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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  2002 Nissan Maxima - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Hayes Rembijas - November 2 - 11:26 am

  Iv only had the car for a few months, but Im enjoying every moment with it.

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  2004 Nissan Titan is a VALUE! - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Bob - November 1 - 8:30 pm

  After 2 months of ownership of my 2004 Titan, Im very pleased with the vehicle. Plenty of room, power, looks, and handling capabilities! Quality is solid so far. Lots of little things that I like about this truck too. Like the 6 disc changer, built in alarm system, sprayed in bed liner, most power in its class. Ford is the only vehicle thats refined enough to even get close to this vehicle...and I dont even like Fords. Ive been a Chevy fan my whole life, but Chevy has a lot of catching up to do to match the Ford and Nissan. Dodge looks nice, but lacks the quality of any of the others. Towing capacity on the Nissan is great!

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  Its a Dud! - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Greg - November 1 - 4:10 pm

  I bought this car new in 2001 due to its great handling and performance. Unfortunately, I had no way of knowing how cheap Nissan had gone on the parts. O2 sensors, mass airflow sensors, busted muffler, warped door to the gas tank, electrical system issues...I can go on and on. My advice is to stay away!

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  Underpowered? - 2014 Nissan Versa Note
  By markafolse - October 30 - 11:18 pm

  Only if youre a car reviewer who is jealous you werent assigned the Murano convertible to review. Its a small engine car, no doubt, but I have experienced none of the sweaty palm moments reviers warned about entering the interstate. I was leary of the CVT but acceleration is smooth and there when you need it. Braking is excellent. My only complaint so far is the steering has that mush 70s GM feeling. You dont feel as much close control taking corners, but I find it more than adequate in the city driving I do. Parking in the crowded urban neighborhoods I visit is a snap, and the passenger compartment, especially the back seat, is huge and comfortable.

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  Dangerous Windows - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Elephant - October 30 - 2:53 pm

  I loved my new Nissan Rogue until the other day when the back side glass shattered into a million pieces without any apparent reason. I had been home only a few minutes when I noticed the glass had shattered. It seemed to have imploded due to the heat and air conditioning combined. The dealership would not accept the fact that it could have been their workmanship or defect in the glass. The glass went into the seat cover about 2 inches deep and would have severely injured a person sitting in that seat. Luckily, the car had just been parked and no one was inside. Glass was thrown throughout the car. No sign of damage due to vandalism or otherwise. Be careful!!

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  Nissan Pathfinder XE - 1998 - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Dave Murray - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Almost the perfect SUV. Reliable, comfortable, tows well. Good in snow and sand. Gas mileage characteristically poor (15 city; 18 highway). At 50,000, had two electrical components fail (about $200 each). Otherwise, totally reliable. Id definitely buy another.

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  SE Murano AWD - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Pete K. - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Overall very pleased. AWD eliminates tourque steer and seems more stable, but is a tad slower than FWD . This is the SE and the ride is firm but not uncomfortable. Lots of fun on twisty roads with good steering feedback and excellent tracking. Pushed hard, you will get some understeer before the limit. Great Brakes. The CVT tranny takes getting used to, but I am learning to like it, especially going up hills at 70 to 80 MPH. Gas milage has averaged about 20MPG so far with 50/50 city/hiway. This should improve with break-in. Seats are comfortable, lots of room for my German Shephard in the back, good visability, excellent build quality and paint.

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  Quest is a Hot Mess - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By sesaalegria - October 29 - 1:47 pm

  I bought my Quest SL new in 2005 with the extended warranty; I planned on driving it for many years. Well, Im looking to trade it in way ahead of schedule. By the time it had 73K miles, the 4th alternator had to be put in! The first 3 were under regular warranty, the 4th under the extended. Currently it is in the shop having the computer replaced, to the tune of $2K out of my pocket. Oh, and the brakes? I cant count how many times theyve been replaced. Sure, it is roomy, comfy on long road trips, the DVD player is a lifesaver with the kids, the drive is smooth, it was stylish in 2005, and the purchase price was good-all reasons I got it. In the long run-well-RUN! Not worth the test drive.

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  Great Car, some options not standard - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Antonio - October 28 - 9:10 pm

  Ive owned this car for a month now and love it. I have gotten nothing but great performance out of my Spec V. Have had no transmission problems or alignment problems. Handles really good, but ABS is not standard nor is side air bags. Which really isnt a big deal unless you are really concerned about safety and if thats the case i dont suggest a tuner car like the SE/R models. As far as the body kit, Ive found 6 or 7 of them on eBay and some of the performance sites. Honestly, if you want to REALLY know what people think about this car, do not go off of these people. Go to nissanforums.com and see how the owners who know a lot about cars like it.

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  Lot better then the Santa Fe it replaced - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By usmcbigguns - October 27 - 8:16 pm

  Replaced our 2 year old Sante Fe piece of #$%@! Get a lot of car for your money. Had to get an all decked out Xterra since that is all the dealership could find for us in our region and still only paid $26500. Lots of power, good turning radius, great brakes, the ride is not as bad as I thought it would be and it is GREAT IN THE SNOW. I have 2 kids, 2 big dogs and this suv was made for families like mine. So many useful features in this suv. We even used the roof bin for my daughters nasty soccer cleats after her practice. Gas mileage was on par with the Santa Fe it replaced, which is surprising since the Xterra has 60 more horsepower. 3 words for you "JUST BUY IT" you wont regret it.