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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  Xterra - Xtra Great - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By Walter - December 25 - 6:36 pm

  After owning sports cars for 26 years, Toyota Turbo Supra, Dodge Stealth R/S, I finally bought a practical vehicle (of course I kept the Stealth as well!). To my surprise the performance of my 2008 Xterra has been great, Ive only lost about 1.5 seconds 0 to 60 (6.9 on timed track), handling is great and the fit and finish is wonderful. The 6 speed keeps it as a "drivers" SUV. My kids finally can fit comfortably and my over all mileage has been 22 MPG. Its a tough, beautiful performance SUV, I may just keep it forever.

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  Mini-Murano - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Chazz - December 25 - 11:00 am

  The Mrs. wanted a Murano, this unit is about $20,000 less, case closed. I couldnt believe the interior room and comfort, equal to the Maxima SE I traded for this car. Its way smoother on bumps and the seat is a dream on trips. The hatchback feature is great. Paid $119 for aftermarket console, looks great.

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  Very Pleased - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By TarheelTitan - December 25 - 9:46 am

  I have 2 main wishes about this truck. I do not like the black plastic at the tailgate release lever. I also wish it had the power vertical rear window a-la the Tundra Double Cab. That being said, I love my Titan SE Crew 4x4 with Rockford Package, Utility bed and Big Tow package. Living near the North Carolina mountains, it pulls the hills in this area with much power to spare and decent gas mileage while doing so. I had been waiting a while for such a tough looking, well-equipped truck, and at last I have one. I would recommend this truck to anyone looking for great quality, power, tough looks and Im counting on the long-term reliability Nissan has been known for!

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  Looks are Deceiving - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By VolksHater - December 25 - 2:00 am

  I test drove many cars before I bought my SE-R. I test drove Cougars, Celica GTs, Grand AM GTS and the new 2003 Tiburon GT. They all were fine but none in them put a smile on my face the way this car did. It gives you all the power you need when you need. It gives you a great sense of the road with its somewhat stiff suspension and can brake on a dime. At under $18,000 how can you go wrong.

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  What an engine!! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By David A. - December 25 - 2:00 am

  I was thinking about buying something smaller, but the test drive sold me. The wonderful 3.5L V-6 engine is this cars best selling point. After having lived with the car for 3 months, the engine is still the cars strongest point. It just never fails to impress. Handling is another strong point, although it does get a little unsettled on bumpy pavement, but never enough to throw the car offline. The exterior of the car very pleasing to the eye. I think the profile is the cars best view IThe interior is very quiet. Road noise is very subdued, as is wind noise, except for an air leak from the sunroof.

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  Long Term Report - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Nutnfancy - December 24 - 5:46 pm

  The 350Z in all versions is a performance bargain. It is a quick, well-balanced, superbly built sports car. Styling is head turning. Acceleration is good. Overall MPG runs 21.5 city, with about 40% aggressive driving, 25-27 hwy if you drive with cruise and accelerate gently. Build quality is outstanding: no squeaks, rattles, misaligned panels, or mx issues. Maintenance costs have been zero for me in the last year. Stock exhaust note is exhilarating. Stereo is good. Amenities, storage areas, utility of hatchback are excellent.

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  I love my Altima! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Angelena - December 24 - 2:50 pm

  I love this car! I really made the right choice. Its classy w/out being too pricy, and with this new gas gouging that were going thorugh Im relieved to know that my car gets abou 28 MPG on the freeway. I have a fear of cars breaking down, and Im so happy to say that Ive never had a problem with my car, its an absolute dream.

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  99.5 Pathfinder 217k miles no problems - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Ryan - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I own the 1999.5 Pathfinder base model XE and its a great vehicle hands down. Just exceeded 217,000 miles and Ive never had a problem - ever. I do take care of it however. I change the oil and rotate the tires every 6k miles. I change the trans. fl. every 33k miles. I replace all seals, the water pump, the oil pump, timing chain, etc. (Nissans recommended maint.) every 100k miles. I have the brakes checked every 60k miles. The engine still runs like the day I bought it (Ive been the only owner). Interior has held up well- but pass. window is real slow. Exterior still looks good- never been garage kept and I hardly ever wash it. For the abuse Ive put it through, a great vehicle.

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  Clicking noise - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By richbern1 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  The car is great. When I drive the car cold, as I accelerate to 20 mph I get a clicking noise from the area of the front right axle or wheel. It goes away after 20 mph. I was told at the dealership that this is normal. It is a computer self check for the fuel system. Is this true or not? I only have 1000 miles on odometer.

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  LOVE MY JUKE - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By Ram - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with the looks and when i took it for a test drive couldnt think of anything else but to own it. I have had the Juke for a month now and i love everything about it