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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  Nissan Pathfinder 2002 LE - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By lms5574 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I cant complain about the car itself, I know it would consume a lot of gas. Dont buy an SUV if you think you will compete with a Corolla. Nissan Sales and Service is not the greatest, but hopefully you wont have to spend much time with them, the less the better. A great car for a little too high price, but I am still happy with it.

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  Other than gas milage, a great car - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By kgcy - September 29 - 10:00 am

  A very fine mid-sized SUV. The only significant flaw is the poor gas milage which is worse than my big old Dodge 3500 van when loaded down.

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  First week impression - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By brucemaz1 - September 28 - 7:12 pm

  I have had an SL 4x4 for about a week, and I am happy with my decision. I had a loaded Enclave prior and turned it in early because of poor gas milage, around 15 mpg. So far I am around 22 mpg with the Pathfinder. The front seats are comfortable and roomy. The 2nd row holds 3 vs. 2 with my Enclave and that is a benefit for a family of 5. The 2nd and 3rd row seats are low to the ground, not so much an issue for kids, but it can be for taller adults. The Enclave was roomier overall, but the size meets our needs. You do have to adjust the back 2 rows of seats to make it work for 7. Most importantly, the Pathfinder drives better than the Enclave. Feels much lighter and evokes more confidence.

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  Fun to drive with a few tradeoffs - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By tnwea1 - September 27 - 10:53 am

  The drivetrain of the Xterra is great. The engine/ transmission work together well and the 4x4 works great. Rear seat entry is tough but roomy once you get in (Im 62"). The plastic interior is easily scratched. Weve had problems with a squeak in the hood latch and a noise from the fuel pump. Both of these noises were loud and took a while for the dealer to fix. Overall the Xterra has been a decent vehicle with a few minor problems.

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  Not the best experience - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By Mark - September 25 - 7:43 pm

  I bought this car used with 84,000 miles. At 125,000 miles the power steering pump went out, the radiator was cracked and needed to be replaced, and I was getting a low oil pressure light going off. After a week in the shop they discovered little pieces of metal in my oil pump and in my oil pan. Apparently something came loose and essential ruined the motor. Prior to this slew of issues I never had a problem and enjoyed the car as a simple point A to point B type of vehicle. Maybe I was just unlucky, dont know. You can get these cars pretty cheap compared to the competition, and its probably worth the gamble, but I had a bad experience.

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  2005 LE CREW CAB - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By JIM LAPSLEY - September 25 - 2:43 pm

  Ive had the vehicle for 1 month and just got through Nissans 1200 mile break-in, I had a chance to put it to the floor, after 4000 rpm a huge surge in power and goes to red line quickly. Overall truck is very tight, rides nice and is a joy to drive. It has loads of power and alot of interior room. Im extremely please with this vehicle and would recommend to anyone.

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  Satisfied Owner - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By sapulpabaptist - September 24 - 3:30 am

  I have put nearly 27K miles on my Versa since July 06. I average 27 mpg in town and 33 on the highway. This is a great little car for the money.

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  Original Owner - 1996 Nissan Sentra
  By proud nissan owner - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car eight years... I have replaced the tires, 2 shocks, alternator, battery, and catalytic converter (the O2 sensor rusted off). Not bad at all for 8 years use. The belts are not toothed and tend to squeek unless you tighten them often or replace them every couple of years. I believe this car will go another 100k miles and still look good.

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  more motor please - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By suasma - September 24 - 2:00 am

  very well build automobile. not a problem worth telling, but needs either more power or better fuel economy. if its going to be slow it shouldnt get this bad of gas economy.

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  GREAT SUV but, glad I got the 5spd! - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By Reggie - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I love this SUV! The look is GREAT and seeing other XTerra owners around town makes you feel part of click! We live in CO and go to the mtns frequently. The 4X4 capability is great over rocks and thru creek beds. Long distance travel is nice but a little cramped! My complaint, as is most peoples, NO POWER!! I was wise and found a 5spd and love it. Its great on the hwy going up the mtns. Maybe in a couple yrs Ill buy the supercharged version! I would recommend it to anyone!!