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:

• 

  Cmon Nissan, you can do better! - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By jcrew - October 15 - 2:20 pm

  After 7 years of owning the pathfinder (60,000 miles), here is an accurate assessment. Despite 3,000 mi oil changes, there have been numerous mechanical issues/failures (i.e., ignition coils, front springs, air cond, exhaust sys). After reviewing my old bills, I was spending 1500-2000 dollars a year on it at the dealership. I am truly disappointed in Nissan. MY LAST ONE EVER. There quality control is terrible. I thought Renault would correct that, however, it has gotten worse.

• 

  Beats up American Trucks - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By maschneid - October 13 - 11:16 pm

  I love my titan! I have owned it for a year now, and its still running like new! It has tons of power, and will eat most American trucks off the line. Traveled from MS to OK to TX and back and wasnt fatigued at all, very comfortable ride. I have eased off the gas pedal alittle and usually get around 15-16 city, and 18-19 hwy. I have towed boats, trailers with no problems what so ever. All in all the only thing I wouldve changed would be to get the 4x4 model for when I go up to MN in the snowy winters thats all. Great Truck at a better price than youll find at the competitors!

• 

  I love this truck! - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By Karen - October 13 - 11:16 am

  I just got my Xterra in solar yellow last week and I absolutely love it! The ride is super smooth, better than my friends sedans. Its also really quiet in the cabin for those long hauls. And the plastic lined cargo area is ideal for my three dogs. The roof toolbox even comes in handy for wet swimsuits, shoes, or anything stinky from the dogs. I have only had it for a few days and have already logged 400+ miles on it. I cant keep myself out of it!

• 

  Wouldnt buy it again - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Rachel - October 13 - 11:03 am

  Bought this car after owning an Acura and a Camry. Both the Acura and Camry which are now 15 years old have had less problems than this Maxima. Had to have transmission replaced after warranty ran out. AC compressor had to be replaced. Motor went out on the driver seat and it will not move- not worth the expense ($250) to replace it. There is a constant rattle in the back panel. Nissan has not helped one bit with any of this or with the poor service and the run around I got at a particular Nissan dealership. Lastly the interior design with the radio, temp control, etc. is terrible and difficult to use while driving with all those buttons. I will never buy another Nissan. Get a Camry!

• 

  The Best Yet - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By sheltiepup - October 13 - 2:00 am

  I drove the Pilot,4runner,Envoy and the pathfinder- the interior of the pilot was wider and the price was a bit less but the inside was plain and didnt ofer as many features as the pathfinder- the 4 runner was too expensive. The interior ROCKS compared to the rest- I love being able to control my stereo from the steering wheel! Heated seats are the best,The stereo is good compared to most factory radios(6 dash cd ) The leather seats are comfy, Sunroof is a nice option to have included (Not an option on the honda pilot) The ride is quiet, Gas mileage Stinks.

• 

  Me Likey My Murano - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By waits211 - October 12 - 9:56 pm

  Murano is better than I thought. I test drove it, actually wanted the fx35 but wife talked me down. I enjoy everything about this car except for 2 things. 1)blind spot. I put in a small mirror on the passenger side mirror and that fixed it 2)gas milage. I expected this to do much better than my pathfinder but it doesnt. I do all city driving. Stop and go. I get around 16mpg. Highway puts me in the low-mid 20s. I dont use premium and dont feel a difference when I do. All in all Nissan builds great cars but the dealerships and service is terrible.

• 

  Questionable Nissan Quality - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By ablit - October 11 - 11:43 pm

  After 51,000miles, my 2001 Frontiers AC would not blow cold air. i had it checked out at the dealer and the low end hose was leaking and was replaced,at my cost. After a few days, hot air was blowing again. Now, its the evaporative cooler behind the dash that is leaking. This, I think, is a highly unexpected problem to occur on a car this new. I thought Nissans were very reliable, that is why I bought it, in the first place.

• 

  2010 3.5SR update - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By nissanboy - October 11 - 10:40 pm

  Great Car when Brand New! Currently have 11500 miles and now I have plenty of rattles along with road noise. Engine performs well without any problems, but it struggles to meet my performance(speed) expectations. Had previous VQ35DE engines and loved them all, but this one is not performing as I hoped. Hit the gas from a stop car takes off, give it gas @ 60 mph the car creeps to 80 mph. I noticed that this VQ does not require 93 octane maybe thats the problem. Car works fine and all of the gadgets seem to work as designed i.e. Navi, Bluetooth, HID lights, AC. I strongly suggest nissan improve the paint because it scratches and chips easily. No way did these cars go through 5000 test as advertised.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Raymond - October 11 - 5:53 pm

  Ive had the Pathfinder for 3 weeks now and I love it. I did have a rattle that took a couple visits to the dealer to get it repaired. The problem was a rattle coming from the front passengers floor/kick panel area. And the fix was the body mount behind the frontside passenger side wheel, that was missing a shim. It sounds wired but it is fixed. The Pathfinder has been great other than that problem. It is very fun to drive comfortable and quick, easy to speed in. The third seat could be allitle bigger and in my opinion compromised the second seat abit. But, I wasnt interest in the third seat. My gas mileage has been slightly better than advertised(17.5) and this all in town driving.

• 

  Nissan Leaf - 2012 Nissan Leaf
  By ronokuda - October 11 - 8:19 am

  If you can afford it, this car is fun to drive. Plenty of pick-up (we drive home over 80 mph). It is a commuter car for going to work and coming home. Approximate round trip distance is 100 miles on one charge. If you use economy mode, it can get more miles, but no pick up and go, I mean none. When you go down hill or even flat (not up hill) it can make more miles instead of using up miles on economy. Approximate cost to charge from empty is $2.50. Dont get ripped off when getting your home charger, (see suggested improvements). Go see Gina or Ken at Performance Nissan. I can honestly say you will get an up and up deal, and not get ripped.