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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  Everything I needed! - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By Tortuga - August 16 - 6:46 am

  I bought my Frontier in 2004 when I was 18. Been driving it almost daily ever since. Ive done trips of well over 400 miles as well as put it through some rigorous Off-Road and Mud trails. The truck has gone everywhere Ive pointed it. Ran into a few trees and rocks while wheeling, body damage was fixed with a little hammer work. I was rear ended in it, with barely a dent to the rear bumper (the plastic step came loose.) The little toyota pickup that hit me, was destroyed. Power is perfectly fine, Its a pickup not a race car. Im running 31 in. tires (compared to the stock size of about 17 in.) and it runs perfectly fine, with no life required. In all, great truck!

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  Pleased with my Pathfinder - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By krazeemom - August 16 - 12:33 am

  I enjoy driving my pathfinder. I wouldnt trade it for any other SUV. Having looked and owned other SUVs in the past I prefer the pathfinder over Ford, Chev, and Toyo SUVs the ability to access to the 3 row seat is great and the space and comfort of the 2 row seat is great. Interior is easy to clean and the teflon in the rear interior was the best idea for pets and sport equipment. Keeps me from worrying about keeping the interior clean.

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  05 MAX - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Justin from Jersey - August 15 - 11:00 am

  Black exterior with Burnt Orange Interior gets tons of attention. People always comment on how nice of a car the Maxima is. Performance is good. This car gives you a high feature content, and is a step above the everyday family car.

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  Very Dependable - 1996 Nissan Altima
  By Rioo - August 15 - 2:00 am

  I leased this car for 3 years. I tested both auto and stick. Let me tell you they are very different. The 5 speed is much quiter and pull quicker. To be honest, it was a leased car so I didnt bother to change the oil or get it tuned up on schedule. I might have 4 oil and 1 set of sparkplugs changed in those 3 years... and it just runs and runs without even a single problem!

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  All-Purpose Reliability - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By bytor72 - August 15 - 2:00 am

  This truck is not for everyone, only anyone who wants to be able to do a whole lot of things! Hauling, towing, 4 people 4 wheeling skiing and it hauls ass!

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  Most bang for the buck - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By maxpa - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned the car for 2 years and put on 40,000 kms in that time. The best car ive owned. The HP and torque make for snappy performance and the interior is luxurious and comfortable. The driver side airbag module was replaced under warranty (~$500 CAD), and the alternator was replaced under a recall. Other than that I havent been to the dealership for anything.

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  The Great White Path - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By CharleyAngel - August 15 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Nissan Pathfinder and I love this vehicle. The drive is smooth, the ride is fun and it satisfies my urge to rule the road in style. It runs our of gas too fast but thats because Texas is so big and I love visitng all the malls in the area. I would recommend this car to singles and especially working moms. Thanks

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  Nissan Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By CarolinaBoi - August 15 - 2:00 am

  ILOVE this car.Its a large SUV and it handles likes it is small. It sticks to the road and it snaps your neck at the start. Nissan needs to do a better job with color choices and option packages. You cant find a car with everything you want in it, Nor can you buy the option for later installation! The controls on the steering wheel can not be seen in the dark...you better memorize them! It is strange that in the LE version you cant get dual auto climate control. Other then those small irratants, This is ONE FINE CAR that you wont reget buying. The engine growls better then any American V-8. Tri-Cities Nissan in Johnson City TN is the place to buy one.

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  Nissan Murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Kaprn - August 15 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is an absolute joy to drive, sturdy and a feel of total driving control. Very safe and comfortable - unmeasurable compared to other SUVs Ive test driven. I cant imagine driving anything else. I have always driven very small two door sports cars and was unsure if I could handle something larger - I felt completely at ease the first time I test drove it - 7 months later Im still in love with it!

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  Satisfied Customer - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Happy Driving! - August 15 - 2:00 am

  We purchased the Quest in preparation for our first child. We wouldnt have changed a thing. The Quest is perfect for anyone who wants a larger vehicle that offers convenience as well as plenty of passenger and cargo space.