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:

• 

  Bought another one - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By modern nissan - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I love how it handles, and I feel good in the xterra. It has masculine lines, and gives me confidence in my surroundings. The gas milage is good if you know how to drive the Exterra. I had a 2006 Exterra and traded it in for a FX35 Infinity which is smaller that i thought. But great car. just not for me. The cost of the Exterra is well worth the money. I purchased another one just this week, and I hope they will still make them in the future.

• 

  Make the "wobbling" stop!!!! - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By hondagal03 - May 4 - 12:32 am

  I just bought a used 2009 Rogue less than a month ago and have had nothing but problems. The car was supposed to be "certified" as well. It has been at the dealer shop longer than I have actually been able to drive it. There were 6 issues with it, all have supposedly been resolved, except for one...the wobbling while driving 30-45 mph! Today I drove with the service manager, he informed me that it was normal and it was the torque conversion being engaged. I just cant buy that answer! Its annoying! He also said he has told over 600 people the same answer because they come in with the same complaint. Does anyone else have this issue???? I cant find ANYONE online complaining about it

• 

  Extremely reliable car at 169K miles - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Kathy - May 3 - 2:23 am

  I bought my Maxima GLE used in 02 with 35K miles, and it was the best used car decision I ever made. It is now at 169K miles and still going strong. It has never needed a major repair.

• 

  Great Car for Traveling - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By jwil32e - May 1 - 4:46 pm

  I was looking for a family car with 3 rows so i looked at the Acura MDX which starts at the price i bought the pathfinder fully loaded, the Mazda CX-9, and the Infiniti JX. The JX would have cost $15k more fully loaded with only having a little more features like Lane Departure Warning which isnt worth $15k. The CX-9 and MDX dont compare when it comes to size. I am 6 and still have leg room in the 3rd row. The tech is great and its comfortable. Very minimal road noise it still wows me to this day. i normally drive about 80-85 and it feels like nothing in this. 4WD is also excellent. I get 19.7 mpg but again i drive 80-85. The 14 Speaker Bose beats hard and the tvs are great for the kids.

• 

  - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By J Harrison - May 1 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I were so impressed with the styling, interior space, power and fuel economy, we didnt even look at the SUV we intended to buy. We chose the "S" trim level with rear sonar and 16" alloy wheels, which amazingly provides an abundance of standard features. The ride, handling and powerful engine make you feel like youre behind the wheel of a four door sports car. The cloth seats are vey soft and comfortable, especially the 2nd and 3rd row. The front and 2nd row captain chairs provides a "center aisle" which allows easy access to all seating areas.

• 

  still going - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By tothemax - April 30 - 2:23 pm

  I have 286,000 miles on my Max. It has been a great to commute in. Average about 27 mpg most of the time. With the price of cars now, it pays to keep running what you have. Great car!!!

• 

  Nice Car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Sobhan - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Its a good car with very powerful engine,makes driving a pleasure and very stable even at high speeds about 100 mph.we can get optional features etc at reasonable price

• 

  Strong engine - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By James&Yolanda McGrew - April 27 - 7:50 pm

  I like the rugget look of the pathfinder and the performance was better then all the other suvs we tested before deciding to purchase the pathfinder. The ride was a little harsh on bumpy roads. The interior quality could be a little better for a vehicle in the near $30,000 range. The back doors require a hard push to make them shut completely. But this suv can stand up against the other top suvs in its size range and the styling is a eye opener. I have 4 children and this vehicle was able to seat us all comfortly.

• 

  Shoulda Waited for 2005 - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By ShouldaWaited - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Weve been to the dealer three times, and will be back again: 1)Leaky skyroof. Took two weeks to receive and two days to fix. 2) Skyview shade not "on track", causing edges tear. Dealer replaced it. 3) Annoyingly low arm rests, and no way to adjust! My 95 Montero adjusts to multiple levels; this should be standard in a $33,000 car. Dealer says "sorry". 4) Plastic back of passenger seat broken at the factory. Dealer replaced it. 5) Temp control knob sticks causing temp to ramp up to 90F. 6) Sunroof wont always close - itll close then come back to half open and stop! This will be looked at this week. 7) Starting to get a "catalytic converter" smell.

• 

  Great all around sedan - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By David - April 27 - 12:56 am

  I have owned my Altima 2.5S since early 08 with 120k and have driven it to 150k with only minor repairs which I dont think people realize of course are to be expected. Over 2 years; cam/crank sensors, ignition coil and computer reflash. Relatively cheap dealer cost too. This car is gorgeous outside great paint quality and you can really feel the build quality in this car. The door close solidly with a satisfying clunk, moonroof is great, tons of room front and back (saying a lot coming from a 66" guy) 4cy engine has a lot of pep, and very comfortable ride. Keep it clean and tasteful and this is a very sleek professional looking saloon. It has never let me down.