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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  Fairly Lucky Too! - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Jim - August 19 - 3:46 am

  244,535 miles and shes still hummin! I bought my 97 LE 4WD in 2001 with 71K on it; yes, I was concerned with that amt of mileage, but that was over 5 yrs (previous owner bought it new in 11/06). Whether I was climbing fire roads in GW forest or backroading from NoVA to P-burgh to see family, this vehicle was always up to the task. It moved me twice and the roof has held more than the rec 250lbs - not smart, worked in a pinch. My repair bills have been horrific, at times, but normal considering the miles Ive put on it. Ive done front brakes twice/rear once, pipe & muffler from the conv. back, rt-manifld, alt., belts- twice, 2nd batt, frt tires=3 sets, back=2, rear tail-lt and headlights way too often.

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  Engine Oil Temp Concern - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By Alabama Driver - August 19 - 12:23 am

  This is a great looking, reasonably priced little sports car. It handles well and definitely turns heads at stop signs and coffee shops. I only have 1K miles on it, but it has been a blast to drive. My only concern at this point is the high oil temperature readings. I would really like to hear what Nissans solution is for the high temp readings.

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  2009 problem - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Robert - August 18 - 3:00 pm

  Has anybody had a problem with the a/c not working while you are driving on a 2009 maxima. It works when the car is at idle but when you start driving it stops working. Had it in 5x to get it fixed and they cant fix it. I am now starting the process to have it come under the lemon law. Nissan said they would not do anything for me except take it back to the dealer to have them look at it again.

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  Spec-V-iagra - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By dentremonkey - August 18 - 10:00 am

  If it wasnt for the fact that I managed to get myself smacked with $400 for what amounts to an economy car, Id be much happier. But I literally sold the car to myself so I shouldnt complain. This cars closest competition costs $5000 or so more (RSX type-S, Cooper-S.) I LOVE flying past Honda kids as theyre getting pulled over by Johnny Law. Thats until I got pulled over myself - doing 92 in a 50. Other than the temptation of impending traffic violations, this car is a fun, well built and thrifty little beast.

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  2002 Nissan Frontier review - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By MattyO - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I own a 2002 XE V6 4X4 extended cab. For the most part truck has been a good vehicle. The only major complaints that I have with the vehicle is that it is a bit under powered. The gas mileage is not the greatest averaging about 17-18 mpg. Lastly, at about 5000 miles the vehicle developed a few really annoying squeaks and rattles. Other than those few items the truck has been great so far.

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  Gas pigs need love too - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By damage case - August 18 - 10:00 am

  My 2002 Molten Lava Xterra SC-SE is a cool ride. I test drove an XE and it was quite sluggish compared to the SC. Also, the 17" wheels on the SC really improve an already good look. Spend the extra money and get the SC. BTW, you dont have to use premium fuel in the SC - it is just recommended for maximum performance. Which is important, considering its high (for its size) gas consumption. Also, get the custom neoprene seat covers - great look, and otherwise the interior cloth is a dirt and dog hair magnet.

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  Awesome!!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Alexx - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Exellent car to drive: fast, smooth, quick off the line. The ride is luxurious and tight at the same time. Visibility is something to get used to, as well as some of the design features (grille, dash/instrument pannel - edges get cut off by the steering wheel)... but looks great from the side and the rear! Huge on the inside and the outside. Plenty of room for the rear passengers, and a nice spacious trunk. Overall - a very nice car, although, somewhat overpriced... there come the rebates.

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  Solid SUV - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Murph - August 17 - 11:00 pm

  If youre expecting a plush SUV, this is not for you. The ride is not overly rough and the power is exceptional. The interior is solid with plenty of room for its class of SUV. Overall a very strong performer!!

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  Good Value for the Money - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By rangermutt - August 16 - 4:28 pm

  This is our second Maxima, the first a 1996 GLS with 160k miles that is still running strong. This model is the SE Platinum Edition and presently has 105k miles. We purchased it used with 50k miles and has so far been pretty much trouble free.

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  Not impressed - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By fayettedale - August 16 - 7:39 am

  I have owned my 2011 SV AWD for 3 months now. I have put 2300 miles on it and keep it the garage and baby it. The interior build quality is spotty at best. I had to have the instrument cluster replaced because of a rattle inside the cluster. The stereo rattles in the center console. There other rattles throughout the cabin, very disappointed in the build quality. The CVT is horrible. It is very noisy and doesnt really help fuel economy, I average 24.6 mpg. I would take this back in a minute and buy something else if I could. On the bright side, it does feel and drive like a sports car. Very smooth ride, as long as the road is smooth and the stereo is very good.