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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  Great purchase - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By ap - September 5 - 1:53 am

  Ok, so the gas mileage isnt the best. Its an SUV, what are you gonna do? I still think that out of all the SUVs out there, this one has some of the best mileage Ive seen. Im averaging 20city/24hwy. The comfort of the ride is extremely smooth and its got great get up and go. Im very glad I bought this car. It has been reliable comfortable car.

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  My 4th Nissan - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By M I - September 5 - 1:06 am

  Having owned a 1984 Stanza, 1992 Stanza and 1997 Infiniti, this new Altima has not disappointed. Ride comfort and handling are excellent and the 4 cyl accelerates like a 6 cyl. Looking forward to the reliability and the cheap insurance price.

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  2005 Pathfiner LE - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By atse16 - September 4 - 9:23 pm

  I have had the new pathfiner for over a month now. I had the 2001 for 4 years. I like the extra power and room from the 2005 and all the luxury features the LE offers. I have no complains so far except for the squeaky brakes when Im in reverse. I will have to take it back to the dealer to inspection.

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  timing belt broke at 64k and nissan wont honor - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By cm57 - September 4 - 8:38 pm

  Nissan juke is an engineering flawed mess. Everybody is having the same issue we had. The timing belt snaps at a mile after the warranty ends. 60k. Then Nissan wants 7000 dollars for a new engine. It is happening to everyone all over the country. Do your research folks. We have already gotten a lawyer and are having to go a big legal mess to get Nissan to stand behind their flawed design and product.

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  Fast and Fast and did I mention its FAST - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By steveme140 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Bought with 124k at 2800.00(STEAL), totalled at 50k so I bought rebuilt, but the guy drove it 20 miles a day for 5 years with no problems. This thing is super fast. I had a 91 Lumina V6 and this thing blows it away. Starter went at 125k and it needs a new 02 sensor,tires, but other then that it goes 0-60 in 6. And cruises at 120 smooth.

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  One of the best cars in the market. - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By VET - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car (1996 Maxima GLE) from a dealership in Sep 2000. It had 48K miles on it. Currently my car has 199000 miles on it and Iam about to trade (Dealer agreed to pay $3000 without breaking a sweat)this in with a new maxima. All I have done is change oil every 3000 miles and ofcourse change tyres and brake pads etc. Maximas have arguably the best V6 of any sedan in the market. And the car is extemely reliable. It gives 24-25 mpg in a 70/30 mix of highway/city driving, which is not bad at all considering its power.

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  Love it! - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Shmegan - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Bought a black SE w/ leather and manual tranny last year. Ive driven it hard and it hasnt let me down yet. For the money, there is nothing that couldve touched this in performance, comfort and looks. I recommend switching to synthetic oil, platinum spark plugs and dont even think about using 89 octane gas. (Something to consider before buying with gas prices what they are.)

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  maybe for a bit, but not for long - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By goofball76 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I have always liked this car, not for its exterior looks, but for the interior design, the comfort of the drivers seat, and all the cool little features that come along with the car. I have never liked the dorky way the car looks. Of course, I am used to mid-sized coupes and big trucks. But it holds its own, for sure. When called upon, the 126 horses wake up and pull the car forward with a surprising aggression. Great for highway driving. I dont like the way the plastic interior scratches so easily, and the door mouldings tend to fall off if you look at them funny. Build quality is poor, as far as I am concerned.

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  Poor body /interior integrity! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Chrysty - September 4 - 10:00 am

  The rattling/squeaking started after about 800 mi.. We now have 7500 mi. and the noise is constant - even on smooth roads. It seems to be coming from the ceiling center console. The major problem is the entire outside plastic piece that goes across the back of the vehicle that houses the 3rd brake light completely FELL OFF and was hanging by the brake light connection while driving on the freeway the other day!! Bottom line - the body integrity in this vehicle is inexcusable. According to Consumer Reports, Nissan is known for having problems in this area. I will say I am extremely happy with the Nissans performance and cargo room - supreme job here!

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  My Van, Your Van - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By kameosis - September 4 - 10:00 am

  My kids play a game calling out all the other minivans they see driving by!! Ours is the shiznic! Too many glances for comfort! It does not look like a minivan!