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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  The Almost Perfect Pathfinder - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Nidgie2000 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  My 1990 Pathfinder is a stick shift with 225,000 miles. I had taken very good care of it and had just replaced the A/C and timeing belt. I thought it could go at least another 100,000miles but I really was getting tired of the stick shift so I finally decided to let my son have it and get another car. I got another Pathfinder, 2003 4WD SE, cloth seats, Popular Package. This car is absolutly superb in everyway. The comfort level is outstanding. The performance is fabulous. I cant say enough about this car!!!

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  underated - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By jj - June 1 - 9:26 am

  I bought my versa for the most part for the price and also the room. I am 63" tall, and it is difficult to find a comfortable small car. The Versa fits the bill. We liked the Versa so much that three months later we purchased another, this time the HB. Love them both. If you have the extra money- spring for the power option, my 1.6 has only A/C and it is very inconvenient to have no power locks or windows, although a small price to pay, for such a solid built, fuel efficient, comfortable car at that price.

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  Cant afford a BMW M3? - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Paclark01 - May 31 - 8:00 am

  I am new to the Nissan experience. In all respect to the autombile, it is definitely a four door sports car. Fun to drive and crisp in handling. The six speed manual is notchy prior to its 1,000 to 2,000 mile break in period, but after a smooth and gentle break in the car shifts smooth and precise. I will definitely recommend this vehicle to an individual who is considering an Acura TL-S. Nissan has given the Tl-S a run for its money. Besides, who can beat a savings of up to $7,000?

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  Great Maxima GXE - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Charles - May 31 - 12:16 am

  I purchased this used Maxima that was three years old with 12,000 miles. It is a wonderful road car - I have taken a 3,700 mile vacation and averaged about 27 MPG. No problems ever except the alternator recall which was taken care of with no issues at all. I can only hope the 2004/2005 Maximas are as good as my 98! Best car I have ever owned along with my 99 Toyota Camry.

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  A dude in a minivan - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By the Mr. - May 30 - 11:16 am

  I did not want a minivan despite my wifes request until I found the Quest! Suspension is tight with a powerful engine and has great external design. I enjoy driving it and dont mind being seen in it. No mechanical probs in past 3 yrs. It gets 20 mpg regularly despite its weight and power. On our 4 hour drive up north for vacation my wife and I were talking about what a good decision we made to buy this vehicle 3 yrs ago.

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By I_LoveMy350ZR - May 30 - 10:00 am

  There are a couple of small annoying things about this car. When you close the top it rolls both windows down but doesnt roll them up automatically. Several times Ive almost gotten out without closing them. The storage compartments are impossible to navigate while in the car! Having said that, this car is an absolute BLAST to drive! The wind deflector is awesome, I can drive with the top down on the interstate and have a normal conversation with my head set on my cell phone, the caller doesnt even notice Im in a car! My hair doesnt blow, you can wear a hat going 90 with top down NO PROBLEM. Not that I go 90 mind you...

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  The Best - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By rva_altima - May 30 - 4:41 am

  I love my car. Regarding e negative reviews.... The manual clearly states that the passenger air bag light does not stay on for the ride. Test drive the car you will actually purchase, then you would not have the issue of getting one that makes noises at 60 mph. The wind is noisy when the window is cracked or down. Maybe some window visors would help. But the windows have to be up to really use the bluetooth phone. The bluetooth is great, but asks too many questions and you need to know their phone numbers if you have multiple numbers, it does not show work vs cell vs home. Any hair product will leave ugly reside on the headrests. Warning : leather wipes only!

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  Love this car! - 2017 Nissan Sentra
  By Alzata - May 29 - 7:30 pm

  This is my first car and I am absolutely in love! Don Cleaver and Advantage Nissan in Bremerton, WA helped me choose this car and for a first car I think that they have done very well!

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  The Murano killer - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Michael Lewis - May 29 - 5:09 pm

  Traded in a 2012 Murano Platinum for a Rouge SL awd with all three option packages. We just wanted a new car with better gas mileage. The Murano was the best car we have ever owned. No complaints at all really, but our new rogue surprises me all the time with its performance and quality. Took me a long time to realize that I dont need a V 6. I keep hearing that the Rouge is under powered and doesnt handle well compared to some of its competition. Could have fooled me! I dont feel that way at all. Love it on the road and love it in town. We have the high end of the rogue line and the safety features are really a welcome addition to our daily driving. All the safety features of a more prestigious and much more expensive SUV, and we love the Monarch Orange color we choose. Couldnt be happier!

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  Great car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By died4me - May 29 - 9:03 am

  This is my 3rd Maxima and I love it! Have only had it 2 days but expect to feel the same for a while. You cant beat the value! This car is loaded!!! Went to the dealer to look at the Altima but was not impressed with the ride and felt was a bit expensive when I considered that I could get a loaded GLE for a few bucks more.