my gear along without any problems. The Xterra is a guy SUV it is clean and simple and has the right amount of options inside and out. If you are looking for great SUV with great reliability and safety features check out the Xterra.

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  2000 Nissan Pathfinder LE 3.3L V6 - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By aufiero92 - June 30 - 10:56 pm

  I was passed down a 2000 Pathfinder from my dad recently.. He got it new and I received it with 150K and was running fine. Since then, Ive put 35K on it and have had no major problems. This car is one of the most reliable vehicles Ive ever had. Starts fine in the freezing cold, 4WD works perfect, has never broken down, however, there are a few electrical problems. Most of the console lights dont work, seat heater indicator doesnt work, sunroof only opens by repeatedly clicking the switch, and the 6 CD changer broke and got jammed before I replaced it. Other then those small cosmetic issues, it is a great car and very reliable.

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  Best revised engine I have driven! - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By Mr. SS - June 30 - 11:13 am

  I have always been a huge fan of sports cars; but this one takes the cake. I got it w/ just under 25000 miles on it & it still looks immaculate. Everything about the vehicle is outstanding except for the hard plastics which has been vastly improved w/ soft materials in the 370. If you can ignore that minor issue, you will be very satisfied w/ the iconic Z. I prefer the 370 but did not get it because this one was a steal!

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  Bad transmission, bad brakes, noisy engine - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By nick131 - June 30 - 9:43 am

  Terrible transmission, brakes have to be changed every six months, worse car is snow... Do you want more reasons to stay away from this piece of junk called Altima? i got blue tooth and leather seats in my altima but who cares for these options when the car transmission failed on the first year of ownership... This car was the worse purchase i have ever made

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  The one to wait for. - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Bilbolo - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I waited for this car for 2 years. It was well worth it. Great car, great reliability, design, 19 miles to the gallon, loaded. The best value for the dollar. The 4wd works great from the limited use I have had with it (its summer in Texas). I would definitely recommend - go find the Path.

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  Want Another - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Another Consumer - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I love my Xterra and am passing it on to my newly licensed son. Im looking at another but want leather interior and was told by the dealer this was not possible!?! Ive had nothing but good luck with it and love driving it!

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  Murano: A Great Car! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By John Clark - June 29 - 2:00 am

  From styling to performance this car is absolutly great! We have enjoyed it from the first test drive. We get 21.8 MPG around town. Weve only taken it on one trip and got 24.4 MPG. Considering the power and size of the car we feel the MPG is great. Several friends are considering buying this car now.

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  Terrible first month - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By KHL - June 29 - 2:00 am

  My experience is not good at all, and really gave me a bad impression over Nissans manufacturing quality control. In the first 3 months, I had the car repaired 4 times. Mostly, bad QC! Body panel dropped, sliding door rail mis-aligned, truck light not connected, plastic covers failed off when touched for the first time! I must have one of lemon car coming out of Nissan factory. Very disappointed.

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  Shhhhh... Dad loves the minivan - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Gordom - June 29 - 2:00 am

  It had been monopolized by the wife and kids for a month before I snuck away with it for a 500 mile business trip. Loved every minute of it. The nightime departure through hill country showcased the handling, ride and responsiveness. Lots of power and was glued to the road cornering. No peering through the wheel to see if I might be speeding (I was) due to the new offset gauges. Excellent drivers visiblity and room. Audio system rocks. Quest is at home on the highway. Set the cruise control and enjoy the ride. Effortless to drive and astoundingly comfortable. Im thinking Titan for Dad for Xmas.