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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  A Nice Sedan - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By czip - October 16 - 12:28 am

  The vehicle falls some where between a Carmy, and an Accord; you wont feel like you are floating, and you wont feel like you are in a truck. The transmission doesnt have a quick low gear; so no jack rabbit starts here. The V-6 is solid, and allows for competent passing. I am tall, but the drivers seat is comfortable. I drive 120 miles to/from work each day, and have had no problems. Read about the recalls, and complaints before you look at the vehicle; know what to look for. Turn to aftermarket products, if you question Nissans quality control; ie. brakes and shocks/struts.

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  Hardy Value - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Joe in Delaware - October 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Pathfinder after my extensive research found Pathfinder has bulletproof reliability, good off- road capability, and ample towing capacity. Also, our past Nissan vehicles have been long lasting, trouble-free vehicles (we got 180,000+ miles on our 240SX!). With our Pathfinder, weve put many enjoyable miles (e.g., highway, around town, and offroad) on the Pathfinder...its roomy, rides well on the highway, and can fit all our luggage plus cart around the family. Overall, we appreciate this versatile, comfortable and rugged vehicle!

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  Love the Xterra - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By mermansk - October 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought mine new at first release of 2000 model year. Sole owner. Marathon road trips, city traffic, towing and commuting. Wonderful balance between interior space, utility, horsepower, gas mileage, etc. Family of four traveling regularly. I own the SE version because I dont believe in power everything. Ive added power door locks/security system and a towing hitch. Basic maintenance is all Ive had to do. Bang for buck, its on top of the heap.

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  Great Mid-Size SUV Choice - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By twgibson - October 15 - 10:00 am

  We recently purchased the Murano after trading our 1996 Pathfinder LE. We spent twenty minutes in the showroom climbing all over the vehicle, looking at features and comparing it to the Pathfinder. This was enough to get us on the road where I was able to get it close to 80 MPH. We were impressed by the low road noise that we had come to despise in the PF. While we wanted three rows of seats, we were satisfied with the larger rear seats over the PF. I was also very impressed with the luxury quality of the controls. It has a distinctive look that reminds me of days of muscle cars. We have lost count of how many strangers stop us to ask about the vehicle.

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  best car ever - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By ally - October 15 - 10:00 am

  once i saw the car i thought it was just another nissan but when i got closer and was able to see its comfort ans its awesome designs i was hooked on it and only it

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  From BMW to This! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Squeaky - October 15 - 10:00 am

  I went from a BMW 325i to the Maxima SL and love it! Considered both the SE and SL models, and the SL for me was by far the best luxury ride. If you want a sporty ride and handling, then go with the SE. The Maxima has the BEST pickup (265 HP engine), luxurious leather interior, and stylish exterior. The new Skyview Sunroof is cool! My son influenced me purchasing the Elite package because he loves the rear bucket seats, rear heated seats, and sun shade. Its 1 classy car!

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  Sports Car without Sports Car Cost - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Evan - October 15 - 2:26 am

  I may be biased having previously owned a 2005 Altima, but I love this car. After 6000 miles I havent noticed any difference in the driving from mile 1. It can be fuel efficient, or really give me that extra boost when I want to cut it loose. Bottom Line, this is a great car for individuals or for families looking for a little fun from their everyday sedan.

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  If you THINK you want it - get it! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By SoCal Roy - October 14 - 9:03 pm

  Wifes lovin it. First-time Nissan owner - but Pathfinders great history. Strong resale, LOTS of power, great ride/handling, smooth/quiet. Have an 18ft I/O boat, so needed a family vehicle to tow WITH EASE while not being cumbersome hard-to-park the rest of year and contrary to others I think the mileage is just fine for this type vehicle (ave. 20 mpg on last hiway trip - my best hiway Dodge Club Ram ave.15) You do NOT "require" premium gas - perfect on 87 octane. Much roomier than the Pilot. Use the internet to purchase - fight for invoice pricing!!!

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  CVT - EXCELLENT CAR - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By Rick - October 14 - 7:40 pm

  I have owned a 2005 Maxima, which was totaled early this year and now a 2008 Maxima. This car is really a considerable car to purchase. The comfort and performance stands out in 2008 Maxima. There are too many car buyers down-playing the CVT engine. People have been use to the engine shifting over 50 years of cars. This Maxima with CVT has no shift shock. So its nice and smooth driving. 0-60 in 6 seconds and I able to pull a track time of 14.8 1/4 mile in 75 degree weather. With my 05 Maxima, I put on 35K miles and had NO problems with the engine. Now with this new 2008 Maxima, I have 5K miles and still no problems. This 08 SL is worth what I spent and I highly recommend it.

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  Great car - 2017 Nissan Sentra
  By Mike Luna - October 14 - 9:44 am

  Nissan dealership will help in anyway to get you in a new car