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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  Great Commuter Car, not for long haul - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By rbb1010 - March 4 - 10:00 am

  This car is great for a daily commute in city traffic. The CD stereo (180w 7- speakers) is great to help pass the time, and the gearing is VERY forgiving in stop and go. The gas mileage for a small car leaves much to be desired. I average WELL under the suggested mpg, and I am sure that I am driving just like the average driver. In bad weather this car is VERY dangerous...handled great in snow, but in snow, rain, anything wet...when you try to stop, make sure you have a LOT of distance, or a shoulder!

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  Drives like a car,tough as a truck.... - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Simpson - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Recently purchased the Pathfinder and love it.We looked at the Bravado (Olds) and was also a very nice SUV but very pricey. What I like about the Pathfinder is it basically has everything you need in the luxury department.It has everything but leather ,which doesnt bother me to have.Lots of power but as you know these vehicals dont mind stopping at the gas station. Oh well Ive been the van route for the last 6yrs and will not go back to a van,basically sick of them. All in all the 02 Pathfinder is a great SUV.Period.

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  Questionable - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By chrisbe - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Nissan SEV6 a year ago. Overall a nice vehicle, but has been in the shop more often for sqeaks & rattles and oil consuption. The power is great! its about time. On quality, as you know Nissan has been in debt for several years now and they have worked hard on the engineering side to make it a better/less costly vehicle to manufactur. Quality difinatly went down-hill. Did you know that Nissan has the fastest assembly-line in the world! It was in USA Today. The total manufacturing process is less than a day per car/truck. The number of consumer complaints hit an all time high for Nissan, especially on the Extera.

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  Maxima SE - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Although I wanted a GLE with the navigation sytem, the dealer was only able to find a SE with the navigation system. I was somewhat disappointed until I realized that the SE had an upgraded suspension. The car goes like greased owl----, although you have to watch quick get aways because of the torque. Its fast, stable in turns and the build quality is excellent. The seats are confortable and mold to the body. A very nice car. Get about 26 mpg combined city/highway driving. Have gotten as high as 31 mpg highway.

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  Loaded 2002 Altima 2.5SL - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By aljr - March 4 - 10:00 am

  With the 2.5SL Altima loaded, I felt I made the best purchase of my life. No Regrets at all. Compared to Honda and Toyota, its was a quick decision. And specially, compared to the Euro-cars, its a no brainer. This is not what we call "you get what youve paid for", but more of "you get a lot more that what youve paid for" situation. More power and better looking styling than most car in its class. I had the sporty-looking sheer silver color with all black interior dash and black leather seats....and just imagine.......what a classy sport sedan. I feel this car can stand right beside the best of them, BMW 3series, Audi and VW, when it comes to overall VALUE.

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  Not what I am use to - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Kristee - March 2 - 4:23 pm

  I just got my Versa 8 days ago and have already put over 900 miles on it. So far so good! I have always driven a truck or SUV and was very concerned about going to a smaller car. So far I like the Versa. It rides nice and has some nice features. The seats are comfortable and the car seems very quiet. I test drove 5 other cars in its class from other makers and the versa was by far the best one in its price range.

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  Little old ladys Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Patti - March 2 - 2:30 pm

  I love my Z and people thinks it funny because I am 60 years young. Have to replace tires after 33,000 miles and cant rotate. Still tho car is a head turner or is it because granny is driving one and not them..Had BMW Zs but this car is much more fun to drive.

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  Outdoes GM, from a loyal chev owner - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Armada - March 2 - 2:16 pm

  This vehicle has outdone my expectations on all facets. I pull a 32 foot travel trailer with ease, and struggled with the suburban. Dealership was more knowledgable and willing to work with me to get a match on vehicle. Will never go back to the GM line.

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  Love this car, but... - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Rich - March 2 - 2:30 am

  The GOOD: Wife was sold on a Scion Xa before I insisted she take a Versa test drive. She bought the first Versa the dealer sold. Impressive power w/6spd, fun to drive & great interior room & materials. The BAD: A/C compressor failed 2nd day. Took factory 1 month to replace. A/C now sounds like a dentists drill @3000 RPM. TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM {TPM):Has been in Dealer shop for re- set 3 times in 2 months w/no low/high tire pressure detected. Consider an extended warranty if this problem is not addressed under a Nissan re-call. Online correspondence reflects an ongoing TPM problem among Versa owners. Hopefully Nissan will address this ongoing problem. $100 cost per re-set.

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  So Long Subie - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Brunson - March 2 - 1:50 am

  My wife was in the market for a newer vehicle and we were in the reluctant position of trading in our beloved 02 WRX Wagon. We needed a solid commuter car with better gas mileage without compromising too much on performance. Our search led us to the 07 Spec V and we are very happy with the decision. This car is by no means a saturday track day type of ride but I still find a smile every time it rips up to 7k on the tach. The ride is smooth, maybe stiff for some, but much quieter highway crusing than the WRX. Interior is finished nicely and comfortable for my 64" 240 frame. For the price and features, cant beat it for a fun/zippy commuter car.