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:

• 

  Frontier For A Frontiersman - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By Duane Truman - January 27 - 10:00 am

  As a former Nissan truck owner, Im aware of its strong value as a dependable, sturdy truck with very reasonable fuel economy. My new Frontier XE only reaffirms my belief in the Nissan line as it performs smoothly, rides better than any other truck I test drove and has the most appealing face of any truck on the market...as recognisable as many classics that its sure to become.

• 

  This is a fun vehicle - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By John Levdez - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle with 70,000 miles on it and I have taken it all over the great outdoors and it is more fun than any other vehicle I have ever owned.

• 

  mine - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By smeelay44 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  great! i love it so much!

• 

  Would never buy another SUV - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By jcoleman - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Cant describe how happy i am with this vehicle. Going on my third year of ownership, this is quite simply the best car i have ever owned. It is powerful, reliable, and has wonderful off-road capabilities. This truck has gotten me through 2 rocky mountain winters, and gets me to all my favorite skiing and fishing places that I otherwise wouldnt reach.

• 

  Disappointed - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Billiard - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I purchased another Nissan soley due to my previous XE-6 extended cab had no problems in the 9 years I drove it other than an $14 relay I replaced in the ignition system. Ive had this one for 2 years and have already had too many problems. After only 3 months, my belts came off while driving due to a failure of the part that keeps the tension in the belts. This year, the regulators in both the front windows had to be replaced when my windows would not roll up. A piece on the wind shield for the luggage rack broke and the whole assembly had to be replaced. And now, by CD player will not accept CDs.

• 

  Go Out & Getchu One - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Chubbs Paugh - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I had originally planned on purchasing an XE/SE model but opted for the S/C for all of its upgrades (fat tires/charcoal rims/black&blue interior/and oh yeah, the supercharger. For those of you looking for an SUV that has the off-road capability of a Wrangler; go for the Xterra. Its a blast to drive. I didnt get the same excitement from the VUE, or the CRV. I reccommend these for the grocery getters out there. But if youre the type to strap some kayaks, or mountain bikes to the roof, the Xterra will get you anywhere you want to go.

• 

  If your serious this is the car for you - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By ohio z - January 27 - 10:00 am

  For the money this is one of the smartest buys out there. This car competes with cars that cost twice as much and still more fun to own and drive. I cant stop smiling after every drive and it has over 4,000.00 miles on it now.

• 

  Z ROADSTER - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By FARM AZ - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. It handles great, even while pushing corners very hard it grips the road like glue. It sounds great also, while driving down the road Ill hear this great tone and wonder where its coming from, and then realizing it my car! The exhaust note is always behind the car so the noise is not bothersome.

• 

  disappointment - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By i hate nissan now - January 27 - 10:00 am

  this car got really good reviews, went out and bought it... big mistake. always got crappy mileage about 12mpg mixed driving. im not kidding, i even tried driving like i was afraid of the gas pedal, not much help. finally at 7k service engine soon light comes on. what the heck. forget this car, get an accord or a camry. i noticed something peculiar at the service center. it has both a nissan and toyota service department. nissans were rolling in by the dozens, didnt see a single car pull up to the toyota service

• 

  Journey to Excellence - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By ecainokc - January 27 - 10:00 am

  A complete joy to drive, comfortable with plenty of head and leg room that easily accomodates my 65" body. Very little road noise and a powerful engine that allows me to easily enter into traffic flow. The body style is just something to look at, I have the Elite with the sunroof option. The Bose system is unmatched, an unparrelled automobile.