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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  Ill never get rid of it - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By BOB - November 11 - 5:36 am

  I bought this SUV new in 1999 and after 110,000 miles its still going strong. Replaced the front struts at 60k and the timing belt at 107k. The only problem Ive had is the gas tank door breaking from its hinges. When I buy a new car Ill still keep it. It has given me zero problems.

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  2015 Pathfinder with CVT failure - 2015 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Jonathan Wong - November 11 - 3:57 am

  I recently purchased this Pathfinder on 7/26/15. On 8/3/15 I started having a shudder when I accelerate at low speeds. The notorious CVT shudder. Nissan doesnt offer loaners or rental reimbursement unless you pay an extra 2000$ - (ridiculous). I know for sure after a 95 altima, 02 Maxima, 09 Altima hybrid. This Pathfinder will be the last Nissan I ever buy.

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  2.5S w/special edition pkg. - 2011 Nissan Altima
  By butch1946 - November 10 - 11:04 pm

  This seems to be a solid car. Got it a month ago and have 1000 miles on it. No complaints. Gas mileage is 26 mpg which is in town and rural combined. My v6 accord got 21 mpg for the same type driving. Overall a very good car.

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  Wish I would have bought the Murano - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Rick - November 10 - 8:15 am

  I guess everyone who drives a Rogue is Deaf. Thank the Lord this is my wifes car and I only have to ride/drive once in a while. Ive being trying to get my wife to trade it in from the time we brought it home. Road noise is terrible..........................

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  2016 nissan rogue SL - more changes please! - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By BGF - November 10 - 5:24 am

  many positives on the 2016 nissan rogue ... size is perfect (184" long), descent ground clearance, excellent rear storage, sunroof is awesome on the SL trim. The styling of the 2016 rogue i prefer over all (toyota rav4, honda crv, kia sportage, ford escape) ... perf leather seats are very comfortable. usability of the roof rack is awesome! on the negative, heres the changes id like to see: 1. engine is a bit small ... still stay in the 2.5L but up the HP to 190 and TORQUE to 195 2. SL trim bring in ventilated front seats 3. flip rear glass on the rear hatch please (for us dog owners), and just plain old usability features for quick access to the rear 4. CVT ... internet is rampant nissan w/CVT failures ... i keep my vehicles for a LONG time (16+ years, 200k+ miles) ... there are too many internet posts w/regards to nissan CVT failures ... drop the CVT for the 7 speed transmission, or at least provide the option of a manual transmission

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  You get what you pay for... - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Sambo - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I wanted something simple with a low overall cost of ownership. So far so good with 9000 miles on the odometer. 4 cylinder is peppy and 5 speed transmission is nicely matched. Mileage is 23 MPG in mixed driving. A/C really sucks the power-I turn it off when I need some speed. Interior is nice. Exterioe styling is great. Made in the USA-I like the idea of keeping those 5800 Americans working hard in Smyrna, TN.

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  Not bad sports car - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By icanluv - November 9 - 10:00 am

  This car has an engine growl that is very distinct and the sound is one of my favs about this vehicle. This car is very fun to drive and very responsive. Lights are cool.

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  Crew Cab - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By SBB0618 - November 9 - 10:00 am

  All around great truck. The long bed actually makes the truck look better than with the chopped look of the short bed.

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  Awesome!!! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Chicago Will - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Picked up my Sheer Silver Murano SL AWD in May... and its AWESOME! After testing driving and extensive research, I decided to trade in my 2001 Pathfinder for it. CVT 245 hp engine is quick and smooth (and quiet). Exterior design is sweet and interior is roomy. People have complained about "turbulence" when moon roof or backwindows only are open, but they have been misinformed. Dealer explained that the moonroof has a setting which addresses turbulence and as for opening only the back windows causing this, it also happens on other cars. Test drive one and youll be hooked (plus, the fact that reviewers compare it to the BMW X5 at a $30K price). Nissan as another winner!

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  2003 Murano SL AWD - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By sjohnson11 - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I think you get what you pay for here...nice vehicle...cross shopped the RX330 and went with the Murano and pocketed the $10K difference.