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 3rd (and best) Altima - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Jason - May 29 - 12:16 am

  I love the Nissan Altima. I had a 2005, a 2010 and now I have the 2015. The interior space and ability to see 360 degrees from the drivers seat is what I have always loved most about Altimas. Plenty of room in the back seat for a car seat and a very tall toddler. Plenty of trunk space fits a load of groceries PLUS my golf clubs. This new Altima has the blue tooth (which will interrupt anything coming through the speakers when a call comes in even if you have an external device plugged into the aux port). Throw this baby down in "sport" mode and she rips along pretty darn good for a 4 cylinder. I love it. I dont think Ill ever buy anything other than Nissan.

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  3000 miles on 15 Pathfinder and already problems - 2015 Nissan Pathfinder
  By carbonrhody - May 28 - 11:49 pm

  I recently decided to lease a new 15 Pathfinder SL w/ Premium Package despite reading many of the issues online with 13 and 14 MY transmission issues. I choose the Pathfinder because I found it more comfortable than the Santa Fe, better fit and finish than the Explorer and I was able to get a better price/deal than the Highlander. Sitting inside the Pathfinder it feels like a very luxurious vehicle. Overall, I am worried about the build quality. Already have two issues at 3000 miles, one with the transmission having an ugly downshit into when stopping. Lots of bangs when driving. Very worried about long term durability and safety. Good thing I leased!!!

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  Big Lemmon - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Jerry - May 28 - 4:30 pm

  After less than 6 months of ownership my Titan has developed severe problems and has now been in the shop for over 2 weeks with no firm estimate of when I will get my truck back. The technicians at Nissan have recommended the dealer replace the entire rearend. One of the service reps at Hall Nissan said that they discovered a computer problem as well. I have been in contact with the dealer almost daily now and have spoken with Nissan "Customer Service Dept" a couple of times. The end of next week is the earliest I can expect my truck to be fixed was the last answer I received and they didnt sound sure about that. I am completely dissatisfied with both the Nissan product and service.

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  Back again with another Titan - 2011 Nissan Titan
  By peachydad - May 28 - 6:54 am

  Owned a 2004 Titan (first year), and never regretted my decision. It was dependable, and Nissan fixed the warped brake rotors right away, and the truck ran like a champ for 6 years until getting rammed by another driver. I feel this truck is underappreciated and think its a solid contender and has become a bargain. You ought to consider this truck if you need a large general purpose pickup. My 2011 silver one feels familiar, has tons of mass and power, and still roars with its exhaust, but is solid, comfortable, and big enough for anybody.

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  True Blue Sports Car: 350Z, 2004 - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By J. A. Nunez - May 28 - 12:36 am

  Just three weeks of ownership, & Im sold with this i-n-c-r-e-d-i-b-l-e machine! Ergonomics, performance, LOOKS!, Nissan quality...you-name-it, I LOVE this coupe/sports car. At $22,000, with just 13200K on it, my conscience is killing me - I ripped off a friend!!!

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  nissan altima 96 review - 1996 Nissan Altima
  By DRAGON - May 27 - 2:00 am

  great overall built car and very reliable.

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  Not bad for under 15K brand new - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By cagayan - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Only needed a car that can take me from point A to point B that doesnt cost an arm and a leg and Im actually having fun getting there.

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  Sentra Good? My family owns three! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By toga333 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  The Sentra GXE offers great styling, and reliablity. The ABS/Side air bags are only availiable as an add-on package. Fuel economy is 29-32MPG, with about a 300-340 mile Range. We have had no issues with the 3 Sentras my Family owns (01SE,02GXE,03GXE). 180 Watt stereo in uplevel packages are a plus, so are alloy wheels. oh, and make sure you get a rear spoiler, it really improves the rear look of the car!

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  Best Value in its class - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By PathMan - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Great handling, acceleration, and ride. Fold down rear seats are great as well as the DVD entertainment system. Very limited road noise. Overall a great car

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  the future is now - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By musa - May 27 - 2:00 am

  the best ride money can buy