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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  What a Fun Car! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Matlack - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Great Car! Only one complaint. That is the shifting could be better. The car shifts hard especially when in cold conditions. The gears seem as though they "grind" a little. Also, the two front tires are showing excess wear on the inside of tires. This is a concern as I only have 15000 miles on it in one year.

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  hotdog - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By sam sneed - November 11 - 10:00 am

  great car! i love that so few are seen on the road- enjoy - for those that knock the interior keep in mind this is a sports car and a great value - not a show case- I enjoy the understated non flash look of the interior Z!

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  Love my Cube - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By artj65 - November 10 - 6:56 pm

  I have had a 2009 Cube S for a couple weeks now. Wow what a fun car! Im 44 years old and have owned many different makes and models of cars and trucks over the years but this new nissan is really something special. My 2 small children ages 5 and 2 fit really well in the back seat (in child seats) My wife is tall and she says it has more leg room than anything she has ever rode in. Fuel economy is really good, I drove it this past week on a 2 hour drive and got just over 30MPG at interstate speeds running AC. I like that the Back seats adjust back and forth a little to allow a little more space behind the back seats. Just right for all those grocery bags.

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  Nissan Pathfinder Plat vs. Honda Pilot Touring - 2017 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Mark Howell - November 10 - 5:17 pm

  3-months ago I bought my wife a 2017 Honda Pilot Touring AWD and today offloaded it to the local Nissan dealership for a far superior 2017 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum AWD midnight edition with family entertainment. Why you might ask? Because the technology in the Honda Pilot is far inferior than that of the NPF. Why would you put a rear seat entertainment system in a vehicle if you cant control it from the drivers seat. Ask Honda. It was impossible to start movies from the front of the car, which is completely useless. Why would you force a phone call made from your iPhone into what they call "private mode" and NOT let it play through bluetooth. Google this if youre comparing cars right now because it is a huge, known problem. That makes no sense. Finally, why wont you let us disable the engine auto start/stop feature through a setting rather than have to turn it on and off every time you start the car? Stupid feature, popular in Europe but whats the point. So you know what the Pathfinder does? Lets you control the rear seat entertainment system from the drivers seat, puts all calls through the bluetooth unless you decide to make it a private call, and doesnt shut your engine off at a light. Oh and the interior is awesome, ride is better and it feels like a much more well thought out vehicle. Add to the that Nissan rebates right now are the best in the market. I highly recommend this vehicle. If youre in the market and thinking about the Pilot, be wary of the technology.

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  Comfort to sit and fun to drive - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By akshan - November 10 - 8:00 am

  I traded in my 2005 Toyota Highlander SUV V6 4WD, as its mileage was only 17 to 19. The change is dramatic in relation to gas mileage but not to the level I desired. I get average 33 MPG (2500 miles so far). EV works for few miles, but then if you need a sudden boost, mileage drops down (V6 to I4 is a big change, but not missing in this Altima). Feels like a luxury sedan.

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  Only car I will ever buy again - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Brian Judd - November 9 - 10:00 am

  This is the 2nd Maxima I have owned, I have driven each of them over 200,000 miles. I am now looking for my 3rd.

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  Bought a 2003 - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By SALTMAN - November 9 - 10:00 am

  It only had 30 miles on it and after 5 minutes of driving through some pretty rough roads it HAD TO BE mine. Stiff but not uncomfortable ride. Very secure handling and the 6 speed is one of the best I have ever driven. The enthusiast will be very pleased with the large wheels, suspension bars, and upgraded exhaust.

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  WHAT A ROCKET SHIP!!!! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By gsxrter1994 - November 9 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS MY SECOND MAXIMA great car 255 hp rocks plus it looks great

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  Fabulous Car!!! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By JC 90210 - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I am 100 o/o happy with this car. I have had many cars, and this one is right at the top. The only negative is the steering wheel radio and speed controls are not lighted. The rest is Perfect!

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  Im so happy, I could plotz! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By webdiva1269 - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Just picked this up yesterday, and have already put close to 200 miles on it. This is absolutely the most fun car I have ever owned!! I am the mom of a 3 year old, and it fits an adult and 2 car seats in the back, as well as me (58") and my brother (64") in the front. Factory stereo is good quality- no Bose, but a nice sounding system, and the crystal blue paint with the side sills and splash guards gives this car a distincly not-your-average kindermusik mom look!!