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:

• 

  Worth every penny - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Freezer - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 02 Pathfinder used. Have had it for a year and not a single issue. 4x4 works great and plenty of getup. However, the brakes squeak on occassion and the rear hatch shocks squeak.

• 

  2001 Nissan Pathfinder LE - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By jgreiver - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I love this car!! The sporty V6 blows away the competition in its class. It has more horsepower than some small V8s that I have seen. The ride is smooth, but handles like an SUV. Driver position is very comfortable, and the LE model is loaded with nice features. Excellent choice!!

• 

  2001 Nissan Maxima SE - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By 01maxima - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Very dependable, comfortable, and stylish. Has only needed gas, oil, and filter changes. One unscheduled repair for a faulty oxygen sensor replaced under warranty. A genuinely nice, sporty sedan for the money.

• 

  Love My Maxima! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By SidneyS - January 20 - 5:50 pm

  I have been privileged to drive some wonderful vehicles including the 5 series BMW. However, this is, by far, the BEST sedan Ive enjoyed. Its quiet, comfortable, safe and above all, reliable. The owners manual is most helpful in detailing what needs to be done regarding services. Following the manufacturers recommendations, this car will last forever. I highly recommend the Maxima if you want luxury and sensibility combined!

• 

  loving it - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By jenjen - January 20 - 8:53 am

  Love this suv. I have so much room. Its fast. Its gorgeous too! I added some modifications (rims, tinted windows ect...) and I always get compliments. Gas isnt great but its an suv and the way the world is today you cant win!

• 

  Great truck - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Steve K - January 20 - 4:43 am

  I bought this truck new in 2006, and have loved it ever since. Had to replace the front rotors and brakes under warranty, so Ill be watching that, but otherwise, no problems. We drive it every day, but have tried to keep the overall miles low. This vehicle does it all - SUV, car, truck all in one with TONS of power. Gas mileage isnt great, but isnt much worse than many smaller SUVS. Blows the Chevys, Fords, and Toyotas away in every category.

• 

  04 Murano a disappointment - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By JHicks - January 19 - 11:16 pm

  This was our 3rd and last Nissan. First 2 were awesome then came the Murano. Starting at 75k miles everything went sour. 2 sensors, 2 motor mounts, cat converter, power locks plus small things had to be replaced. I got no help from Nissans customer service. Cat converter went 500 miles after warranty and got no help thru Nissan. After 4k+ in repairs, I finally dumped it and will never buy another Nissan. Buyer beware, do your research very carefully. I got rid of mine before the CVT failed, that would have been another $5k.

• 

  After much review... - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By JVP - January 19 - 10:06 pm

  ... I finally decided on the Xterra after looking at just about everything that had 4 doors and a hatch. I have 2 kids, one in a car seat, but hated the thought of giving up my truck for an SUV. The Xterra has great road presence (sits high, feels strong) and has well thought out interior features. I always choose power over mileage when faced with one or the other, and while the mileage isnt that bad (22 highway according to the sticker), the power is wonderful. I am also very pleased with the ride and the suspension. Its built very, very well (Titans frame, etc.) It also has a youthful appearance, which never hurts a guy my age.

• 

  I luv my Nissan:-) - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By Dwija - January 19 - 7:30 pm

  Weve had this car for a little over 2 years now and have had no problems at all. Regular maintenence and it runs like a dream. Its not the hottest car on the road, but with 2 toddlers in the back, reliability and safety are the most important things. Were at about 78K miles, and were going to keep driving it until it falls apart, which probably wont be for a looooong time. My first car was an old beater Nissan Sentra, and it never let my down. Right now, our other car is a pick- up...not too practical with kids, so were looking to buy a boring old mini- van, and the 02 Nissan Quest is looking pretty good at the moment!

• 

  Nice Car - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By dan p. - January 19 - 1:00 pm

  Ive been very impressed so far with this car. The price was great for such a reliable car. It is not only reliable but can be quick and great on gas.