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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  Excellent First Car - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By belka - April 23 - 2:40 am

  This is a great little fun car for the price. I would definitely recommend it for first time buyers who want something relatively quick.

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  Going EV - Sooner the better!! - 2013 Nissan Leaf
  By blue_dog - April 22 - 3:35 pm

  I sat on it for 6 months before i pulled the trigger. My daily commute is 40 to 60 miles (one way) and I spend $600.00 a month on gas. model:SL with 360 all around view with Bose sound system I stopped by my health club (before or after work) to charge my car while I work out. Travel takes more planning than driving ICE vehicles but eventually becomes systemic. at times when I get low on battery capacity, i just move over to slower lane. i watch power meter like a hawk and rarely go over the 4th circle.

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  Best for the price - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By mike - April 22 - 9:30 am

  I looked at all the 2007 vans and drove most. Absolutely the best for the money and better than most regardless of price.

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  Good Crossover - 2014 Nissan Pathfinder
  By taskman - April 21 - 9:15 pm

  We bought this pathfinder AWD back in May 2014 we have put over 6,500mi on it and have had no problems. After owning an Expedition for several years initially I was hesitant to move to this crossover especially because the bad press for CVTs. The overall experience has been positive still able to tow my 18 boat at the same time save gas for daily use. Although the switch from traditional automatic to CTV is not 100% transparent (you need to adapt between keep pressing down the gas vs. hold or overdrive vs. automatically braking with engine for downhills) at the end of the day it deliver a good experience.

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  Another Great SUV - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By billcinva - April 20 - 6:23 am

  This LE replaced my 2005 SE Off Road. I went to all the bells and whistles. The nav, music box, and bluetooth are great! Been fun to drive as always, the LE ride is smoother then my old one. I also like the option of auto 4 wheel or shift on the fly. This is my 2nd pathfinder and I think the quality is there!!

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  2004 Maxima SE - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By rdm - April 19 - 2:00 am

  My Maxima SE with the 5 spd auto trans is a blast to drive. (The manual would be even better, but the wife wont learn to drive it).It handles very well and is very fast, for a 6 cylinder. It is modern looking and gets more than its share of looks.

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  What is that noise? - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By rando - April 18 - 7:53 pm

  I love this suv. Ive been a loyal Nissan owner for many years now, but the armada has a couple issues. 1. When you hit a bump while turning the wheel wants to over steer, making the vehicle unstable momentarily. 2. When it is windy and there is a slight cross wind (over 20 mph) the wind comes through the door seal opposite from where the wind is coming. (dealer does not believe us no matter how many print outs of similar problems we bring in). This last trip we went on it was windy and raining and we had water dripping inside the cab. 3. Sunroof vibrates from time to time. They cant find it. 4. Interior plastic scratches way too easy

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  Fun but Laggy - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By K Douglas - April 17 - 1:16 pm

  Bought the Car Aug. 2009. noticed the CVT did not accelerate when making turns. It lags and can be scary if you need the power and its not there. Ive read the other reviews and noticed that Nissan says its designed that way. When you step on the gas pedal you expect it to go, not with the Nissan Altima.

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  Some Disappointments With My 2006Maxima - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By jayemmay - April 17 - 8:23 am

  The car is attractive and roomy. The engine is very peppy. But there are some things that disappoint me. The Owners Manual is not well written and is confusing in places. The controls for heating and cooling are a total mystery. Things happen that I would not want to happen such as the AC turing on ecven though its 30 degrees outside. The big possible problem is that sometimes on braking the car swerves. I feel the steering wheel twist in my hands. The service advisor at the dealership says this is due to the 18" wheels and is uncorrectable. I cannot accept that proposition.

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  In love with the V6 Power - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Altima3.5Fan - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive been wanting this car since March of 2001, when I saw what they have been doing with the redesign of the car and I must say Ive been quite pleased!!! The car is a dream to drive, compared to my previous Altima, it was a 98.