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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  Gas Hog!! - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By carty1 - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Not bad, but fuel economy drags down the overall rating. Im getting 13.5- 15.0 for in-city driving. No difference noticed for highway driving!?!

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  After three years of ownership - WOW! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Jefferino - March 4 - 10:00 am

  A cars a car right? Not this time around. Ive always resected my cars and treated them well; typically getting 150k miles before trading them in. Ive had this car for three years and I LOVE it! It is the best car out there and I did not think that Id ever get hooked on a hunk of steel. Lots of power, great mileage (I got 30 mpgs the other day driving from Dallas to Austin), tons of interior space and a huge trunk. I had a freind who owns a Benz with me on the ride and he was blown away with how nice MY car was! And when we filled up for gas and I told him 30 mpg, he was shocked! Great car. Great, great car!

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  Nice ride - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By 1stPathfinder - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 01 4WD SE for a year now and have to say Im 90% happy with my purchase. The engine is silky smooth but does suck down the premium gas. Power is great as is the storage capacity. This is my first SUV so I cant really compare, but I do know it rides very nice. I opted for the 5- speed and still belive its more fun to drive. The power windows started squealing but it was fixed under warranty, as was the O2 sensor.

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  Better than an SUV or ordinary Compact - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By MARCUS - March 4 - 10:00 am

  An exceptional car for the price. Gives you a real sports car feel. The 175 horse engine and 6 speed stick really move. The 17" performance tires and sports suspension hug the road like a tight leather glove. The interior is functional and user friendly and is enhanced by the Rockford Fosgate stereo. Bottom line - The Toyota Corolla is "cute", and the average SUV is so big you feel like youre sitting in your living room. This car ROCKS and makes you appreciate driving again.

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  Love my Sentra - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By rbw - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this car since late December. I have a little over 5,000 miles as of late April. I have had NO problems what so ever. My mileage has varied between 30 and 39. I commute 39 miles a day each way. Most of my miles are freeway miles with few hills. Im a big guy, 63" 230lbs. The car is comfortable. I got the synergy package. Its an incredible value. I also test drove a Toyota Corolla and a Mazda Protege. I liked those cars too. But, I got more car for the money with the Sentra. PS: It is a fun car to drive.

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  Love my Sentra - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By RBW - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this car since late December. I have a little over 5,000 miles as of late April. I have had NO problems what so ever. My mileage has varied between 30 and 39. I commute 39 miles a day each way. Most of my miles are freeway miles with few hills. Im a big guy, 63" 230lbs. The car is comfortable. I got the synergy package. Its an incredible value. I also test drove a Toyota Corolla and a Mazda Protege. I liked those cars too. But, I got more car for the money with the Sentra. PS: It is a fun car to drive.

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  excellent - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By alex1 - March 4 - 10:00 am

  best deal for the money

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  This suv is built poorly - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Dr. Barry - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Since I have purchased this vehicle it has been in for repairs 12 times for numerous electrical problems as well as problems with the transmission, air conditioning, and rattles/squeeks. I filed a lemon law claim which was dismissed by Nissan and I am now in the process of suing them. It also gets horrible gas mileage for an suv of this size.I am extremely disappointed with this vehicle especially since I have owned many Nissan vehicles in the past with good results. I will never buy another Nissan again after seeing how they treat loyal customers that do have problems. I would urge anyone to think twice before purchasing this vehicle!

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  sweet ride - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By mscpool - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the murano for five weeks now and I cant find anything I dislike about the vehicle. It handles like a car not an SUV. I love the headlights and the fact that you can adjust them. Also, I was planning to put another sound system in, but the BOSE system is amazing and with no doubt a keeper.

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  The best SUV for the dollor - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By email77 - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I like this SUV a lot, It drive like a car, good power, nice seat, I just love it,