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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  Did my homework-Bought it today! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Teresa - December 6 - 3:03 am

  We researched lots of SUVs looking for one with a 3rd row bench because we have 3 kids-Did NOT want another van! Wanted value retention, reliable reputation, as good gas mileage as possible but roomy enough to hold our kids and their friends, leather, and great sound system. Wanted to buy slightly used to avoid some depreciation. We found it all in the 2005 Pathfinder LE. I cant believe when I look out the window that that beautiful, cool-looking SUV is mine! Ive always been into big wheels and alloy rims and I love the look of the vehicle. Love the interior, the sound system, the leather, the room, the smooth ride. Dont agree with someone who said they didnt like the rear door handles

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  My 3rd Sentra lease - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By Sentra3 - December 6 - 12:53 am

  I was looking for an economical, reliable small car with a low payment and nothing out of pocket, and this Sentra fit the bill perfectly. Its the 3rd Ive leased (had a 1992 and 1997) and by far the best. Very smooth and comfortable for a small car, with a quiet and compliant ride and a roomy back seat. Driving comfort is good even driving 8 hours in a day, which Ive done twice. I love the turbine-like feel of the CVT and its low-revving nature, which delivers high-30s mpg on the highway and low-to-mid 30s mpg around town. I have 4000 miles to date and no problems except the fuel door sticks out just a bit--dealer said nothing they can do about it. Overall very pleased.

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  Solid as you can get - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Patrick - December 5 - 6:26 pm

  This is a great car. Got the black on black and for the price nothing comes close to feeling as nice. Ive owned a car from all three of the big Jap companies and while the Lexus is the best of the three the Altima is second and way ahead of the Accord.

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  Excellent in so many ways - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By David - December 4 - 6:33 pm

  I have had the NISMO Crew Frontier for quite a while now, and I KNOW that this is the last vehicle I will buy. I fully intend to drive this truck till the wheels fall off. Pretty much everything is gravy... first off, it is love at first sight on styling. Interior is decidedly untrucklike, in fact better than most sport sedans. Power and handling is exceptional, in all situations (I have driven it in ice, rain, LOTS of pavement, snowy mountain roads and a bunch of Moab UT offroad). Amenities such as the Rockford-Fosgate systems are fantastic, and the cargo accessories invaluable. Only little gripes are the fuel economy is a bit low (although expected) and an external MP3 jack would be nice.

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  soon to be tacoma owner - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By taco2come - December 4 - 3:46 pm

  where do i start...bought it from an older gentleman in 2002 with 33000 miles and no damage or sign of being abused. At 75000 seal went bad in timing chain cover leaked/burnt oil.=engine overhaul. At 100k replaced all bearings in man.trans & clutch. Trans case leaky,stays out of alignment,instrument panel lights go off while driving & overall its just poorly designed when it comes to dependability. Compare side by side with a tacoma & its obvious. Its serviced every 3k miles, only non pavement use is an occasional hay field or dirt road. Looking back I wish I would have spent the extra money and bought a far superior toyota tacoma!

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  My Chardanay Murano! - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Mary - December 4 - 3:10 pm

  Just bought this SUV and LOVE to drive it! Nice looking vehicle and perfect size. Get many great comments from everyone who sees it! When see others on road-we all put thumbs up! :)

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  2007 Nissan Maxima - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By big daddy - December 4 - 12:23 pm

  This car handles like a dream, I dont know why the other peoples mpg is so bad. My fuel economy is kickin. I get near 30 on the hwy and more like 24 in town. But I get the better octane. I feel better that way. Anyway, If theres anyone hesitant, they should stop worrying and just get the car. I love the interior, especially the fit and finish of the materials and the two seat memory is nice too.

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  Replacing engine at 40K - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By tobyc - December 4 - 7:19 am

  Bought our 2011 Juke at 27k. At 40k, it developed a knock in the engine. Took it to dealer where it was purchased and was told the seals in the lower engine were gone and engine needed replaced. The worst part of the experience was the inference by the service advisor that the problem was caused by not replacing the oil regularly, which is completely untrue. I felt he was trying to cast blame for an issue other may also be experiencing. Looks like this car will be gone before the warranty is up on the engine in a few years. Second thought here about Nissan???

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  Good SUV, Bad dealer Service - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By america964 - December 4 - 3:36 am

  The car is great. I have the fully loaded XE model with the navigation. Navigation was easy to use and better than other one that I used before like Lexus. The third row seat are great if I need to squeeze the little ones back there. SUV towed cars and boats with ease. Had problems getting issues fixed. For example, my heated seat work intermittently. The dealership turned it on and of course it worked. I had to make a scene with the service rep. and service manager to have their tech look at it. Same thing happened when my heater didnt work.

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  Nissan buying back my Altima - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By cindy in poway - December 3 - 5:00 pm

  I have the altima 3.5 sl loaded. I really like my altima but it has had a lot of problems. I am in arbitration right now for Nissan to buy it back because they want to switch out engine because they cant figure out what is wrong with it. It was stuttering and not running smooth. After 30+ days in shop, they recommended total engine replacement. Starting at 18k miles, I had headlight, sun visor go out. I had to have belt and tension pulley replaced, master cylinder replaced; emergency brake light was coming on. Brake wear out fast