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:

• 

  Good, solid reliable SUV - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By chuckb - January 8 - 5:03 am

  I bought my 2000 Pathfinder used in 2003. It had 28000 miles on it when I bought it. This is my second Pathfinder, I previously owned a 1995 that needed only two repairs in the four years I owned it, and both were minor repairs. Thats what prompted me to buy another PF. I am already thinking about my third, maybe a 2003 or 2004. I will pass this one along to my son, as it is just too good to sell.

• 

  Nice cockpit - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By vadim_st - January 7 - 10:13 pm

  The car feels light for its size, and quite agile. Only one concern: the engine started to run rough already (some kind of knocking or ticking noise along with rpms).

• 

  Nissan Versa SL - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By ciara hanley - January 7 - 3:13 am

  The main reason I bought this car was because of the advertised gas mileage on the sticker. Im lucky if I get 20 miles per gallon in the city and Im only getting 30 miles on the highway. The sales people emphasized how great the fuel economy was but I guess none of them own one. I think Nissan should give a more accurate fuel economy rating especially with the high cost of gas. Theyre misleading people. The car is comfortable to sit in and to drive.

• 

  CVT Performance Needs Attention - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Shelly - January 5 - 2:30 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for over 2 years. Love everything BUT the CVT Transmission! It hesitates upon acceleration, it jerks (like a manual transmission that needs shifted) at 35-40 mph. To me...its EMBARRASSING, I feel like I am driving a sub par vehicle when I have a passenger with me. Hello Nissan, 35-40 miles an hour in the city is the speed limit! Please, please fix this issue...it is making me CRAZY! Love the sportier feel over my previous Camry, but with Nissan aware of this issue and not having a fix for it yet is just ridiculous. Thank goodness this car is going to be passed down to my 16 year old soon so I can get another vehicle.

• 

  Quest - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By Ross Curti - January 5 - 7:23 am

  I would Give the quest an overall 7.8 it is not perfect but then again no other car is

• 

  My First, But Not Last Altima - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Mukul - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for a Honda Accord, but when I drove the Altima I immediately changed my mind. The 4-banger in this car is much more lively than the 4 in the Accord, hands down! This car is a pleasure to drive. A good car for long trips as well, especially commuting on the 405! Very reliable, so far!

• 

  New owner. Love my Xterra - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By Andrew - January 3 - 9:00 pm

  I bought my 2007 Xterra X a week ago and I love it. Its good looking, fun to drive and the fuel economy isnt too bad for an SUV. I got the X model with the power package and I am actually pretty impressed with how smooth a ride it is. I traded up from a 2007 VW Rabbit and this actually rides a bit smoother. I will look down and see I am going faster than I thought. I must say that the brakes are a little spongy and the extreme use of plastics on the interior makes me wonder how soon until scratches show up.

• 

  2004 Nissan Problems - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Don Murphy - January 2 - 7:30 pm

  Trim. A few minor things but not too bad. The disc brakes on the front started vibrating at 5000 miles, have yet to take it in for that. Vibration in 4WD...normal?

• 

  Very Pleased - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By GregSentra - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Very pleased with this vehicle. Stock was good enough for me, although I did purchase performace cold air intake and performance exhaust, bought brand new tires, looking into new ECU and even bolton turbo. With the CAI and exhaust there is a noticible difference in performance. Handles very nicely (with new tires) since it mostly rains here. 5 speed manual, i would not have bought the automatic.

• 

  The Behemoth - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By JVB2000 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  After a few weeks of adjusting to a large size SUV, I can honestly say that I love my Armada. I have had all the 1st year out problems however (2 new sets of brakes & rotors in 6000 miles and the replacement of the casing for the DVD screen) but they get fixed and I move along. The turning radius of the truck is better than on any car Ive ever driven-I can get into some of the tighest spots! The pick up is there when you need it and there is more than enough room for all the strollers and groceries. Now if it didnt cost $50 a week to fill Id love it more.