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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  Back in Black - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Big Time - May 12 - 11:00 am

  This car is probably the most thrilling car Ive ever driven. The great thing about it, its pretty fast, but also very comfortable, a rare combination. Everywhere I go, all I get is compliments, even the people at the dealership give me props for this badboy. I also suggest making the dealership wash the car, they do a bang-up job and really make it shine. You just cant go wrong buying this car....you get that fun feeling when you drive it, like you are driving someone elses sports car, but then you realize its yours, and just smile.

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  So far so good. Nice SUV with gas mileage like a car. - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By adspof - May 11 - 7:59 pm

  Just bought it after selling my 1996 Ford Bronco which I loved but at 11 mpg was beginning to feel the pinch. So thought a stickshift 2 wheel drive Pathfinder would do the same as I dont 4x4 ever really. I like the lite but sturdy feel and I just feel like I am saving gas as I coast everywhere in nuetral 1/2 the time and use the gas the other 1/2 it seems. Only issues have been general maintenance stuff I guess, as never had to deal with on the Bronco. I have already had to to the front struts, carrier bearing at center of driveshaft, right side exhaust manifold (cracked), charcoal cannister, trailing arm bushings to stop "pathfinder death wobble". If paid a shop $2,000 so did on own.

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  Absolutely LOVE this car! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Liana - May 10 - 7:00 pm

  I love this car. I test drove the Acura TL and hands down choose the Altima over it. This car is wonderful, it has so many great features. The interior space/design is great, it has plenty of storage, the trunk is huge!, the BOSE system is awesome!, the heated seats are great and I even live in FLA, the cabin is so roomy, I love the keyless entry/ignition, the CVT is an awesome feature, my passengers enjoy not being jerked around! The exterior look of the car is easy on the eyes. Ive got a spoiler ordered but even without this option the car still looks really nice. Overall this car is great, a good choice. Happy buyer :)

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  The worst initial quality on the market - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Ryan - May 10 - 12:16 pm

  I purchased a 2004 Quest in March of 04. I have been disappointed ever since. In the 11 months that I have owned the vehicle, I have accumulated a total of 23 quality problems that need to be addressed by the dealer. Nissan has issued a quality recall for most 04 quests, which included items from poor insulation to replacing trottle pedals. I have experienced loss of power at stop lights, seat belt latches that stick, audio buttons that dont function, Driver door that is loose and tries to pry open at highway speeds. If your money and safety are important to you, I would seriously consider another vehicle. Nissan rushed this car to the market and it shows in every way.

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  Quality (?) of sound system?? - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By sqkyboo - May 10 - 10:00 am

  OK, we all know and love this car, superlatives for performance. But the base models single CD sound system absolutely stinks. Even my kids1997 stock Saturn sounds better. I dont get it. I already changed the cd/radio to an Alpine; its better, but the sound quality still stinks, so Im saving for better speakers. Any others who feel the same?

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  Completely Sastisfied Customer - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By stl1adh - May 10 - 10:00 am

  I just sold my 95 Pathfinder and I was so please with its reliability and performance that I went ahead and purchased a 2003 Pathfinder. I NEVER had to have work done, except your normal maintenance. In the years that I owned it, it didnt start up only 1 time and that was due to an original battery that had died! It was a pleasure to own and I am now a Nissan driver for life!

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  Solid Performer - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Hammer123 - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Bought a white- pearl coat automatic 99SE but w/ an interesting twist. It has cloth heated seats! Actually better than leather because it heats up faster. Breaks and muffler system are OUTRAGEOUSLY priced to fix. Overall it is fun to drive, the payment does not kill you and it is just a very solid performer. A Stick might be more fun!

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  Happily Surprised - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Loanbeast - May 10 - 10:00 am

  I previously owned a BMW 3 series vehicle and I have been very impressed with the drive and ride of my Maxima SE. Very responsive, accelerates like no other, performancewise I have not looked back wishing I had kept the BMW. Dealership experience was best I have ever had, however I am still waiting for my valet key after 5 months. Very glad I bought this vehicle.

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  if your 59" or taller, dont buy it - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By bily t - May 10 - 10:00 am

  this suv is way to small, im 5 8 and its to small for me, forget about the back seats, your lucky if you get 2 small adults back there, and cargo space,,,,what cargo space????

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  Pathfinder Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By bgdiner - May 10 - 10:00 am

  It is a very cool car, and even though I am only 8 years old, I hope to buy this car in a few years. Very nice, I give it 10 thumbs up. Cool