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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  Nice little commuter car - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By Earl R - May 7 - 3:20 am

  I bought my Sentra as an economical commuter car for my 116 mile daily round trip to DC. The car has better power than I expected from a 1.8L, has decent road manners, acceptable ride comfort, and when driven properly can get very close to the EPA estimated 34 mpg on the highway. My actual mileage usually comes in around 31-32, but I do tend to have a heavy right foot. My only real complaint, and this is a common trait in every Nissan Ive owned/driven, is the interior room, especially in the rear seat area. Im 6-3", and could use just a tad more leg room in front, but I wouldnt even consider climbing in the back of this car. At 23k miles reliability has been perfect so far.

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  Did It Again - 2010 Nissan Pathfinder
  By AJA021457 - May 7 - 3:16 am

  Had such good luck with my 2006 Pathfinder that when the lease was up I decided on a 2010. The engine is bullet proof. All I ever did to my "06 was change the oil, replace the air filter and rotate the tires. I never brought it in for any of the scheduled services and at 52,000 miles when the lease expired the truck ran as good as new. I never had any engine related problems. I think what partially sold me on getting another Pathfinder is the 3rd row seating in a smaller/sportier vehicle instead of being forced to buy a gigantic SUV like a Suburban. The Pathfinder fits in my garage. I have noticed a few improvements in the 2010 compared to the 2006.

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  My best Christmas Present - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Marcelo Chaparro - May 6 - 5:50 pm

  My wife and I just got the Rogue as a Christmas present. Let me tell you that after doing a lot of research (CR-V, RAV4, Tucson), I found the Nissan Rogue the best SUV/CUV you can find in the market. We fell in love with this SUV the first time we drove it. It is nice and quiet, sporty, cool looking and great features, and the best is 100% Japanese. We just love it.

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  Second one, love it - 2007 Nissan Pathfinder
  By catcher10us - May 6 - 3:10 pm

  Turned in my 06 PF SE that came off lease with 55000 miles for an 07 SE with leather with 25k miles from the same dealer. New ones were way too much and this one, looks like my old one but runs great, is comfortable and with the leather, a bit more luxurious. Looked at some other SUVs and for the money the 07 PF was a deal and a known quantity. So far, have had no major issues with either one and am a real fan of the Pathfinder. Comfortable, power to burn and lots of room. All in all, a terrific vehicle

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  New truck - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By designbo - May 6 - 12:50 pm

  This is my second Titan. Lease trucks through business. First Titan was awesome as not one bit of trouble, trouble was couldnt keep out of it as I always loved driving it. Was never thinking of changing to another truck, but after rethinking the lease options again and seeing I was over mileage I looked at others, but kept coming back to Titan. Love the quality, performance and overall satisfaction of my older 2005 titan. This new one is awesome. Great performance. Great sound system and just a good truck. Have only had it a week, but can tell you the quality is there, and the service from our local dealership is great. Im sure Ill have more to write but so far this is another great truck

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  My new(used) 2000 Maxima SE - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Darrick Ensey - May 6 - 10:00 am

  My experiebce thus far has been exceptional. I have only had it for a week and already everybody loves it. This is the most fun-to-drive car I have ever known or owned!!

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  200 Nissan Pathfinder - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By romeo90626 - May 6 - 10:00 am

  The SUV is well designed, convenient to use and loaded with convenience features.Nissan bulds a quality vehicle.

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  Poor competitor to the Civic - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Joe Ramiro - May 6 - 10:00 am

  This car is just a poor example of how a compact should be made. Even though it is Japanese it is more on par with its American counterparts then it is its Japanese. The car is loud, VERY loud. Tire noise, thumps, bumps, squeaks, rattles, etc. The windows make a rustling noise when you lower them. Just poorly constructed. 0-40 was actually impressive, however the torque curve is set that way intentionally; probably a good city car however merging onto the highway is not fun. I just traded this in for an 04 Civic. NO COMPARISON. Honda wins hands down.

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  No Cruise Control! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By bapper64 - May 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car, sight unseen, after a recommendation from a friend who had it thoroughly checked out. Not at all disappointed except for one thing. I have the GXE model and there is one thing that really bugs me - there isnt cruise control. This car is loaded for the price has power everything else including keyless entry. Im not sure why cruise control isnt a standard feature since it ranks pretty low on the ladder of options. Overall, Im very happy with it and would recommend this car to anyone who wants reliable and reasonable transportation.

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  Impressive.. - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By EM_JC - May 6 - 10:00 am

  I was incredibly impressed by the car. After driving a fully loaded Sentra, I wanted more. I was very impressed by all the features and power thats available..Both Nissans we already owned before the Maxima have been very reliable, and so far, this is no exception.. even at 42,000 miles.