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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  Would have happily paid MSRP- Great Car! - 2011 Nissan Versa
  By ryanclowe29 - December 26 - 10:13 pm

  About the 1.6L engine- Here in the U.S it is positioned as the less attractive engine for the lowest trim levels. But the truth is, the 1.6L is the largest engine in a family of engines that excel in fuel economy, and most Versas around the world (called Tiida elsewhere) get the thrifty 1.6L(including all Canadian sedans). The 1.8L isnt related; its a de-stroked Sentra 2.0L. The EPA ratings for the 1.6 seem artificially low. I consistently get 36 MPG combined. A light foot brings 40-42 MPG hwy @ <70 MPH. Ideally Id want more top end HP, but the torque curve is better than I expected. 5sp gearing gets you to 45 MPH quickly. Smooth little engine with nice exhaust note makes this car fun

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  Glad I waited - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By TY - December 26 - 7:26 pm

  I did not like the last version of the Pathfinder and was not sure what I would buy next. I have driven Nissans for years and still had an old model (93) Pathfinder in the family. The Armada was more SUV than I wanted, and I looked at the Infiniti FX but did not like the interior. Then Nissan releases the 2005. I bought an LE and was happy to see it came fully loaded. The only real add ons for the LE are Navigation and DVD. I have only had this car a week, but I have not found anything I dislike so far...I am glad I waited

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  Good Car - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By xs6dfg0 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car in March of 2002 with 60,000 miles on it and so far it has been perfect. I dont expect to have any problems with it as this is my third Altima. This is a solid and reliable vehicle and you just cant beat the value. They have lousy resale value because Nissan saturated the market with them, but this is a good thing when youre picking one up used. I have the 5-speed manual and I dont like it very much, the shifter feel is too vague and slushy. My wife has a 2000 Altima SE with a really good automatic transmission and that seems to be a much better option in this automobile.

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  Exhilirating Ride with 175 Ponies - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Betty G. - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Bought mine 4/13/02 as my first new car. Whate a rush :) I was considering the 3.5L SE (more power) but changed my mind when I test drove the 2.5L S. Very smooth ride and with todays gas prices cannot beat the 32 miles per gallon on the highway. All models have the same interior unless you get leather. I am extremely happy with the purchase and I totally recommend it, especially for a young woman, you will turn heads, I was told that it looks like a new Lexus.

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  Happiness in one Package - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Nicoles4x4 - December 26 - 4:50 am

  This is my 2nd Pathfinder, first being an 02. Great SUV! Drove me around in a foot and a half of snow with ease. Amazingly fast with quick pick-up. Dont let the size fool you into thinking it is going to be slow. AWESOME navigation system!! DVD Player is great for the rear passengers as well. Overall I love this truck. In the 02 Pathfinder you were able to roll down the front windows via the remote control for the alarm, now you cant, just wish they still had it work that way but its minor.

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  Used Dissapoinment - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Natedawg - December 25 - 9:30 pm

  All the hype about Nissans maintaining their value must be a joke. I bought an 04 Titan used with 9000 miles and within the first month have had it in the shop for four different problems. Windshield wiper fluid reservoir leaked, power windows stopped working, cupholders broke, passenger side rear door wouldnt open, a total mess within the first month of ownership. And it also doesnt help when the dealer doesnt care and will get to it when they can. Other than that, I like the truck, it looks good and rides great. Just a few things going wrong ruins the experience, especially stuff that shouldnt break on a truck with 9,000 miles

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  Xterra - Xtra Great - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By Walter - December 25 - 6:36 pm

  After owning sports cars for 26 years, Toyota Turbo Supra, Dodge Stealth R/S, I finally bought a practical vehicle (of course I kept the Stealth as well!). To my surprise the performance of my 2008 Xterra has been great, Ive only lost about 1.5 seconds 0 to 60 (6.9 on timed track), handling is great and the fit and finish is wonderful. The 6 speed keeps it as a "drivers" SUV. My kids finally can fit comfortably and my over all mileage has been 22 MPG. Its a tough, beautiful performance SUV, I may just keep it forever.

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  Mini-Murano - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Chazz - December 25 - 11:00 am

  The Mrs. wanted a Murano, this unit is about $20,000 less, case closed. I couldnt believe the interior room and comfort, equal to the Maxima SE I traded for this car. Its way smoother on bumps and the seat is a dream on trips. The hatchback feature is great. Paid $119 for aftermarket console, looks great.

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  Very Pleased - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By TarheelTitan - December 25 - 9:46 am

  I have 2 main wishes about this truck. I do not like the black plastic at the tailgate release lever. I also wish it had the power vertical rear window a-la the Tundra Double Cab. That being said, I love my Titan SE Crew 4x4 with Rockford Package, Utility bed and Big Tow package. Living near the North Carolina mountains, it pulls the hills in this area with much power to spare and decent gas mileage while doing so. I had been waiting a while for such a tough looking, well-equipped truck, and at last I have one. I would recommend this truck to anyone looking for great quality, power, tough looks and Im counting on the long-term reliability Nissan has been known for!

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  Looks are Deceiving - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By VolksHater - December 25 - 2:00 am

  I test drove many cars before I bought my SE-R. I test drove Cougars, Celica GTs, Grand AM GTS and the new 2003 Tiburon GT. They all were fine but none in them put a smile on my face the way this car did. It gives you all the power you need when you need. It gives you a great sense of the road with its somewhat stiff suspension and can brake on a dime. At under $18,000 how can you go wrong.