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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  My next truck.... - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By f41driver - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I drove a 99 Frontier XE 4cyl King Cab until it had 207,000 miles in it when I worked for a Nissan dealer as a parts driver, and I can tell you this is the most durable truck Ive ever been in. The updates are mostly cosmetic between 99 and 03, so I feel this experience relevent. Im planning on buying a 2003 Frontier sometime next year.

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  Great vehicle - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By dbhons - July 14 - 2:00 am

  The Pathfinder is an easy driving vehicle; handles well on the road, including in turns (better than anything else we test drove). Going up into mountains and canyons, towing a SeaDoo (about 1,000 pounds), camping "stuff" on the top and inside the car, is no problem. Plenty of spare energy and torque. The Pathfinder comes with a lot of standard items that are GOOD; i.e. disk changer and sound system, running boards, tow setup, extra 12V plugs, etc.

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  The top of Nissan and feels like it. - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Steven Trachtenberg - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Its the best car for the money. And I drove them all.

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  The one to have - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Gilles - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Being a fan of fishing, I needed a vehicle with real offroad capabilities but with features of a luxury car. After shopping all makes thats the better for the price far from every one else. Thats the only real SUV on the market. Dont talk me about integral with suspension for paved street as a SUV.

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  6 Speed - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By art327 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Great value for the money. Looked at a 325 BMW but it was 10K more than the Max. Glad that I stayed with the cloth interior but wish that I got the Boise package. Lots of power, received my first speeding ticket in over 30 years.

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  Maxima! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By tkesde1 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  The car is very impressive thus far - feels solid - you can really feel the horsepower while also being incredibly comfortable in ALL the seats. Tons of leg room and it seems as if they thought of everything. Definitely the best car Ive ever driven.

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  350-z - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By wwwwooooooowwwwww - July 13 - 10:26 am

  This car blows me away. Ive had it up to 160 twice and havent got the guts to shift into 6th yet. The acceleration is awesome. The cornering is impressive. Drove it from Shreveport LA. to Miami FL. on vacation. I am 55 yrs old and bad back but the ride was superior. No aches or pains from driving. Had a 1969 Chevelle SS 369 stock 325 hp and it would have been no match for the Z. Best car Ive ever owned! Running through those six speeds will take your breath away! On the highway it grabs onto the road as it glides effortlessly through the air. The quality of the ride is not reflected in the price. The only thing that would impress me more would be more horse power.

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  LOVE my new ride - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Rosandra Simmons - July 13 - 7:36 am

  This is the first new car Ive purchased in 10 years and I LOVE it. I had been driving a Honda CRV and the size is comparable, but my Rogue is much more sporty. Great mom vehicle without looking like one.

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  Solid Choice - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By EZCruiser - July 13 - 1:56 am

  This vehicle is huge on the inside and is so easy to park that it almost does it on its own. It offers a great view of the road and a comfortable seating position. Short hops are easy and long trips a pleasure with lots of room for luggage and pets. The upgraded sound system makes all types of music sound great and will rock whenever you want to. Wind noise is fair (for a box) and the car feels stable at highway speeds. The CVT is great for smooth sailing and the brakes are smooth and capable. I came out of a Smart car (BIG mistake) and love this cube--more power on regular gas and almost the same mileage. . . but this Cube offers so much more FUN!

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  99% happy with my Nissian Versa - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By cary zwern - July 13 - 12:40 am

  I have drove my versa 39,000 with know problems at all. I change the oil every 4000 miles and put gas into it and could not be more happy. I live in Denver co and go into the mountains all the time and my versa has lots of power for a 4cycl motor and and goes up and down the mountains with know problems at all. The versa handles well in the snow also. When parking the car it is very easy. I would buy a versa again.