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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  Hardy Value - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Joe in Delaware - October 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Pathfinder after my extensive research found Pathfinder has bulletproof reliability, good off- road capability, and ample towing capacity. Also, our past Nissan vehicles have been long lasting, trouble-free vehicles (we got 180,000+ miles on our 240SX!). With our Pathfinder, weve put many enjoyable miles (e.g., highway, around town, and offroad) on the Pathfinder...its roomy, rides well on the highway, and can fit all our luggage plus cart around the family. Overall, we appreciate this versatile, comfortable and rugged vehicle!

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  Love the Xterra - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By mermansk - October 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought mine new at first release of 2000 model year. Sole owner. Marathon road trips, city traffic, towing and commuting. Wonderful balance between interior space, utility, horsepower, gas mileage, etc. Family of four traveling regularly. I own the SE version because I dont believe in power everything. Ive added power door locks/security system and a towing hitch. Basic maintenance is all Ive had to do. Bang for buck, its on top of the heap.

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  So far, so good! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By MuranoMan - October 15 - 10:00 am

  We ordered a Murano last Thanksgiving and got it earlier this year. It was worth the wait. Its a nice balance between utility, performance, and style. Has the utility to haul kids and dogs, performance to make you smile and style thatll have folks asking you about it. I havent taken the car to its limits yet, but for everyday driving its great. One thing Ive noticed is that to get optimum performance from the CVT you have to be pretty generous on the accel pedal. I.e. punch it if you wanna go fast.

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  Great Mid-Size SUV Choice - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By twgibson - October 15 - 10:00 am

  We recently purchased the Murano after trading our 1996 Pathfinder LE. We spent twenty minutes in the showroom climbing all over the vehicle, looking at features and comparing it to the Pathfinder. This was enough to get us on the road where I was able to get it close to 80 MPH. We were impressed by the low road noise that we had come to despise in the PF. While we wanted three rows of seats, we were satisfied with the larger rear seats over the PF. I was also very impressed with the luxury quality of the controls. It has a distinctive look that reminds me of days of muscle cars. We have lost count of how many strangers stop us to ask about the vehicle.

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  best car ever - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By ally - October 15 - 10:00 am

  once i saw the car i thought it was just another nissan but when i got closer and was able to see its comfort ans its awesome designs i was hooked on it and only it

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  From BMW to This! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Squeaky - October 15 - 10:00 am

  I went from a BMW 325i to the Maxima SL and love it! Considered both the SE and SL models, and the SL for me was by far the best luxury ride. If you want a sporty ride and handling, then go with the SE. The Maxima has the BEST pickup (265 HP engine), luxurious leather interior, and stylish exterior. The new Skyview Sunroof is cool! My son influenced me purchasing the Elite package because he loves the rear bucket seats, rear heated seats, and sun shade. Its 1 classy car!

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  The pros way outweigh the cons - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Schnurr - October 15 - 6:50 am

  We love this van! It looks great - it has great mid range acceleration. There is not an onramp made that it doesnt love!!! Awesome highway performance and great fuel economy - 28 mpg on a fast long distance road trip.

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  Sports Car without Sports Car Cost - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Evan - October 15 - 2:26 am

  I may be biased having previously owned a 2005 Altima, but I love this car. After 6000 miles I havent noticed any difference in the driving from mile 1. It can be fuel efficient, or really give me that extra boost when I want to cut it loose. Bottom Line, this is a great car for individuals or for families looking for a little fun from their everyday sedan.

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  Good SUV if you likem - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By evilone - October 15 - 1:13 am

  All my ratings were based off of the several SUVs and trucks that Ive driven from an Explorer, Expedition, Tahoe, Denali XL, Jimmy, Ranger, F150, C1500, and CRV. The Xterra is its own vehicle and thats why it shines. The mileage and highway driving are not fun. I fear merging with this car b/c of the lack of power. But the sheer massive truck presence of the Xterra makes up for it. The hard engine sounds and road noise from crusing at 65mph sometimes does bother me especially when I see my gas tank meter drop. Going w/o a LSD was a big mistake. Interior is shabby but its a truck what do you expect. Overall a good performing truck however, Im starting to realize I like small cars.

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  X-treem mommy mobile - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By rain_mckenna - October 14 - 9:53 pm

  i love this vehicle. my only problem is the looseness of the steering wheel. it did take some time getting used to, but it proved out well in our 600 mile drive to FLA for spring break.