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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  Great Car! - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By GREAT CAR - February 21 - 9:00 pm

  Our 09 Murano LE is the best car I have owned to date. Only complaint and a big one is the noise from the moon roof. The air deflector is very noisy. It appears to be a built in design flaw. Hard to believe that it was not discovered when the car was designed. Unless the problem is fixed, dont spend the money for a moon roof or, at least, dont pay for it!

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  Phelps - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Lanny Phelps - February 21 - 7:00 pm

  I have owned four Maximas and have never been let down. They combine performance with luxury features that no other car in this price range can deliver.

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  Proud to say its ours - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By rosey - February 21 - 4:20 pm

  We purchased this car from a used car shop and it only had 8,000 miles. We love the roominess and the wide front window. We have a black car and it looks so nice when we walk up to it somewhere. The real problem for us is that there is only a key entry on the drivers side. This is extremely inconvenient. If you are parked and want to put your elderly parent, young children, packages, poochie into the car you have to leave them there and go around into traffic. It was a stupid design "feature" and Nissan wasnt aware of it when I called. Go figure. They are to get back to me but I doubt it. Otherwise for driving around town it is pretty good.

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  Wonderful Vehicle - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By anton - February 21 - 1:36 pm

  Bought my 1997 in 2000 with 80k on it. I now have 235k. Over the last 7 years and 150 I have done little more than required maintenance. I have done the following one time: belts, alternator, shocks & struts, muffler. All fluids are changed regularly and I just did the second tire replacement. The only unexpected replacement was the rear trailing arm bushings that cost me 150 in parts and a few hours of work. The dealer will do it for about 650. Overall it has been an excellent reliable truck that I expect to see 300k without any major issues.

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  Xterra to the nth Power - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By NewXterraFan - February 21 - 3:33 am

  Ive been looking for an SUV that looks good and fun to drive and Ive found it in the 2005 Xterra. This SUV is awesome with its new upgraded engine,interior, exterior, and a whole lot more. Ive been driving this SUV under both street and offroad conditions for the past month and all I have to say is, WOW!!! Its 265HP-V6 has got to be the best upgrade Nissan has given the Xterra. The difference in handling and performance between the 2005 and 2004 model is night and day, not to mention the roominess of the interior compartment!!! If you are looking for a reasonably priced SUV that has everything youll ever need, you cant go wrong with the 2005 Xterra!! One word - AWESOME!!

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  An amazing first new car! - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Keith - February 20 - 5:13 pm

  I must say this car outperformed even what I expected. I too was deciding between the Honda Civic and Nissan Sentra. The Sentra seemed more economical and gave me better bang for the buck. Anyway, this car has been giving me amazing gas mileage. I have been getting well over 38 mpg highway (averaging more around 40!). The design is very nice for the car. As mentioned by others GET THE CONVENIENCE PACKAGE, it is worth every penny. Overall, this was a great decision on my part as my first ever new car purchase. The handling, design, functionality, and versatility of this car far surpassed what even I could have expected.

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  Our first new car in over 10 years. - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Tom - February 20 - 12:00 pm

  The only drawback I have is that it is a little difficult to reach the seat belt to pull and connect into the clip. Otherwise I love it. Next vehicle that I am in the market for I will consider Nissan.

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  Old but strong - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By radiohead - February 20 - 10:00 am

  This car was purchased from my sister at 245k and it sat around for 6 months prior to that. In my mind I didnt expect to much out of it because of it was a foreign car (Chevy born and raised) but this car truly did surprise me. The handling was a little shifty but the power of the V6 held its own against a Mustang I must say. This is a solid, well built car with a great ride and excellent power. Even though it sad around for 6 months, once the cob webs were blown off, she shined like a diamond performance wise. The only problems Ive faced is repair cost and what others have done to it.

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  7 Year Review (LE Model 2WD) - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By ses3699 - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Bought new in sep03 and have 120,000 miles. Comfortable, dependable, good power. Replaced one front wheel bearing, battery, brakes at 60,000 miles. Dealer fixed catalytic converter at 70,000 miles under warranty. Replaced front struts, shocks at 110,000 miles and belts at 50,000 and 100,000 miles. Original bridgestone tires replaced at 35,000 miles. Went to Michelin and replaced them at 105,000 miles with Michelin. Get 19 mpg driving from stop-and-go to 80 mph every day to work (40 miles each way). Cd skips when cold. Driver seat leather getting rips near controls. Steering wheel radio controls are becoming finicky. Cup holder lid hinges.Towed trailers on several 2000 mile trips

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  Xterra the best car ever - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By javier - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought my xterra new and use it for work and do a lot of driving . I have 210,990 miles and do all the required maint. Oil every 4-5000 miles. Trans fluid every 50k. Tune-up was done at 150k w/timing belt. Didnt need water pump but changed it anyway. Shocks (factory stock at 40k not that good ) but since then) kybs no prob!The only prob is break dust on front rims, hard to keep clean. Breaks every 30k easy to do my self. Engine strong overall very strong .