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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  Confused now happy - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By AJC - May 5 - 11:56 pm

  Only purchased the car a couple of days ago. Love it! Test drove Honda, Mazda, and Toyota. Different priced categories in each make. Looking for fuel efficient, looks, ride, and price. I own a Honda crv love it, but I wanted to have a sedan as well. This car fit the bill. Has it all. Love it!

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  JUDGE FOR YOURSELF - 2002 Nissan Quest
  By FOTOMAT - May 5 - 10:50 pm

  AFTER DECIDING TO ADD A VAN TO OUR STABLE OF FAMILY VEHICLES, A MERCEDES SUV AND A VOLVO SEDAN, I BEGAN TO SHOP AROUND, COMPARE FEATURES AND DIG UP THESE REVIEWS. BASED ON THE ACTUAL TEST DRIVE AND REVIEWING THE LIST OF FEATURES, I DECIDED THAT THE QUEST VAN WAS BEST SUITED FOR ME. IT HAS THE MOST CONVENIENT LAY OUT OF INTERIOR, VERY COMFORTABLE SEATING WITH THE QUAD CAPTAIN CHAIRS, EXCELLENT FINISH BOTH INSIDE AND OUT, ADEQUATE PERFORMANCE AND WAS DEFINITELY THE MOST FUN TO DRIVE.

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  2016 vs. 2013 - Lets Compare - 2016 Nissan Pathfinder
  By M. Hunter - May 5 - 3:43 pm

  Having owned identical 13 and 16 PF Platinum 4wd models with every option available I am overall pleased with the quality of this vehicle. I would almost call it "Infiniti like" in its ride/handling and Platinum trim features. The PF uses more interior plastic material when compared to an Infiniti but they do a good job of dressing it up. We constantly receive compliments from friends about how nice the interior of the PF is. I realize every trim does not offer the luxury of the Platinum but if you are able to purchase I think it is a great value when compared to luxury brand vehicles. The 2016 also does an excellent job in refining the little annoyances we had with the 2013. Some of these include: Being able to leave fog lights "on" with headlights in "auto" position without the lights being on all the time; The rear cargo gate does not beep the entire time going up and down, just a few warning beeps; An updated CVT transmission program that is much smoother. Speaking of the CVT, that was my primary concern with the 2013. As you will see in reviews most people have experienced the "judder/shake" of the CVT in their PF. We were no different and the first time I thought the CVT was going to be found laying in the middle of the road, it was disturbing! I played along with Nissan and had every re-program/recall addressed. Things improved but I would still feel a hesitation in the transmission occasionally. The 2016 seems to have addressed this with a new program and simulated shifts. After 1,000 miles on this vehicle, the CVT feels much tighter and refined. Fingers crossed it remains this way. The CVT is likely responsible for one of the best parts of this vehicle.... an observed 19 mpg around town and 24 mpg on the highway. Not bad for a 4wd SUV that can tow 5,000 lbs and comfortably haul 7 passengers. One of the best features of the PF aside from its comfortable ride and road manners have to be the safety features. My wife loves the "all around view" monitor and doesnt see herself ever owning another vehicle without it. It is seriously convenient when parking but also a necessity when you have little ones who may be running around. I cannot believe that every manufacturer hasnt included this technology on their SUV line. We also like the blind spot monitoring and cross traffic alert included on our 16. The seating configuration in the PF is genius. Having the ability to slide the second row seats makes the third row bearable to sit it. Speaking of the third row, it really isnt that bad. It is one of the most comfortable we found in a SUV of this size and it can even be accessed while a child seat is secured in the second. Some shortcomings Ive found on the 16 PF include a dated navi system and slow processor when you wish to play music from a plug-in device (phone, USB, etc). I really wish Nissan would have opted for LED headlights or at least LED running lights to keep the PF in line with the Rogue and Murano. The biggest drawback I see to the 16 is Nissan missed the opportunity to update the exterior and prevent a dated look when compared with similar crossovers. With that said, I still believe this is one of the best values available for the money. Having owned a 13 PF for 3 years, the 2016 PF is a nice update that seems to have addressed both the major (CVT) and minor issues found on the 13. When compared to the 16 Explorer Limited we had an opportunity to drive a few weeks, the Nissan still wins. Ford has done an excellent overall job on the Explorer but we find the PF to be more comfortable. For example, I cant rest my arm on the door of the Explorer while driving due to its design and that becomes a major annoyance on a road trip. Also the rear seat design and all-around view monitor (not just front/back) gives the PF the edge. In summary, I highly recommend you give the PF a test drive. Notice the little things that make a huge impact on every day driving and I think you will find the PF to be a worthy choice. Opt for the Platinum trim and you will find very comfortable cabin with all the features you could ever need and an "Infiniti like" level of refinement.

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  This is the one! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Mikedrives - May 5 - 5:16 am

  After evaluating several close competitors, youll find that this is the car to get. Zippy, fun, durable and, for the dollar, the best car to get. Fully loaded with an excellent sound system, sunroof, bluetooth, fog lights and a very comfortable ride on long trips. It is quite impressive in handling, fuel usage (Im getting mid 30s) and curb appeal. I think this is a solid performer and a winner for Nissan.

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  the best truck for the money - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By chuck - May 4 - 8:36 pm

  I think the 2wd Nismo is a lot of truck for the money, especially since I was able to get it for almost $3000 off sticker price. I drove the tundra, tacoma, and colorado, none of which even remotely interested me after I drove the Nissan. It has the feel of a full sized truck without the bulk. It handles well and has plenty of power on hand. The nismo 2wd does very well off road, and the locking diff comes in really handy on a slippery uphill section of dirt. The spartan cabin feels very refined and is very quiet offroad and on the highway. I love this truck!

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  Love My New Altima Hybrid - 2011 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By davepw - May 4 - 1:15 pm

  This car is exactly what I was looking for -- great mileage, exceptional styling, sporty/fun to drive, reliable, excellent value.

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  o4 elite - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By 04max elite - May 4 - 9:56 am

  i have the radiant amber/brunt orange elite pak all eyes on me a better ride than bmw,lex,benz the can move when needed i had a 1990 max it could run also so i wanted to see what this one was all about its tiiiiiigggghhht

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  What a snow car - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By bohunk49 - May 4 - 9:08 am

  As a retired professional truck driver I have drive numerous cars and trucks over the years, but never on that has handled as well in the snow. With 5 men and their luggage we went over the mountain pass when chains or all wheel drive were required. No problem with power or traction. We passed everything on the road. We saw at least a dozen 4 wheel drive vehicles and 18 wheelers in the ditch. It cut through the deep heavy slush without a problem. Its too crowded in the back seat with 3 adults. but 2 adults and a child would be ok.

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  Bang for our buck - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By rtyard2000 - May 4 - 5:50 am

  I always knew this car was a performer. I have only owned domestic vehicles my whole life because I knew how to work on them with ease. I decided to make a change and try out a foreign vehicle. The Maxima was my first choice. I have not regretted buying this car and have enjoyed everyday commuting in it. It is comfortable with leather seats, fun to drive with a 222 hp engine and sport suspension, and classy enough to drive into any yuppified area of town. This car is a vehicle of all traits and will prove it upon any dare presented. If you need a car that does it all with a budget in mind, this one is for you.

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  New Armada Replaced My Suburban - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By New Armada Driver - May 4 - 2:00 am

  After 3 Chevrolet Suburbans I was not actively shopping for another type of vehicle. The Armada became it when we saw the legroom in the second row and better styling inside. Its a lot nicer then the Suburban that has a clunky, utilitarian style.