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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  x - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By jjjjj - December 10 - 8:46 pm

  very cool, i love te body style and all of the little xtras that come along with it. the last thig i love is the little nissan emblem on the front, im proud to drive it!!!

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  Greatest SUV on the planet - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By justtara - December 10 - 10:00 am

  The Aramda is the biggest and the best SUV in it class. It offers more standard features(Safety)than any of the other vehicles in its class. Ive tried the Fords, the Lincolns, the GMCs, Dodges and the Toyotas SUVs and none of them stack up to the Aramda. The Aramda rides and handles like a smaller SUV and has great off- road capablities. Its fun to drive and its very quick 0-60, I think around 7 seconds, none of the other competitors even come close.

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  So far, so good - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By rayin NYC - December 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 04 Sentra 2.5s two weeks ago, and so far, so good. The cars engine is wonderful, quick and responsive. The back seats, however, leave much to be desired as they are VERY cramped. The fuel ecnomy could be better (Im averaging about 23 mi between city and highway driving). I test drove the Civic while shopping around and although a very solidly built car, I felt its engine was a bit boring and not very powerful at all. So, all in all, my Sentra is turning out to be a pretty good buy.

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  Loving it, but... - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By manhattantitanowner - December 10 - 10:00 am

  Coveted Tundras forever, thought about Chevy/Dodge, then test drove the Titan. GAME OVER! Bed features and interior design for the $$ involved made this one a no-brainer. The engines power is addictive; gas mileage no worse than anything else this size. Drivers seat extremely comfortable. Graphite/Titanium leather the way to go (Whats the butterscotch color? Blech.) Love the stereo, esp. the sub. No sunroof, but I dont miss it. BUT... add-ons back-ordered, minor quirks like faulty airbag sensor, clock malfunction, broken spring on storage lock cover...all have left me with a loaner at this point. But Im not complaining (too loudly)....

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  Love it! - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Tracy - December 10 - 3:36 am

  Where do I begin? I love everything about this car. Large trunk, roomy interior - husband 62" and rides comfortably, low maintenance, good gas mileage, smooth quiet ride, strong engine, beautiful car.

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  returns to dealer for fixes: 0 - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By george - December 9 - 3:43 pm

  I have owned a lot of cars and this is the first one that has had NO problems! I love its looks and performance too. The only annoyances are a clutch that engages abruptly and a front tire that is just now starting to make a roaring sound. Fit and finish is excellent.

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  Great value and reliability - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Mozart - December 9 - 1:13 pm

  I have driven both Toyota & Nissan trucks. My last truck was an 01 Tacoma 4WD crew cab. When looking for a new truck, it really came down to price. There was no way I could get into a Tacoma for anywhere near the price I got for the Frontier. The truck is much roomier than my 01 Taco. More HP and much better ride on the highway. Its quieter, the seats or more comfortable, with a better view. Same MPG rating too. Bed could be longer. Needs better interior finish.

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  Nissan Titan! - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By amd - December 8 - 8:20 pm

  My first truck ever. Great room, more power than other full size truck. I like the style, very simple. Huge windshield, I can see the road better. I love the exhaust sounds. Mileage are better than Hummer. and one thing if you buy this truck, dont forget to add pillow and blanket in the back seat, very roomy.

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  Good SUV - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Lucas - December 8 - 12:46 pm

  I bought The Pathfinder because it was praised on here, and Im glad I did. It drives well, runs quiet, and hasnt given me major problems yet. I bought mine with 134,000 miles on it, but they are mostly highway miles. She gets around 15-16 MPG, but Im trying to get her to around 20 or so. Probably going to add a K&N cold air intake soon. Changing your own oil can be kinda a drag too, being that the oil filter is underneath the semi-skid plate.

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  My new hot car! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Nobby Orens - December 8 - 11:16 am

  I have been driving "hot" sports cars for some time. My last two were a Toyota Supra (twin turbo) and a Corvette. I like this better from the "overall package" concept but do not feel it is as "quick off the line" as the other two. However that is a small item as it is not very often that I am put in a position where that feature is important. To sum up, I love the car!!