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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  just purchased an 07 LE Pathfinder - 2007 Nissan Pathfinder
  By mjr - July 10 - 4:13 am

  this is my fourth Nissan. Two Maximas a Nissan P/U and now the Pathfinder. I love the Pathfinder. Desert Sand LE (no nav or dvd) 2X4. Paid $31,200 + ttt. Dealership gave me $9630 for my 2000 Max SE w/84K miles. I was concerned with buying a domestically mfg vehicle (Tenn plant) but Toyota as 12+ plants in USA (Camry is mfg in KY) and seem to be of good quality. I am not happy buying premium unleaded. I started out using 87 octane but too much engine knock. I had several bad Toyota dealership experiences and did not like the fact you had to practically lay down in the driver seat. Pathfinder seat in much more comfy. The overall Nissan experience continues to rock my world.

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  Perfect First New-Car Purchase - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By VersaSport - July 9 - 10:06 am

  This is my first new car purchase. What a great deal! Much quieter and smoother drive than my previous 01 Mazda Protoge. The Fit, Yaris, and Aveo dont even come close to the quality and amount of car for the money.

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  Excellent SUV - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By jds - July 9 - 9:03 am

  I have really enjoyed this vehicle. There were a few minor adjustments that needed to be made to the vehicle (squeaky stereo compartment) which the dealer fixed. Otherwise, the power is excellent and for a SUV, it rides pretty well.

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  plenty of power - 2002 Nissan Quest
  By dacow - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I dont understand the knocks against its power. It has plenty of power and is very smooth in acceleration. This van feels much more solid than its competitors.

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  2003 2.5LE Sentra - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By nissanbuyer - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a limited edition sentra in oct 2002.Overall, I am pleased with the performance of the car- good acceleration, and for the price there is no other car in its class that can compete with all the features that this model provides (ABS/side airbags/165hp, etc) I am upset however because no more than a month after I had the car, I discovered that I had a pin-size hole leak in one of the lower radiator tubes. I am surprised at this and did not really anticipate experiencing this type of problem from a company such as nissan. However, all in all the car is a good buy for commuting.

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  2.5 LE kicks! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By alpha01 - July 9 - 2:00 am

  This car is truly a find- a great engine, wonderfully executed interior and many safety features at great price! Car handles well if not very sportily, interior materials feel great, fuel economy (about 27MPG in a mix of city/hwy) is very respectable give the 165 hp. If youre looking for value, forget the ION or the Elantra. Get the 2.5LE.

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  SE 2001 - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By sog - July 9 - 2:00 am

  This car looks good, handles well,good gas milage, plenty of power, all comfort features, excellent sound system. One of the better cars that I have owned.

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  My First Japnese Vehicle - Wow! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By The Ride - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Out of curiosity I test drove the Murano SL and feel in love with it. A week later I drove one home and it rocks! Ive always owned Ford vehicles but wanted something new. Ive read other reviews complaining about engine noise or poor interior quality. They must be tripping or are talking about some other vehicle because thats not the case with the Murano! It compares to others that sell for $5K to $15K higher. Drive one and see for yourself how fun the Murano is.

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  Love this car. - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By Tom Dodson - July 8 - 3:46 pm

  This is a daily commute vehicle thats been fun to drive. The 2.5l four cylinder engine performance has always impressed me. I had the automatic transaxle rebuilt at 225K miles and thats the only major work ever done. No engine work at all. 25MPG combined highway/city. 100 watt stereo/CD player, remote entry. I love the split fold down rear seats that allow you to load large cargo into a small car, really convenient. I also love the overdrive lockout button on the gear shift that allows you to use the engine compression to slow the car in traffic like a manual transmission. Ill miss that feature because the new Altima doesnt have it.

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  I absolutely love this car! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Benai - July 8 - 1:46 pm

  This car is amazing. It drives beautifully. I love everything about it. The Bose stereo sounds great. Its so fuel efficient, such a nice change from a 98 Chevy Blazer. The look of the car is hot and I love that you dont see a ton of them on the road. I have the premium package and its so worth every penny. The bluetooth sounds so clear. I love the push start button. The features of the car are great and Im so glad I own this car.