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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  From Old to New - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By hirosfca - December 3 - 1:20 pm

  Upgraded from my 2002 Xterra 4x2 to the 4x4 Off Road package. I actually use this vehicle for the road trips, on and off road. Sometimes, I would venture onto a path or pseudo-road that turned off road and regret that I only had a 4x2 so this new addition of the total off road capability is very nice. Now I wont be worried about getting stuck or stopping our adventure short due to the vehicles off road capability. I love the sparse easy to clean interior and the tough chunky looks. I have the 100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty and that is a great piece of mind to know that Nissan will back up the reliability of the vehicles they make.

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  2004 Frontier - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By wadelington - December 3 - 10:07 am

  I owned this truck for about five years. The best truck I ever had. Looks good and is a conversation piece.

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  I like it my car but I dont love it - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By Melissa - December 2 - 8:03 am

  I like my 2005 Nissan Sentra but I dont love it and will more than likely be trading it in for something with MUCH more power. The only thing I dont like about my car is how when I go to accelerate there is a brief hesitation and the car jerks before it will take off. Everything is just perfect for a single person is who usually driving solo on most days.

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  2002 Ready To Go - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By jefpay - December 2 - 2:00 am

  5th Nissan pickup since 1987. They just keep getting better. Could use a bit more performance..Didnt opt for the supercharged in that it takes high test gas. With prices the way they are I made the right choice. Have rarely had any serious problems with any of them and routine maintenance keeps them going well.

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  High quality, sensible price - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By A-OK Sentra - December 2 - 2:00 am

  For under $16K new, the Sentra is simply unbeatable. The car has a substantial feel that others in its price range lack. The doors close with a reassuring thud, the interior materials dont look or feel cheap, and you get lots of features for the money. Mechanically, my Sentra has been flawless--the engine is smooth and very quiet, and the transmission shifts smoothly. It has been outside for three Minnesota winters, and it starts easily morning after morning. Its no sports sedan, but few cars in this price range are. Its nice to stand out from the fleet of Civics at every shopping mall, and laugh at SUV drivers paying through the nose at the gas station. Highly recommended.

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  Easy to live with every day - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By TimmyBones - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Great power finally! The old engine was so weak! 3.5 is awesome. Handling is great. Reliabillity is excellent.

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  Comfort Zone - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By NickWood - December 2 - 2:00 am

  The truck is great. The only thing I really would complain about is the gas mileage, but its an SUV, I knew what I was getting into as far as fuel consumption when I looked into them. Its a quality machine and I enjoy driving it.

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  Glad I Bought It - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Virginia Guy - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I grew up with Jeeps, and still love them, but I have been extremely impressed with my new Pathfinder. I bought it almost on a whim (I had been looking at sedans), but I test drove one on a Saturday, and bought it on Tuesday. It has been great in the 30+ inches of snow weve had in D.C. since I bought it, and the heated seats have been great.

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  Changed my mind - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By MN - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Like below, owned it for a week. Traded in a sports car for this b/c of a change in needs. Wasnt expecting to like it as much as my toy, but its definitely won me over. Surprisingly enough, Not sure Ill ever go back... Fun to drive, great sound system

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  Starting to roll - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By bluecrab - December 2 - 2:00 am

  We bought out Murano SL about three weeks ago and have been more than pleased with our "Pewter Panther." Ride, handling, comfort are all aces. We were looking for touring machine that can go down the long road with performance and comfort and to the grocery nimbly and pratically. Weve found what we were long lookin for.