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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  computer replacement at 46,000 miles - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Karen - May 5 - 5:56 am

  This is a fast, fun car to drive but I was unhappy to find that one dealer said a sensor was out causing the transmission to malfunction and then they replaced the sensor again because I didnt make it around the block without the check engine light coming on again. Two days later after the second fix it happened again. I took it to another dealer who correctly diagnosed it as the computer itself and replaced it under warranty. I hope the new computer will last longer than another 46,000 miles!

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  To Zee or not to Zee - 2014 Nissan 370Z
  By Al Rod - May 4 - 6:43 pm

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  Not Real Happy - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By neyedoc - May 4 - 10:00 am

  The clutch was defective and I keep having to replace different sensors questionably due to engine heat

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  Shame On Nissan - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Lorenzo W - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I just Purchased my vehicle and loved it for the 3 days I had it in one piece. To My horror, I walk outside on the 4th day to see my HID headlights are GONE! After filing a complaint at the police staion, I find that this is an ongoing problem with Nissans design. The Lights are easy to pop out and the car horn (alarm) can easily be disconnected by sticking your hand in the front grill and pulling the wire. NISSAN, WHAT WERE YOUR DESIGNERS THINKING OF?! To top it off, the Nissan Parts and service station charge over $4,000 to replace the bulbs (at $750 a piece).

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  Excellent choice, best vehicle Ive had - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By BryanDMC - May 4 - 10:00 am

  The 2001 Pathfinder LE 4WD has power, a smooth ride, and is extremely fun to drive. The Bose system sounds excellent and I cant stop putting miles on this excellent vehicle. Build quality/workmanship has been great. My only issue is the milage, but that is even great compared to other SUVs. A small price to pay for an excellent vehicle.

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  A winner - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Lynda - May 4 - 10:00 am

  A lot of fun to drive. Finally.... enough power for the L.A. freeways! This puppy can get out of the way in a hurry! Provides a comfortable ride. A little noisy (wind noise and road noise). Great size- easy to get around in (great turning radius) and can haul a fair amount. Quick and easy to flatten rear passenger seats for more storage area. Great sound system (although the CD player takes a while to kick in).

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  Great overall truck - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By JNegron - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this truck. The aggressive styling and performance in this truck is impressive. The fact that there are not that many supercharged Frontiers on the street make people really acknowledge the better look of it.

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  Mud Slingin in Style - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By McFack - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Great Truck! Easily $3k cheaper than Toyota or Ford Sport Trac w/ comparable options. I purchased for looks, options & $price$. Options:4WD,Automatic,Long Bed,Under rail bed liner w/ rail caps,Rockford Fosgate 6-disc.CD,Tow Hitch,Leather Package(Includes Sun Roof & Security System) Added Options:H&H Tool Box Nit Picky Complaints: (1)Clicking noises under the hood when putting the truck into gear. I think this is typical of Frontiers, but IÂ’ve never heard of this before. (2)When I turn on the AC the compressor makes a noise like one beat on a drum. I hope this is not the sound of future repairs. Otherwise the AC works great!

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  Second Xterra - 2009 Nissan Xterra
  By Glen - May 4 - 2:23 am

  This is my second xterra. First was a 05 off-road 6speed. The new one is the same. 6 speed off-roads are soooo rare, had to jump at a new one. Still the best all around choice in a respectable 4x4 suv that can go "off-road" for real. But would like lower gears and a little more ground clearance. On the road, if you like power, this is the suv for the money.

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  A Great Car For the Money - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Nat - May 3 - 11:03 pm

  The new 07 Altima looks great, has a very nice SL option package, and the 4 cylinder engine is surprisingly quick and responsive. It is a lot of car for the money.