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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  Hard shifting transmission. - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By GeoTech - August 16 - 11:51 am

  Hello Guys. For those who have the hard shift problems of your transmission. The fix is about $65. Find shifter kit on eBay. Watch YouTube video on how to fix the 3 selenoids and your car will be running again smoothly. Average time 3-4 hrs. Do take apart the valve assembly because its only the selenoids. This is a problem from not changing the transmission fluids. You will need mechanical knowledge to do this fix. Hope this helps.

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  More power is great! - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By maui - August 16 - 10:00 am

  In comparison to the 01 SE 2.0, the new SE-R 2.5L is leaps and bounds better. Dead starts will decrease by at least a second. No longer does the cruise hunt between 3 and 4 on the highway. AT shifts are smoother, 40 more ft/lbs means less shifts for tranny. Lower profile tires mean a little firmer, sportier ride. On the downside, gas mileage seems to lack so far, upgrade 170 watt stereo is still average, bad Pontiac red instrument pod, "Gotta get used to me" front end.

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  Great little car! - 2011 Nissan Versa
  By car46guy - August 16 - 3:22 am

  We bought this car for our kids....Its a great car. I rented one in DC and couldnt help but to notice the space - great headroom and decent mileage. Its fun to drive and the space - weve taken the entire family out in it...5 of us and my oldest daughter is 5 10". Just an all around great little car, loaded with features.

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  I can see clearly now - 2007 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Anonymous - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 2007 Pathfinder for a few months. I used to drive a little sports car. This is really beefy in comparison. I love the roominess and the way it handles. The gas mileage is lower than I had expected. I feel like Im constantly filling the tank. Ouch!

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  It grows on you - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By broka - August 16 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a GMC Envoy because the gas mileage was killing me and I did not really need that big of a car. The interior although well made is plain and simple. The car performs well but I would not call it fun. It is reliable in every respect but there is nothing to get excited about. But after 18 months, it has grown on me as being a very good all around good, practical, safe, comfortable, and reliable transportation.

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  IN TEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Momingeorgia - August 16 - 12:36 am

  Just traded mine in with transmission problems!! Only had it 2 years. The first gear no longer worked. Highly dissapointed in the nissan name. Powertrain warranty ended at 60000. Transmission went at 65000. I am still upset

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  Powerful V6 SUV - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By linh tran - August 15 - 6:20 pm

  This is the most Pathfinder Im waiting for years with new, exellent interior layout and comfortable functions. Lots of standard features on LE model that are options on another makes. The most thing I wish Nissan to improve on this model is transmission. It has noticeable upshifts and downshifts, changes when I press or release gas pedal just right above 40 mph.This is very annoying if you are driving in town. Other than that this is a good and fun suv to drive.

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  Fun to Drive but tight for big guys. - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By dr - August 15 - 8:23 am

  The 2002 Pathfinder is definitely fun to drive, especially with the newer and more powerfull engine. I have a 4WD LE with everything except the entertainment unit and Navigation system. The drive is smooth, comfortable and fun. The only drawback is the lack of head room, which decreases about another 1 to 1 1/2 inches with the moon roof. Its very tight for anyone over 6.

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  Experience after 2 months - 2011 Nissan Leaf
  By ph_ - August 14 - 9:09 am

  Ok, Ive had a leaf for about 2 months now. Admittedly, I also have a gas car, which I use when I need to go out of town. That said, the Leaf is the primary vehicle being driven about twice the miles as the gas car. Overall, Nissan did an excellent job. I could complain about a number of things but Ill focus on the essentials instead. 1. Plugging in at night is no problem. It takes about 15 seconds - and another 15 in the morning. 2. Acceleration is great. The specs are above. But, from observing the Leafs kilowatt meter, it appears Nissan restricted the acceleartion (probably for safety). Instead of immediately pegging at 80kw (the top of the meter), it... (see forum)

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  Well worth it - 2008 Nissan 350Z
  By george - August 14 - 5:43 am

  Great car. Fun to drive but missing a few things. No iPod dock, memory seats, or usable cup holders. The nav system isnt worth it and the stereo sounds good but isnt user friendly. Bluetooth is also flawed, our Acuras system was much better. Power and looks are awesome. Get the windows tinted and a spoiler for the finished look. The car rides low so be prepared to replace the windshield a few times. Limited sight visibility also takes getting used to. Getting around 30 mpg under normal driving conditions.