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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  Problems with fuel sensor and bearings - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By jim peck - November 6 - 4:33 am

  I too had a fuel sensor problem. Did not have to replace the entire fuel pump only the sensor. Now it vibrates at high speeds and I am being told it is the bearings. More later.

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  2011 Juke - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By michelle65 - November 6 - 12:41 am

  I waited about 5 months to write this review based on the fact that the nostalgia of a new car can sometimes override the cold hard facts that come after that nostalgia wears off. I purchased my Juke after hurricane Irene totaled my Mazda 3 in flood waters. I was drawn to the unique styling and its AWD feature. I do truly still enjoy my Juke and I love the way it handles and its sporty little get up and go attitude.

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  Owned 2 Cross Cabs---Im 67" and am comfortable!! - 2014 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet
  By Larry Yeisley - November 5 - 11:50 am

  Not for everyone. Fun to drive-- a tall mans sports car. Fun to drive, gets plenty of great, positive comments. Best vehicle I have owned. Definitely not a good vehicle for a young family with small children.

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  the true SUV - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By tedlyXE - November 5 - 2:00 am

  The best SUV Ive ever owned. It has its own spirit. Fun to drive good on gas, worth every penny. Much better choice than Toyota or Jeep. Two thumbs up !!!

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  Roof Rack Whistles - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Abig - November 5 - 2:00 am

  The roof rack whistles at around 30-40 miles per hour and apparently there is no cure for it.

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  2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Nouky - November 3 - 4:16 pm

  When the car works its great, when it doesnt, its such a hassle. Had problems from the beginning, bought it the first year they came out with the new body style. In winter, back doors wouldnt shut until the car warmed up. Had TONS of recalls! Very inconvenient. Car still has problems starting, something about the gas flooding into something, and I have to sit there with my foot on the gas holding it down until it does start. And supposedly theres no way to fix this problem. Such a headache. The car isnt worth all this trouble.

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  Very Satisfied - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By lynnw - November 3 - 10:00 am

  So far I have had no problems with my Quest. It has a comfortable smooth and responsive ride. The interior is very roomy. This van has very good power and does not make you feel as though it is dragging along. I find it very fun to drive.

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  You Decide - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By LewBank - November 3 - 8:53 am

  I actually like driving this car and its style. However, I feel that purchasing this vehicle was a mistake. I bought this car because I wanted a sporty dependable car to drive around town and on the road. I would call this vehicle anything but dependable. My steering has had a problem for 3 months and my dealer and Nissan is doing little to repair it--I am considering legal action. This is my second Maxima. I owned an American vehicle in between the two maximas. I liked all three cars, but GM gave me much better customer service and service to my vehicle. I wished that I had bought the small caddy instead of the Maxima. Think twice before buying a new Maxima.

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  Tough Competent Truck - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By Steve - November 2 - 9:50 pm

  First pick-up I ever owned and compared to my current cars, Porsche Boxster and Infiniti G35, this took a little while to get used to driving. Needed to haul the typical stuff around for the house, the dog and 2 dirtbikes. The 6 cyclinder and automatic are an excellent combination. Very quick acceleration for a truck. Gas milage is around 20 on the highway. Was excellent in the heavy snow this winter. Just click it into 4hi and rip right through the snow. Pretty tall truck (good ground clearance). My wife wasnt to keen on a truck, but she admits it is easy to drive and park.

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  Very good vehicle - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By davidh11 - November 2 - 5:01 pm

  I originally had a used 2000 Pathfinder and put over 170K miles on it and never had a problem with it. I traded it in (only because I wanted something newer and sportier) on a 2004 Maxima which turned out to be a piece of crap car! I went back to a Pathfinder this time buying a used 2003 Pathfinder and love it so far. The only real issue so far has been a cosmetic one; I believe the paint quality is poor. Keep in mind it has 130k on it but Ive never had a vehicles paint chip like this one does. Besides that, I have no complaints other than of course the sh-tty gas mileage but fortunately it does not require premium unleaded.