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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  Another nice car by Nissan - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Rob Binetti - February 10 - 6:10 am

  This is my 4th Nissan I have owned. And it is another great car from Nissan. I love the exterior body style. The fuel economy is exceptional for a mid-size sedan. The 4 cyl behaves like a 6 cyl. I do wish we had the option of getting leather seats without the need to buy the SL package, but Ill just bring the car to a good interior shop to change the seats to a custom leather interior. This vehicle should be on anyones list for a mid-sized sedans.

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  They could have done a better job - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By ATC - February 8 - 6:26 pm

  I rent one for a weekend trip of 1200 miles. It is mostly a good car, but lacks characteristics. It is big, but smaller than a Buick Lucerne. It is quiet, more noisy than a Toyota Avalon. Set between mid-size and full-size sedans, it feels awkward in dimensions: bigger can get more comfort; smaller can bring more fun; but now we kind of get lost. The drivers seat is supportive, but painful when driving more than 4 hours. The steering is too flexible at higher speed, although it does a good job at local. It gets 24 mpg, which is at the bottom of Japanese cars. CVT is smooth when set to auto, but the manual mode needs serious improvements. With such a price, Nissan could have done better.

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  Its been a great car - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By GB - February 7 - 5:53 am

  I just handed my 1997.5 Altima down to the kids with 158000 miles on it and expect many more good miles from it. The car has been very comfortable and reliable over the years. I did all the scheduled maintenance and the car has been great. I upgraded to the 2007 Altima and the kids are happy to have my old faithful. It should get another 100k miles easy.

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  Path & the City - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By tangassim - February 5 - 2:00 am

  It has been the better SUV I ever had, Every day engine starts without a problem, recently I changed all the beams just to be sure it works properly, it has been the one and only reparation ever done. Now it needs a little pait works (just in fender details) Other SUV`s I had used are a 92 Suburban and a 95 Blazer, but as for today, my Pathfinder long last

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  good for what it is - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By bugs bunny - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Everything they said about it was true. The gas millage is lackling and the ride is hard for 500 miles of highway, but man cannot live by gas millage alone. The Xterra does what I bought it to do. Take Scouts camping and get in rough areas with ease. I dont notice the whine of the suppercharger but you can feel the power when it is need and I am very happy with my choice

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  bms review - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By BMBOXSTER - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Driving the 2004 Maxima SE with journey package is a true joy. With the features of a Cadilac, the acceleration of a BMW and the options rivaling the A6 this new Maxima is simply a joy. It turns heads too! With quality fit and finish Nissan hit a homerun with the new design.

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  Solid Truck, lacks features, it is what it is though. - 2011 Nissan Xterra
  By skrillax - February 5 - 1:37 am

  I bought the 2011 Xterra about 6 months ago. Its a very solid truck, tons of power, great torque, havent had the time to get down in the snow but it seems to carry itself well through all other weather situations. It definitely lacks some features for a 2011 model, suck as an AV input or a USB input. The stereo system isnt as bad as people say, just change the head unit and it sounds fine. Interior could use some better materials, but its a Utility / Off Road built truck, its good for what its built for. Get a Pathfinder if you want luxury.

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  18000 fun miles - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By bobgwynn - February 4 - 6:00 am

  Had my Versa for almost two years and 18k trouble free miles. I get 30 in town and 35 on hwy (if you keep it under 70 mph). Drop air pressure to around 28-30psi and the bumpy ride disappears without hurting mileage. Big comfortable interior and very quiet ride. Enough engine power for high speed crusing unless you are carrying 4 people with luggage and ac on. Best hatchback on market and 2-3 grand cheaper than its competitors. Needs console armrest. Had aftermarket cruise added for $350.00 which works great. Good standard sound system. A baby Murano at half the price.

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  Good and Bad - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By Rich N. - February 3 - 10:00 am

  I like the style of this SUV. It is kind of fun to drive, but it eats alot of gas and lack of power. the front seat are not very comfrontable at first and the cloth sucks like hell.

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  Very Dependable - My second Pathfinder - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Stile - February 3 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Nissan Pathfinder SE 4x4 (Also had a 90 model). I have put about 75,000 miles on it in and have had VERY few, minor problems (burst radiator hose, etc.). Many people complain about bad gas mileage and excessive brake wear. However, if thats your main concern, I would suggest that you not purchase an SUV of any make. The excess weight is to blame, and is unfortunately unavoidable.