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-Best buy in class of its own. - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Xtremely happy - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Xterra is HANDS DOWN the best buy for the money. If you complain about the ride, buy a car, its not an SUV if its not built on a truck frame. The more I researched this vehicle the more it stood out, if youre looking for an SUV thats affordable and can perform like a true SUV this is it. Look at the numbers, the X stands up to many others that cost a lot more. It does ride like a truck, but still is smooth. The CRV, RAV4, Escape, Tribute,-all big cars and compared with the X often, technically, they arent in the same class with Xterra. Xterra gives a no BS, skip the leather and wood trim dash answer to the affordable & highly capable SUV.

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  Great car, great price - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Jay from Chicago - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Bought the 2003 3.5 SE, and have been just completely blown away by how improved the interior is over the 2002, as well as how comfortable and fun to drive this car is. Ive never owned a Nissan before (Honda & Toyotas mostly), but this Altima has me won over!! And, best of all, due to an error by the dealership, I got this one at slightly over Invoice!!! ;) The only downer is that Nissan doesnt run any financing specials on Altimas, so the Rate is a little higher than I would have liked, but I can live with it!

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  2003 Altima is terrific. - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Altima Fan - September 20 - 10:00 am

  What a great car! My fiance happily dropped off her lemon (a 2000 Olds Alero) and picked up one of the nicest cars on the market. We fell in love with this car after test driving many others in its class. The styling and build quality were unmatched.

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  Girly suv to manly suv - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By LEIZ - September 19 - 8:40 am

  Husband was too tall for the Lexus RX300, so we traded it for the Armada. Took some time to get use to, but I am finally loving this BEAST. Its a big SUV that deserves a bow. It handles well and has a lot of power when I need it. Nav needs help, did send me to the wrong location. It carries all of my shopping with no problems, along w/ husband, toddler and dog in tow. I get compliments on this SUV everywhere I go. I feel safe, but I pay for the safety and the looks at the pump.. This beast is always hungry for more gas, what SUV isnt? Overall, I am very happy with our purchase. You get alot for what you pay on this SUV.

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  Excellent truck, now with great gadgets - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Marc - September 18 - 6:33 am

  I traded up from a 2005 Pathfinder, which I was always impressed with. I wanted the new features (Bluetooth, Intelligent Key, backup camera, Music Box, better navigation with touch screen, voice commands and traffic) added in the 2008 model. The powerful V6 has always been my favorite feature, and my last Pathfinder proved very reliable and versatile. The gadgets are great, but Im disappointed that MP3s cant be loaded into the Music Box. Otherwise, I find the Pathfinder to be perfect vehicle.

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  Love it! - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By GC - September 17 - 11:20 pm

  Ive owned it about 6 months and put 16,000 miles on it. It has been an excellent ride and problem free. I got the loaded version and it has been totally worth it. The voice recognition works really well and the navigation system is excellent. I didnt realize that I would like the keyless feature as much as I have. Ive gotten so lazy that it now irritates me to have to get my key out when I drive my other car. It has a lot of nice touches both inside and out and I have absolutely no buyer remorse!

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  This Is The Best - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By dwalz - September 17 - 9:50 pm

  Ive owned Hondas, Toyotas, Jaguars, Fords and Volvos during the past 10- years. My new Nissan Altima 2.5 S is by far and away the best car Ive ever driven. I dont have any idea of where some of the negative reviews come from. I can only guess its from another car maker owner that wants to "dis" Nissan to help raise the re- sale value of their car. This is a great car and a great value for the price.

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  Nissan Pathfinder rocks! - 2016 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Mississippi Lady - September 17 - 4:27 pm

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  The best in its class!! - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By jake7777 - September 17 - 3:21 pm

  I recently purchased this SUV and has been the best decision I ever made. Test drove and compared others including the Pilot, Highlander, Mazda CX9. The pathfinder outshines them all in interior aesthetics, comfort, cushioned drive and mileage. The almond leather on it is so good. I feel very proud as a owner and look forward to drive it every day.

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  Try it-Youll LOVE it! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By shelley - September 17 - 10:36 am

  Just bought this weekend and love it! Much more comfy than CRV and handles like a dream. Traded in a 2 door Accord & could not be happier. Accord is great, but the Rogue has wonderful seats and has more of a cockpit feel to the controls than all other suvs driven. If you are thinking about an suv, do yourself a favor and drive this - you wont be sorry.