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:

• 

  All around vehicle Pathfinder SE 4X4 - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Steve - April 3 - 11:23 pm

  Ive used this vehicle on and off road, summer and winter and been pleased with almost everything about it except the Bridgestone tires that came stock on the vehicle (but this isnt a tire review). Fuel economy is good for a vehicle of this weight at 18 to 20 mpg. I mounted a class 3 hitch and have towed up ~3,000 lbs. over 700 miles with no problem, getting 15 mpg through the mountains of NC, VA, and West VA. I did have a leaking seal on the transfer case fixed under warranty at 10,000 miles, but no other incidents.

• 

  Dont believe everything you read - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Umar K - April 3 - 5:10 pm

  Let me start off by saying this, I read tooo many reviews before I bought my 2013 Altima 2.5SV. A lot of the reviews were about how bad the CVT is and it is unreliable and blah blah blah. I realized that after I bought it it just takes some getting use to. It is not like normal transmissions, transmissions usually rev up to a certain RPM and then go back down and then back up. With a CVT you put your foot down like normal, but it revs to about 4,000RPM and holds there for a few seconds, it is nerve racking at first because you are so use to it going up and down, but then you get use to it. And boy does it go, you would think that a 4cyl does not really go, but I have had cars get up behind me when I am cruising and then just put my foot down and it just goes and they become smaller and smaller in my rear view mirror. I went from a 2001 Toyota Corolla 1.8L to a 2.5, not much of an upgrade, but you really notice the difference. Nissan did a good job with getting the most out of this engine. As far as MPG goes, when I went for my first fill up I got an average of 20 something MPG and I thought boy Nissan was really being optimistic here on this one. But my next MPG I got about 38 MPG which is about that same as I got in my corolla and I was happy about that, and I am continuously getting around that ball park figure every fill up. It takes regular gas, which is good. I have owned it since August of 2016, and when I bought it it has about 34,000 miles on it, now it just hit 39,051 as of today October 14th. My commute is 100 miles a day, I live in Winchester, VA and I drive to Sterling, VA 50 miles each way. On this drive I encounter a lot of hills, which are a concern for me because I am use to having 2 and L gears in my car, the Altima only has Overdrive which works perfectly. I have yet to encounter any snow, but when I do I am sure I will be fine. The Altima handles very well on the twisty roads, Thus far I have not had any issues with it thank goodness, I have just had to get my oil change which lasts about 3,000 miles or you can put synthetic in it which goes further. I have not tried synthetic as of yet, but the standard recommended oil works just fine. Overall this car is wonderful, just takes some getting use to.

• 

  Z Me GO - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Z ME GO - April 3 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is great. I looked at the G35 Coupe / Audi TT / Porsche. For the money the 350Z was the best buy hands down. Although you have to pay sticker for this car, it is a great buy. It screams GO GO GO. Step on the gas and you fly. This is by far the best sports car I have owned.

• 

  Pathfinder - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By vernon - April 3 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Pathfinder. It has a wonderful drive, holds my family and large dogs. We go everywhere. It is even towed behind our motorhome! It has been a great vehicle.

• 

  Not if you live in North Jersey!!!! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By speen - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Yes its beautiful, fast and rides great but do not buy this car if you live in North Jersy!! The Xenon headlights have been stolen from mine 3 times. As soon as I get it back from the body shop Im trading it in for something with Halogens.

• 

  Nice car - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By iKaige - April 3 - 10:00 am

  This was my first SUV. I love the room that it provides and the sporty look is very attractive. I am pleased with its reliability. I have never had to service the car other than the usual wear and tear. Excellent purchase!!

• 

  2003 Nissan Xterra - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By leester420 - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Really fun suv to drive. Love the fosgate system. Looks really tough. Well built vehicle.

• 

  Its got it all - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Tomp - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Really an amazing vehicle. Nissan gets it! The car has a great ride (love the CVT), every convenience built in, an awesome stereo, great styling, decent gas mileage for an SUV, very roomy, sunroof, AWD, better than average horsepower, and all at a reasonable price for what you get. Ive driven BMWs before this car. Why bother paying the extra $ unless status in your neighborhood means that much to you! The navigation system is pretty cool too.

• 

  Very Nice - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By B&L in Virginia - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Overall an outstanding mid-size car. 4 cylinder engine has excellent power. Handling is great - standard tires aweful. Upgrade and youll find a big benefit. Exterior is awesome. Interior provides excellent room(62"). A blast to drive and we drive the automatic!

• 

  Improved look - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By ace eagle - April 3 - 10:00 am

  The new look for 2004 is a big improvement over 2003. Much sportier front design. It is quiet although alot of reviews tell you different.