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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  Nissan Pathfinder rocks! - 2016 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Mississippi Lady - September 17 - 4:27 pm

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  The best in its class!! - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By jake7777 - September 17 - 3:21 pm

  I recently purchased this SUV and has been the best decision I ever made. Test drove and compared others including the Pilot, Highlander, Mazda CX9. The pathfinder outshines them all in interior aesthetics, comfort, cushioned drive and mileage. The almond leather on it is so good. I feel very proud as a owner and look forward to drive it every day.

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  Try it-Youll LOVE it! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By shelley - September 17 - 10:36 am

  Just bought this weekend and love it! Much more comfy than CRV and handles like a dream. Traded in a 2 door Accord & could not be happier. Accord is great, but the Rogue has wonderful seats and has more of a cockpit feel to the controls than all other suvs driven. If you are thinking about an suv, do yourself a favor and drive this - you wont be sorry.

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  Love the car but hate paying at the pump - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By MME - September 16 - 11:50 am

  I have been driving this car for 2 yrs and absolutely love it. My only complaint is having to run premium fuel in it. I usually only get about 23 mpg. With gas prices these days, that hurts your pocket.

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  2008 Altima 2.5S nice but could be bette - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Fred from Albuquerqu - September 16 - 10:06 am

  I like the inside and outside style of the vehicle. The layout of the controls on the dash are very user friendly. Good gas mileage and surprising pep in starting from a stop. Not the best vehicle for 6 ft or taller people since steering wheel (even though telescopic) does not extend enough if seats are set back for leg room. Wish Nissan could have added 1 or 2 more inches to the extension.

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  Very Good Car/Value - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By rkrois - September 16 - 10:00 am

  Purchased car new in 1998, stick shift, no problems at all, currently have 115,000 miles and it still runs great and is fun to drive.

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  NICE car - Well worth the $$ - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By johnny G - September 16 - 10:00 am

  I truly enjoy this car. Stylish, comfortable and has a very large cargo area.

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  Titan power - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Moies Mundo - September 16 - 10:00 am

  The truck has plenty of power and comfort. Fun to drive.

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  Watch out big 3 - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Max_Power - September 16 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a tow vehicle and did not want one of the big 3s trucks. The Titan has great power and acceleration with the best options for the money. Who needs a Hemi when you have the torque monster Nissan 5.6L. I average 15 mpg city driving. It drives great and shifts smooth. Only complaint is the placement of the door and window controls on the drivers door, they seem to get wet easy.

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  Spend a little more and be happier. - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Gene - September 16 - 7:20 am

  I bought a modestly equipped Versa as an extremely economical choice. It was the most affordable 5-door that wasnt too small, but I was dissatisfied overall. A mediocre suspension, poor 6-speed shifter and unsupportive seats made an unrefined ride. Mine got poorer than average MPG despite a light foot. The brakes squeaked from the first day and were never repaired to my satisfaction. Nissan even distributed a note to dealerships to excuse themselves from this problem. In other words: Versas squeak. Too bad. If you want a low cost Nissan, buy the Cube instead.