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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  Good car for the price - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Tdubby23 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Have had my Altima almost 2 years now. I paid $17,000 brand new. For that price I got a really good car. I upgraded to a stiffer rear sway bar and 18" rims and a nice tint, and I have a really sweet ride! It handles great and I like the look of the exterior. The interior is okay, though some of the dash pieces are hard plastic and my shift boot fell apart. There is tons of room, so you get a sporty look with lots of room! I recommend this car, especially the new 2005 with its redesigned interior.

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  Loud Exhaust is unwanted - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By jc7892 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about the truck except the fuel millage and the loud exhaust which is quite annoying

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  Very Happy Titan Owner - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Robert K - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I dont need to say more than this is what a pickup is all about...

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  great vehicle - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By CAPTMAHI - January 20 - 11:40 am

  I bought this truck new and have not had a single problem. It has more then enough power. Living in Maine, driving in the snow is quite common. This truck shines in bad weather. Granted I maintain it perfectly. At 30,000 miles I did a complete trans service, rear end fluid and transfer case. I upgraded the already good brakes to ebc rotors and pads, a k&n air filter and regular oil changes. I changed the serpentine belt, did a coolant service. When my 4 Wheeling buddies get stuck they call me! This motors got plenty of torque. I also use dedicated snow and toyo summer tires which are great in the rain and dry. In 40,000 Ive had to change a brake lightbulb. Period. Id recommend it to anyone

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  Eating Oil - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By coyote - January 20 - 6:46 am

  Purchased the car new in 2002, fun car to drive initially.6 speed gear box and acceleration can get you in trouble with law enforcement.I have owned car for 8 years and had little or no problems.Problems began at 120k, electric cooling fans out,power plug cig lighter quit working,car started making a clacking noise that sounded fatal.Car towed to shop, found low oil on stick , noise from lifters clattering due to electronic timing off and air in system due to low oil. Car maintained meticulously with Mobil 1 syn 5w30 reg change.Repaired and back to normal. Happened again same problem.Car eating oil, no smoke or serious leaking. Mechanic friend chk pcv, stuck on Saturn and ate oil.I have to ck

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  Decent value - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By pierce1 - January 19 - 11:00 pm

  My 1997 Nissan Pathfinder has a decent ride and power. It sways a little at highway speeds. Was very reliable until 100,000 miles. Ive had several repairs since (it now has 109,000 miles. Complaints - my mechanic told me that my trucks rotors must be replaced with the brakes and the parts are pricey, especially exhaust parts. Overall, I would say its a good vehicle but not a great vehicle.

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  shaking steering wheel when breaking - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Sergio Baylon - January 19 - 7:10 pm

  fun to drive, when braking steering wheel shakes a lot (I mean a lot!!!), and the worst thing is they dont have enough spare parts to fix the problem (long waiting list, Ive been waiting since dec 9!!). Dealer says spare parts will fix problem temporarily, while nissan is finding out the real solution. I heard Nissan Armada got same problem.

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  Happy Deal - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Mkozic - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2.5S Altima in June and I am very happy. Lot of power for a 4 cyl. car. The has a plenty of enterior space, lots of trunk space. I am impressed with base stereo that it came with. The upholstery could be a little better...but you cant get everything for under 20K. I got a great deal through the internet.

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  probably wouldnt purchase again. - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By boise - January 18 - 8:50 am

  I purchased a 04 se titan 4x4 w/ big tow and off rd pkg new 1/05. fun truck and looks nice, but i dont think i would ever buy one if i had another go at it. Fun to drive as long as you turn off the traction control everytime you get in it. Ive told many people it would be a great truck, if I bought it for my wife to drive the kids around in, but im not married so....I feel its a very safe "street" vehicle. if you plan on going anywhere you might need 4wd, lock it in before its needed. otherwise you might not get it to engage on demand. the mpg is not too good compared to alot of other trucks. I had to have the brake jutter kit installed. that did seem to take care of that issue.

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  Not so sure worth 33k - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By RMallory - January 17 - 11:03 pm

  I purchased a 2008 Nissan last October. While it has a much quieter and smoother ride than my previous SUV (a Trailblazer), I dont think its worth the price tag I paid - my fault. The check engine light came on THREE weeks after I purchased it - took dealer 2 weeks to order and replace the part. Cant quite get over this issue to enjoy the car just yet.