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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  2008 Nissan Pathfinder - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By ANTHONY - November 2 - 1:20 am

  This vehicle is very nice, but the windows when brought down a little while driving makes a lot of rattling noise/sound which is very disgusting. I cannot even open mines. When I told the dealer, they said never heard of the problem and cannot do anything. Just had a recall for the clock, giving wrong time every now and then. Also the power seats are always being touched every time I enter or on the way out of the vehicle causing the seats to be re-set every time.

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  Engineering at its best - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By Chris Savarino - November 1 - 9:02 pm

  The performance vs MPG is unsurpassed especially given the fact that it is only a 4 cylinder. Typically exceed the 39 MPG for highway driving all on regular unleaded. This car moves. No issues whatsoever when merging onto highway or passing. The CVT always makes sure there is plenty of torque either from a dead stop or highway speeds. The new styling makes it look like a mini Maxima. Love this vehicle. One of the better navigation systems I have owned. Simple to use and usually right on the mark. Bose sound system is amazing and pounds when you turn up the dial without distortion. Heated seats and steering wheel are features found on more expensive vehicles.

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  JT - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By JTravis - October 31 - 11:33 pm

  excellent truck, I do not regret making the choice. A titan is what I will purchase for the next purchase.

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  ripped off - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By ripped off - October 31 - 5:06 pm

  I had my murano for four years now and I had it. I considered all the problems it cost me...alternator, replaced battery TWICE, replaced door locks, replaced gas door, NOW they are telling me that I need to replace my engine mount because its cracked. I drive my cars cautiously, and I need something reliable. Did I add that it left me stranded TWICE and I had to call for help. Thats when I had the alternator changed. Now that I have a family, I cannot be wasting my extra cash on repairs/replacement. I will NEVER purchase another Nissan. This will be my first and last.

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  Luxury SUV without the cost - 2007 Nissan Pathfinder
  By cmj15 - October 31 - 8:53 am

  Just got back from the first road trip to the mountains. It was very comfortable for myself and my passengers. It has a very smooth ride and is very fun to drive. I dont think I could have picked a better car. I love the way it looks, rides and feels. I have even had 2 adults seat in the 3rd row of seats and say it wasnt bad. There is good leg room throughout.

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  major problems!!!!! - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By lovebaby24 - October 31 - 5:45 am

  I have had my car 3 years and i am still making payments i have replaced the cadillac converters and one co2 sensor which has cost me 2200.00. Now i found out my tranmission is slipping which if you do research on it alot of people are having the same problem! No recall i guess nissan could care less about you after the sale will never own another one!!!!!!

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  Update on 2008 Rogue - BAD!!!!! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By tamoshanter55 - October 31 - 4:00 am

  OK...so heres my update on my 2008 Rogue, SL AWD, since 2010. a year and a half ago the CVT transmission went out. although Nissan extended the warranty on it to 120,000, it happened at 124k and they wouldnt replace it. ok, so i paid almost $5000 to replace it. then last month, at 185,000, the timing chain broke. mechanic said that he could go into it and replace it about $2000-$3000, but if he went in and found the teeth broken on the gears, or any other damage that could have happened, then the engine would have to be replaced at about $5000. needless to say, i decided to throw in the the towel and not put any more into it.

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  versatility manifest - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Ethan Rode - October 31 - 12:00 am

  This truck is the perfect compromise of size and power. It combines the flexibility of a smaller truck with the power of the big boys

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  Easy to own - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Mike - October 30 - 6:50 am

  Weve had this car since april of 2001. Its been back to the dealer 4 times I think, replaced driver window motor, driver mirror, camshaft sensor, and a recall on the front end, all covered under warranty. Its got 65,000 miles on the origional tires(BF goodrich). Ive put one set of brakes on the front which is normal. Other than that all weve had to do is change the oil, put gas in it and drive it. Nothing is trouble free if you dont take care of it.

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  Never left me stranded - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By kriley50 - October 30 - 5:23 am

  I love this car. I bought it used in 2006 with 77k on it. I drove it for 5 years and just sold it with 160k on it. The car is fast, gets good gas mileage, looks good, and is super reliable. Over the course of 5 years I replaced 2 sensors in the car and that was it. I liked the car so much that I went out and bought another one. The new one is a 2003 as well with only 60k on it. I cant wait to drive this car another 100k.