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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  Slow but wins the race - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By William Bender - May 5 - 4:30 pm

  Bought new and have never done anything but routine maintenance. Tight handling and has used tires like a Mack truck. I finally relented and started to carry 26 lbs. of pressure in the tires and have 40,000 miles on my current set of Yokohama HT-S Geolanders. Have done some very hard four wheel drives with this vehicle and only broke one shock. She still takes us skiing all winter and never complains. Expect to still have this Pathfinder in 2020 just like my 1991 Nissan truck.

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  Rattles and more. - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By wayne4al - May 4 - 7:11 am

  This car has more ratttles than a babies crib! I cant even find them all. I cant open the sun roof it rattles so bad. I have one coming from the back some where. There are others. The seats belts scratch up the inside of the passager sides. I also have a strong gasoline odor at times. Car is on its way to the shop.

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  Like the vehicle, but having problems - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By hjb0028 - May 3 - 1:30 am

  I love my Nissan!! This car drives great and has SO much head and foot room!! It has plenty of cup holders and gets great gas mileage. I also love how sleek it looks on the outside!!! I have had some problems with it however. My starter is going out for the 2nd time, I have had to have my fuel pump changed already, and I am always having hubcaps fall offÂ… about 7 so far. Thank goodness for my warranty!! Other than that though I love my car. It is so relaxing and comfortable to drive. The trunk has plenty of room also. My dealership has been the best I have ever had. They have been extremely friendly and has work well with me.

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  Love My Little Beast! - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By Outlaw Blondie - May 2 - 9:40 pm

  I have always been a truck/lrg.SUV person and planned on buying another GMC, but they seem to make all these new Make/Models so ridiculously bulky that I debated for 2 years. I looked at every truck and SUV, it was like Goldilocks and The 3 Bears. This one is to small, this one is to big, this one is too sissy, this one is too boring, then finally Ah this one feels just right. I went shopping with my son who bought an Xterra. Within a week I loved it so much I bought one, and within a week after that my brother-in-law loved ours so much he bought one. Now we are planning some kewl family Off-roading trips. The SE is fun and sporty, yet classy enough for a night out on the town. I Love it!

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  Good truck for the 1st 100K - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By smrosser - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this truck since new. Very comfortable. Only complaint is the poor MPG (~15). In 105K miles, not one breakdown or problem. Ive only put tires, oil, gas, and a timing belt into the car. No breaks, exhaust - nothing! I did have trouble keeping the tires balanced (too big?) I always seem to have a shimmy on the highway.

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  A blast! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Mark Mayes - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Loved the abdundance of thrust and power throughout the rev range. The engine was sweet. The torque steer was kind of scarey though especially when the roads were damp and one had to tred lightly as a result. The manual stick was vague and made rowing the gearbox somewhat a chore and I had trouble making smooth changes .The build quality was chintzy and cheap especially the interior with the manual boot and cup holder needing replacement before 8000miles. At 9000miles the clutch gave out and needed replacement.

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  Great SUV with minor issues - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By towens - May 2 - 12:10 am

  Traded in an 08 Toyota Rav4 and we only had it for 2 days but my wife and I are very pleased with it. The leather, xm radio, ride, performance and handling are great. The optional navigation is cool and hides easily. There is a few items that well have to get used to such as no automatic headlights, accessories dont automatically shut off when you turn the vehicle off, unusual placement of the tire jack. We also noticed that the trip computer is faded and will need to be returned for a replacement.

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  Love my Murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By H Smith - May 1 - 3:43 pm

  Dynomite vehicle. Refined like the high- priced German Brands. Great long distance cruser. No regrets.

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  Nissan Quest by DBW - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By David Whiteman - April 30 - 9:20 am

  Great van. Dont understand some criticisms on brakes, 33,000 miles and they just now need changing. The Goodyear LSs, JUNK, 33,000 miles and have to be replaced at over $105.00/tire. Nissan design engineers, fire the suspension guys, picked odd size tire 225/65/16 only manufacturer - Goodyear LSs, had to go to a 235/60/16 for more choices. Wont buy the LSs again. Bad design/marketing by Nissan, dont design with single manufacurer odd size tires. Ride, comfort, mileage all aces. Had two Windstars, they were primitive compared to this Quest. Love Nissans backing door problems on early models. Nissan needs to pay attention to dealer service network. Real turn off with lousy dealer service.

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  Frontier XE - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By jeff - April 29 - 11:00 pm

  I have owned an 03,an 05 and an 07. All 3 were XEs. My 07 is a 4 cyl, 5 speed manual. This truck is by far the best ever. Rides like a real truck (full frame), pulls hills just fine.The 5 speed manual is perfect for this. anyone who has taken a trip with me complements the ride. Nissan has raised the bar. A 23mph average truck that can haul 1500 lbs up hills. You will not go wrong purchasing the truck.