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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  Whats Not to Like? - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By doc - October 16 - 11:43 am

  This is my second Nissan frontier - much better than the one I bought 10 years ago. Nissan has come a long way. I get 20 hwy with recommended 91octane; 17.5 hwy with 87. I intended to buy a Tacoma, but Nissan and dealer rebates made the frontier about $5k cheaper for the loaded versions. I have no complaints, but then Ive never owned a Tacoma so I dont know if Im missing anything. Pro 4x has stiff suspension which I wanted, but its not like riding in uncle earls town car. My avalanche 2500 and silverado 1500 have smoother rides. Seat configurations are well thought through.

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  Leaf perfect most of the time; good storage, fun - 2015 Nissan Leaf
  By Pat crowley - October 16 - 10:50 am

  Great car for everyday. Cold in Michigan winter first 10 mile.

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  Capable but rugged - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Marty - October 16 - 9:33 am

  We traded in a Caravan for a new 2005 Xterra. We were really tired of the minivan and wanted something with more power and something to pull our new atvs. Poor decision. The ride is anything but good. The interior is all plastic and cheap. The stereo has poor sound. Poor fuel economy. Overall the vehicle is very off-road capable and tows very well. Other than that it is definitely not something you want to take on a trip. If you dont need the offroad or towing capability, look elsewhere for something more accommodating. The ride quality alone will tire you even on a couple hour ride. Also it is very difficult to get in and out of the rear seats. Not something you want if you have kids.

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  Awesome engine, rest of car above okay. - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By keanuration - October 16 - 2:26 am

  This Max has been a legacy in my family. Started off with a 88 that was ahead of its time. Now the 00 max was heading in the right direction until its design team hit a block. What were they thinking of, the back end is simply ugly. However, set aside the exterior design and you have a solid core, with the engine, durability, electronics, and very useful vast space of cargo and seating. The Bose is tops with more than adequate bass. The SE has the ability to handle the road due to its sports suspension. Very practical for a family sedan with a slight tendency to sportiness. The mileage proved itself @ 24mpg on avg, not too shabby for a 222 hp quasi- racer. Not too much road/wind noise.

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  A Nice Sedan - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By czip - October 16 - 12:28 am

  The vehicle falls some where between a Carmy, and an Accord; you wont feel like you are floating, and you wont feel like you are in a truck. The transmission doesnt have a quick low gear; so no jack rabbit starts here. The V-6 is solid, and allows for competent passing. I am tall, but the drivers seat is comfortable. I drive 120 miles to/from work each day, and have had no problems. Read about the recalls, and complaints before you look at the vehicle; know what to look for. Turn to aftermarket products, if you question Nissans quality control; ie. brakes and shocks/struts.

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  Pass on the Pathfinder - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By aposak - October 15 - 4:59 pm

  At least until the transmission issues with stuttering and surging are sorted out, avoid this one. The storage spaces are poorly thought out, cant get the glove compartment open if theres a passenger in the front. The center console screen is confusing and low quality. No Bluetooth music connectivity unless you spring for navigation, and the Bluetooth phone is really noisy.

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  Oldie but still good - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By WILLIAM TOTEN - October 15 - 1:52 pm

  Buy it if mileage is appropriate for age and pricing consistent with Edmunds or KBB range. Must have Carfax and maintenance history

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  Wish Id bought a Tahoe - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Billybob - October 15 - 10:46 am

  We bought the Pathfinder after owning a GMC Yukon thinking "this will be more sporty and get better gas mileage." We were right about the sportiness part of SUV but found the utility lacking because of the small size and the gas mileage being actually worse than the larger Yukon/Tahoe. It is a nice vehicle with comfortable leather front seats, but the backseat is horrible and really only fit for kids. I guess its all relative to what a persons needs are so if the size is not an issue then I would recommend this as a good vehicle to have. Weve kept it for 8 years so it wasnt too bad of an experience. Replaced oxygen sensor with Maxima sensor for 20% of the pathfinder price 3 yrs ago.

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  Xterra - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By The Beast - October 15 - 10:00 am

  Great styling, many complaints about the comfort of the front seats ( not my leather recliner, but I think they are OK) Very ruff drive on bummpy pavement, windows rattle when lowered, the hood is very flimsy and we all know about the sunroof.

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  Reliable transportation.. - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By otrand - October 15 - 10:00 am

  Seats are uncomfortable for long trips. Engine is okay but needs more HP. Torque is good. Reliability is good. Tranny is the best Ive driven. I liked the ride at first but have come to hate it. It comes delivered with 26lbs(rec. pressure) which makes it feel smooth. Put the pressure where it should be and ride becomes jiggly and shows the chassis flimsiness.Upgraded to Bilstein shocks which helped but without a stiff chassis ...... Nissan also has had a problem with the 2 piece driveshaft design that exhibits itself as driveline vibration. Nissans "fix" is not adequate. Overall the truck is okay, but I looked forward to driving my ole GMC more than I do this truck.