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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  I Like It! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By SteveY - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Great performance, power you can feel in the small of your back. Compliments from everybody on the looks of this sporty sedan.

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  Worst Engine by Nissans Ever - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Chris - March 23 - 1:16 am

  Only consider purchasing a 3.5L engine do not buy a 2.5L 4 cyl lemon!!! These engines have problems with pre-cat manifold, bolts from intake manifold can potentially enter the cylinders, crank/cam position sensors go bad, heating/AC problems. Other then that the car is great, really liked brakes and suspension, and gas mileage which varied from 21 to 27mpg. I bought the car around 75k-80k miles and it was already loosing oil since I fortunately noticed it right away after I bought it. Car had pre-cat replaced under warranty right before I bought it but the damage to engine from intake bolts or pre-cat was already done. The car mysteriously was losing 1qt of oil every week, after full

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  25th month impression - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By vintagenick - March 22 - 12:56 pm

  Terrible gas mileage - runs better and more efficiently on high test (uggh!); terrible in snow with or without 4WD engaged; little cargo room in back; seat areas are cramped - particularly in cockpit; still nicer appearance, fit & finish than 06 model; great overall build, but will never purchase another - price tag and costs of ownership (gas, insurance) just arent worth it - - I can drive a GM or FORD for less (and better MPG) and still be quite pleased

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  Great Minivan! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Mike in Atlanta - March 22 - 10:00 am

  We just picked up our loaded 2004 Quest SE this weekend. So far no problems at all. My wife will need to get used to the center instruments, but its not that big of a deal once you drive it for a day or so. We traded in a Suburban for this van - we have 5 kids so we need lots of room! I love the folding seats - for us it was either this van or the Chrysler T&C. The Quests center shoulder belt in the 3rd row and its huge cool factor closed the deal!

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  I cant say enough about my Murano... - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Dawson - March 21 - 7:00 pm

  Ive had my Murano for about 3 weeks now and I love it. Its a great balance of all the things youd expect in a vehicle. I have a great respect for this vehicle and Nissan altogether. It was really put to the test during this snow storm that we had. I didnt have to dig nothing. I just put it in drive and went. Thats what I call a kicking SUV. Id recommend anyone who wants a SUV to check out the Murano....You will not be disappointed.

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  Very Happy, Great SUV - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By CSW - March 20 - 10:00 am

  After weeks of research and price comparison, I have found the Nissan Pathfinder to be the best bet. I got an awesome deal through AAA. The car is beautiful..got the black model with gray interior, its gorgeous and fun and FAST!

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  Multiple Electronic Issues - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By freegg - March 19 - 3:30 pm

  This vehicle looks nice but weve had constant electrical issues since its purchase. Both side view power mirrors went out. The rear passenger power window went out. The oil pressure sensor quit. Ive already replaced the battery once after only two years. The overcharging alternator burned out the positive battery cable. Now the fuel gauge has stopped working. I cant remember how many times the service engine light has come on. I was a believer in Nissan products until we purchased this vehicle. I will not buy another Nissan product.

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  left me stranded - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By bmanjeep - March 19 - 7:56 am

  squeaks in back hatch recently fixed. squeaks and rattles in front right not checked yet...had to have computer replaced. Would not start or even turn over. Warranty covered all work. Not sure I made the right decision on trading in my 1991 Ranger.

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  A few significant problems - 1999 Nissan Sentra
  By BBB - March 18 - 2:10 am

  I bought this car brand new in 1999. A few annoying problems appeared while using it. First, my horn would go off without any warning while I was making sharp turns (especially, on very hot days). Second, I had to change brake drums after 5 years of driving it (my Toyota after 9 years did not have her brake drums changed yet). Third, some exhaust sensor broke down, and my orange Maintenance light would be constantly on. I did not fix it, since it would cost me money and wasnt critical to driving. So Im pretty disappointed with the car overall. Frankly, Ill never buy a Nissan again. On a positive side, I had a really major car accident with a tractor trailer and I lived, so its a safe car

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  Lots of power, no good on gas - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By dwillington - March 17 - 9:43 pm

  What I like most about this car is its power and performance. 260 hp, this thing flies. It has performance tires for a reason. Do not like the interior, it looks cheapish Japanese style, like a cheap electronic calculator. The leather is nice, most of the trim great, but the gauges could seriously have benefited from a different designer. Gas consumption is NOT good, youll notice pretty fast youre paying at the pump a lot. But overall, its a nice sporty sedan.