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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  More bang for the buck! - 2002 Nissan Quest
  By mathew - January 26 - 10:00 am

  We love our Nissan Quest, we have driven the Windstar, Caravan, MPV, Montana, Cienna, and Odyssey and found that with all the features we wanted and for reliability, nothing compared to the price/performance of the Quest. We can take my parents, us and our three children and everyone is plenty comfortable. We love the rear deck shelf with net for carrying groceries. Our kids love the family entertainment system. Engine performance is good. Check the features you get with this vehicle for the price, Im sure you wont be disappointed!

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  More bang for the buck! - 2002 Nissan Quest
  By Mathew - January 26 - 10:00 am

  We love our Nissan Quest, we have driven the Windstar, Caravan, MPV, Montana, Cienna, and Odyssey and found that with all the features we wanted and for reliability, nothing compared to the price/performance of the Quest. We can take my parents, us and our three children and everyone is plenty comfortable. We love the rear deck shelf with net for carrying groceries. Our kids love the family entertainment system. Engine performance is good. Check the features you get with this vehicle for the price, Im sure you wont be disappointed!

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  Time has made me appreciate the quality - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By hmt - January 26 - 10:00 am

  I was initially not too impressed with my purchase. However, after having it over 2 years, I have come to appreicate and like this extremely reliable, if not slightly underpowered, SUV.

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  Love My Sentra - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Wolfrd24 - January 26 - 10:00 am

  So far Ive got just under 600 miles on this car and I love it! Its peppy, fun to drive, comfortable, and looks great. I got mine with the Synergy Package (bigger wheel/tires, better radio, spoiler, fog lights, map lights, cruise control) and still got a great price. Its loaded with features. Compared it to a Corolla, an Elantra, a Focus and a Civic. In test drives, it blew them all away. Plus, Nissans are reliable.

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  A Lemon in the Making - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Dave00 - January 26 - 10:00 am

  This car was the most disappointing purchase of my life. During its early months, it had brake, electrical system and ignition faliure. The car spent most of its ealry life in the shop (with only some of the repairs being covered under warranty). When I took the car in (at 4000 miles complaining that the power windows made lots of noise when trying to raise and lower them, I was told that I should deal with it as "all cars are unique"). Great service, eh?!? I just recently sold the car (which has almost NO resell value, by the way) and purchased an Acura TL. If you want power AND quality, Acura is the way to go.

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  Nice Looks but wish it had more power!! - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By bogey29 - January 26 - 10:00 am

  I just recently bought the Xterra and before had a Jeep Cherokee. I had gotten use to the 4.0L in the Cherokee. Moving down to the 3.3 170 hp was quite a shock. I love the look of the Xterra and hear it is very reliable. Overall I enjoy the Xterra. Very rugged look!

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  FANTABULOUS - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By KAY C - January 25 - 9:50 pm

  I absolutely love this car. Very comfortable as the driver; and get lots of compliments on how comfortable the back seat passengers are. Excellent "road trip" vehicle offering extreme comfort and dependability.

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  SAFE ON THE ROAD - 2007 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Eddie - January 25 - 9:46 am

  Bought the suv last 2007 and finds it very reliable and safe in the road. Feels safe and comfort. Ideal for family of five and very nice to use in highway at the same time in dirt road.

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  Still Going Strong at 171K. - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Peace - January 25 - 4:10 am

  Purchased this car in Oct. 1999, and its a very good car to my family of 4. In the past 10 years I havent got any issues to the engine. The original parts still in the engine such as timing belt or chain, sparks plugs, all the belts, air conditioning unit, fluid, ect. The only parts that have replaced is suspension on the front/back, tires, front brake, oil change every 7-10k, and air filter every 25k. The passenger window wouldnt work about 5 years now, but who cares! Currently the trade-in value for my car is $1600. Therefore, I wouldnt pass up on the cash clunkers deal, and hopefully my new 2010 Honda Pilot have a same performance like this car.

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  I love this car - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By DaveN - January 25 - 3:06 am

  I love the car, it is fun to drive, handles beautifully and peforms better than anything else I have driven (for the money). It rides rough with the 18" rims and is noisy when driving in the rain (back wheel wells open) but to me the benefits far outweigh the negatives. I will buy another in the future.