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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  Just bought - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By g_dearing - August 10 - 9:13 pm

  I just bought a used 2002 Xterra and I love it. I traded in my 99 Jeep Sahara, and although I miss the open top, the feel and look makes me miss the jeep a little less. It certainly drives smoother, and the stick is easier to manage. Factory sounds system is a heck of a lot better too.

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  Fun SUV - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By John C. - August 10 - 7:13 am

  I traded in my silverado for an older SUV that I could beat up in the wood line and still look good on the street. The pathfinder exceeded my expectations. w/o a lift kit, I have taken it on some challenging SC trails should I say treeless spaces. The smaller size helps me squeeze up and down the small trails on local hills. Assent and desent angels are great for scalling over things and she can get sideways pretty well too; but I wont push too hard until I get a lift kit and a wench. Plenty of power at the stop light, from a roll, and on the highway pass. I get a scare now and then about rolling over; but otherwize runs and handles like a champ. Comfortable w/quality materials inside.

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  Not too happy!!! - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Anita Love - August 9 - 12:46 pm

  We are a family of 5. We purchased our Quest a year ago. We have been in and out of the dealership about 8 times. What an inconvenience when you have children. It started out with a bad leather installation. Next came the recalls. Now its the engine and bad connections between lights,door,and alarm. When ever we think something is fixed,and leave the lot something else goes wrong. A direct quote from the dealership "we only sell them we dont make them" and after talking to the service manager he said "would I ever buy a Quest? No Way!" So thats our experience. Good luck to the rest of you. My advice "dont do it" look around.

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  Not too happy!!! - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Anita Love - August 9 - 5:33 am

  We are a family of 5. We purchased our Quest a year ago. We have been in and out of the dealership about 8 times. What an inconvenience when you have children. It started out with a bad leather installation. Next came the recalls. Now its the engine and bad connections between lights,door,and alarm. When ever we think something is fixed,and leave the lot something else goes wrong. A direct quote from the dealership "we only sell them we dont make them" and after talking to the service manager he said "would I ever buy a Quest? No Way!" So thats our experience. Good luck to the rest of you. My advice "dont do it" look around.

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  Car has some problems - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By chris713 - August 8 - 6:10 am

  The car is decent for the money but comes with some problems. Car wont start on the first try sometimes. Sometimes it starts, then dies. Drives fine though. CD player wont eject my CD. Gas mileage not up to expectations.

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  Go Frontier!!!!!! - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By monzee - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I have thouroughly enjoyed my nissan frontier since I have had it I have done nothing more than have regular oil changes and replaced one brake bulb very low maintence

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  255hp and 6spd - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By burnout - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The most car I could find for the money. If you want a powerful sedan with a manual transmission and great reliability this might be it.

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  Good car - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By iamyoohoo - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Bought it a few months ago.. test drove the toyota corolla which is like a cub compared to this car .. dont know why this is so underrated compared to the corolla and the civic

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  Great Truck - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Stephen Thomas - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The Xterra is THE best purchase I have ever made. The truck is designed so greatly and with a really unique look to it. I get nothing but compliments about it.

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  drive a (z) - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By ronnie c - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my (z) for a couple of months now ,and whats not to love about the car except for the rough ride the first 2000 miles. the looks are great. I owned a 300 z for 14 years 200,000 miles the best car i have ever had. we will see about the 350z.