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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  great suv, but.... - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Carlos de la Garza - December 5 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great vehicle so far. Gas mileage is terrible though. I got the fully loaded suv with the navigation system, and entertainment system. The bose sound system in this model w/ the navigation is weak. The entertainment is neat though. overall a good vehicle. Power is great, and it will keep up with or beat mustangs w/ v6s.

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  Time Reveals Reliability - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By SmarterNow - December 5 - 2:46 am

  Ive previously owned 4 Nissans. Had balky starting problem/engine miss caused by 2 oil clogged crankshaft and camshaft sensors. Recall reprograms ECM to address safety concerns (of sudden power loss) rather than starting /missing problems. I replaced sensors myself to avoid $300 to dealer. Odometer 64K. Must now watch oil consumption for signs of disintegrating catalytic converters that cause $6000 destruction of engine. 2.5 engine also susceptible to blown head gasket/leaking coolant into cylinders. Nissan (dealers/Corporate) blame irrelevant oil maintenance to avoid reimbursing owners. Many, many complaints on Edmunds website. Ill be looking elsewhere for another brand.

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  My second Xterra (after the original) - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Jay - December 4 - 4:13 pm

  Having previously owned the original model, I was not looking to buy another one until I test drove this beast. I was so impressed by the power and torque and the fact that the salesman let me drive it home for a whole day! That night I took it close by to a favorite hiking trail and was impressed by the off-road capability and just the overall comfort and convenience. Ive now had it for 2 years and still loving it. Ive taken it to numerous camping/backpacking trip, off-roading, hauling furniture and it has passed with flying colors. This is one vehicle that lives up to its ads and commercials-great job Nissan!!

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  Great Maxima! - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Arnaldo - December 2 - 10:00 am

  It may not be the cutest thing on wheels but it is r-e-l-i-a-b-l-e! 222 horses really move it around town & country. Toyotas may be a little better, BUT, down in Puerto Rico, Toyota dealers are WAY too prepotent, due to the quality of the product they sell; so I go for the 2nd. best in MY book: NISSAN! Greetings from sunny Puerto Rico! J.A.N.

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  Silver streak! - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Mikemc2000 - December 2 - 10:00 am

  The 6 speed is a bit clunky and torque steer an eye opener. For a compact car of this descent, a very good handling vehicle, with guts (out of the box) and a sweet used price to boot too! Tires will definitely need an upgrade for winters in Alberta Canada. After the winter tires cold winter drives will be fine with heated mirrors and the 9 spkr Rockford Fosgate. I bought this car with the intention of driving a sleeper and got oodles more in performance bonuses and every interior amenity I will ever need. A beautiful power band exists, even if the shifter feels a bit clunky.

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  super reliability - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Tim - December 2 - 8:23 am

  awesome handling in snow. super reliable -100K miles with no major faults, just standard maint. such as brake pads and worn clutch.

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  Reserve judgement - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Ernie - December 1 - 4:16 am

  After a year driving the Frontier I am happy with the overall performance of the truck. It feels safe and handles beautifully on the highway, as well on the occasional use over rough terrain. The performance has been perfect, but spoiled by annoying squeaks and rattles, that seem to be hard to eliminate. I had the truck back to the dealer four times, and still the problem recurs. No matter how good the vehicle, there is a sour note to driving it.

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  Im buying another one - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By 98pathfinder - December 1 - 2:00 am

  With 175000 miles, the engine runs great. The tranny in 4WD isnt as smooth anymore, but how can I complain. Ive never needed a major repair (the original rear brakes are still on the thing) and routine maintenance is easy to handle. I drive it tough and it still does what I want, when I want it, without a complaint. Except for the mysterious service engine soon light, reliability and quality have never been an issue.

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  Good Car! - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By XYZ - December 1 - 2:00 am

  This was my second Nissan Maxima SE. I had no problems with the vehicle. I truly recommend it. I only had to replace the brakes, tires, and battery once. Very good car. I am looking to sell it now and buy a new one.

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  More Zoom for your Dollar........! - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By ATOMB - December 1 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun little car thats fast sporty and functional. I am a 30yr old father of 1 and I love the little yellow bundle speed I bought. The inside controls are easy to use and find. This car is solid built well and Very FUN to drive! If you are on a buget and want the thrill of a sports car this is it. It beats the Civic Si and Focus SVT hands down the best in its class!!!