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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  Buyer BEWARE ! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Don - November 23 - 11:50 pm

  Have you ever had to push your "new" car out of the garage so it could be towed to the dealer? 23,000 miles and we have done it twice. Key fobs and push button start are junk. Recalled with less than 900 miles to "remove" noisy heat shield. CVT has never felt just right to me. Road noise is horrific. I would not suggest the purchase of this vehicle. The fuel mileage is extremely over rated, city and highway.

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  Great Car! I Love It! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By RDG - November 23 - 5:50 pm

  This interior of this car has lots of room. This car is fast. Dependable. Exterior design is great. Factory system is great.

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  GOOD TRUCK - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By JUSTIN ARDEN - November 22 - 9:56 am

  I ENJOY IT VERY MUCH. IT IS A FUN, SAFE, RIDE!!

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  Excellent Truck - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By ChrisViper - November 22 - 2:00 am

  100% problem free at 8K, MUCH more roomy than the Toyota Tacoma, Easy to self maintain the basics i.e. oil changes, filters, etc., Factory installed tires on 16in aluminum give a secure feel on the highway going 55 in heavy rain.

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  Pathfinder - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By BL2003 - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had mine for 6 months, but Ive had absolutely no problems. All reviews that Ive read online and discussion boards indicate that the Pathfinder is an extremely reliable vehicle. 3.5 V6 also has tons of power making the vehicle really great to drive. Check with the dealer, mine came down thousands off the sticker price. This is a fantastic underrated vehicle.

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  Nissan Pathfinder - - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By pbartunek - November 22 - 2:00 am

  This is my second path finder - both have been excellent vehicles... I have owned more than 35 cars through out my life and these two have been among the most reliable and fun to drive.

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  Our 03 Pathfinder - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Red Haired Carol - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Weve had our 2003 Pathfinder 2 months now and we love it! It drives and rides like a dream. Very smooth. Handles well.

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  My Pathfinder - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By CGG - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Overall its been a good driving experience. I noticed that the vehicle is not so smooth on the road though, you feel every little bump.

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  So Far So Good - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Briant Bodrato - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Nice riding suv. Great sound system. Lots of Leg room and storage area. Very happy with this purchase.

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  I Cant belive I own one - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By kassi574 - November 22 - 2:00 am

  its my first day driving the car so i have so much to do then i will tell you how mch i love it.