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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  Pleased - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By John - May 17 - 2:10 am

  One thing I did right away was to adjust the throttle cables under the hood as they come from the factory with alot of play. Once I tightened these up the pedal response was amazing! I also put a K&N air filter in as well as new synthetic redline oil. With these simple changes I am getting 20 miles per gallon and drives great!!!

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  I should have purchased the platinum - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By Kim - May 16 - 7:25 pm

  I enjoy the SL version, however, I regret not purchasing the platinum.

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  Great in Winter too! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By fpl1972 - May 16 - 3:36 pm

  I just got back from a 1700 mile winter road trip through Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. My Versa started without a single problem in -26 weather. Out performed a 4Runner in the snow and only had to put chains on because the state troopers made everyone! Transmission was seamless and enabled me to get out of deep snow without spinning out of control. Even with the low profile, it still went through deep snow easily.

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  I am disappointed with my 04 Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By terri - May 16 - 12:33 am

  We bought the 04 Quest because Consumer Reports on previous years models were so good. The exterior look was so cool, and the interior is unique, comfortable, and large enough for our needs. However, the body integrity has proven a great disappointment. We have been getting water in our trunk area, which weve brought back 3 times and still havent gotten satisfaction. The small air vents in the ceiling fall off occasionally. The passenger side air bag light does not go off, even when a 165 lb. person is sitting in the seat. And it seems that all of the recalls require the dealership mechanics to rebuild this car every time I have to bring it in. Im thinking of selling soon.

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  Be Careful - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By John - May 15 - 10:30 pm

  This vehicle has serious brake issues! I have an 2005 model and at 2000 miles of city driving, the wheel and pedal started to vibrate. Now with 3000 it is so bad it is embarassing to drive with friends. Nissan was just "turning" the rotors but now have developed a new brake kit however the dealers in my area are clueless when the will get the upgrade. Make sure you get an upgrade before you buy!!!!!!!!! P.S. nissan says this upgrade will work...only time will tell.

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  A great purchase - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By eca - May 15 - 10:23 pm

  An excellent car for the money. I was considering a couple competitors, (Accord/Civic, Subaru Legacy, Camry) but none had the interior room of the Altima. Im 61" and test drove the car with the seat all the way back. Afterwords, I got in the back seat behind the drivers seat and my knees did not touch the drivers seat! I also have the special edition package that places audio controls on the steering wheel, along with a trip computer and 8 way power drivers seat. The car gets comparable gas mileage to the competitors and it is less expensive. I also love the color (smoke w/ frost interior). The cloth is very soft and comfortable. Overall, Im very pleased and the car rides beautifully.

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  Great truck! - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Gary - May 15 - 4:40 pm

  Bought this from original owner in Jan. of 08 with 22k. Its got 37k on it and its been a great ride so far. No squeaks, solid as a rock, FAST, handsome and just plain fun. I get 16 mpg in town and 18-19 on the road. Its my daily driver, handles small truck tasks (hauling stuff, etc.) and the king cab works great to take my wife and daughter on trips. I have step rails and a bed cap - highly recommended. Put your luggage in the back and youre off!

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  Best Economic Decision - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Prock - May 15 - 2:46 pm

  I traded in my 2003 Pathfinder LE for this vehicle. I was no longer towing heavy trailers so I didnt need it. I am 61" at 185 lbs, plenty of room. This car has much more head and leg room than my wifes 2003 Sentra. Fuel economy was much lower than the EPA estimates but still acceptable. The fit and finish is very good for this price category.

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  Great Car - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Jeffrey - May 15 - 12:00 pm

  This is our 2nd Pathfinder and as with this our old one we enjoy this vehicle too. It gives us the room needed and the comforts too. The 2006 Pathfinder is a great vehicle to drive, a lot of power. A GREAT VEHCILE…

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  Too many issues - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By sourkrautgreg - May 15 - 9:26 am

  My previous truck was a 95 Nissan Hardbody XE V6 ext Cab. I traded it in on my current truck and only had to replace the fan belt when it broke at about 100k. Loved that Truck. I have had numerous issues with this one however. I have had to replace the clutch and the AC compressor at 62k. The speed sensor had been on its way out since before then, and finally quit outright at about 85k. Now at 95k and need to replace AC comp again. Nissan dealer installed it.