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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  Perfect for the spouse - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By ron - August 16 - 10:13 pm

  My wife owned a used 97 Sentra for a few years. When we went new, she insisted on a new Nissan. As she is from S. America, and grew up with hatchback family haulers, the Versa is perfect for her. Her biggest want was space, esp. for the suitcase laden trips to visit her folks. The car has no pretensions of sportiness, but the CV transmission pulls well enough and the car is relatively quiet. It has had a few problems (ones that I have read as common): hard starting (replaced fuel pump regulator, front end "clunk"(in for service on this once, now has it again -dealership says it cannot replicate this), 6- changer CD player replaced. Overall, not a bad car, the wife loves it, would buy again

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  I had to replace it! - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Mark - August 16 - 6:16 pm

  I bought a early 1999 Pathfinder LE in 2002. It was my first SUV and I loved it! I had an issue with head gaskets that cost me a bit but well worth it. In December 07 my wife and 10 month old son were rear-ended and the truck was flipped onto its roof. Amazingly the only injury was a scratch on my wifes head. For that reason alone I had to replace it with another Pathfinder ASAP. Just bought a 2002 SE and cant wait to get behind the wheel again. I got a great price but the Bose radios 6 disc changer doesnt work. I would recommend a Pathfinder to anyone looking for an SUV!

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  Great SUV - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Peter Decker - August 16 - 2:30 pm

  My wife has always wanted a Murano, after driving it now I want one. I am a big person(65" 260 lbs) this is the first SUV that I can fit comfortably in. Also great in the snow. Would highly recommend.

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  Reliable and great in off-road/snow conditions - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By erynnjean - August 16 - 1:33 pm

  I bought my 99 Pathfinder used in 2006 with 109,000 miles on it. Since then I have put another 100,000 miles on it, driven back and forth across the country 3 times and used my car frequently in off road/snowy conditions. I treat my cars pretty roughly, but Pathfinder never gave me any problems. If you are looking for a reliable truck that performs excellently in snow and off road conditions this could be a great car for you. She is a reliable commuter car, but does not get great MPG. Beware, though, the 99 comes in a 99.5 model. This means that finding the right parts can be a bit laborious - it seems as if Nissan mixed and matched parts when they made the 99.5.

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  Its not a G35! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Farhad - August 16 - 9:20 am

  This is my 8th Nissan. I have had Sentras, Maximas, 350z and my last car, Nissan Murano which I traded with this car and I regret it. I have had this car for over a year and most disappointing is the interior. Very poor quality and cheap materials. Have you seen the interior of Hyundais? Much better quality. I had the car in at the dealership several times to fix squeaking sound caused by moonroof. The dashboard squeaks on rough roads, the back part of headliner is coming apart and passenger seat belt rattles occasionally, tires are lousy on snow and so is the fat wiper blades. The exterior and performance and all the gadgets are great. I have the fully loaded version.

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  Everything I needed! - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By Tortuga - August 16 - 6:46 am

  I bought my Frontier in 2004 when I was 18. Been driving it almost daily ever since. Ive done trips of well over 400 miles as well as put it through some rigorous Off-Road and Mud trails. The truck has gone everywhere Ive pointed it. Ran into a few trees and rocks while wheeling, body damage was fixed with a little hammer work. I was rear ended in it, with barely a dent to the rear bumper (the plastic step came loose.) The little toyota pickup that hit me, was destroyed. Power is perfectly fine, Its a pickup not a race car. Im running 31 in. tires (compared to the stock size of about 17 in.) and it runs perfectly fine, with no life required. In all, great truck!

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  Murano Ripoff - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By murano_ripoff - August 16 - 1:02 am

  I purchased a 2004 Murano SL AWD in 2008 with 34K miles. I purchased an extended warranty for 7/100000. All service was peformed aty Nissan dealership. The following items were fixed under warranty: 1) Driver seat - known problem 2) 2 engine mounts 3) oil gasket 4) tire rod Recently at 102K miles I replaced an engine seal for $300. A fuel consumption test detected that engine is burning 1 qt of oil every 1K miles. Last week, I had to tow Murano to dealership. The rear differential disintegrated. The cost to fix $2300. When delear replaced rear differential they noticed transfer case was ruined. The cost of repair $3500. Needless to say I would not recommend this car.

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  Pleased with my Pathfinder - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By krazeemom - August 16 - 12:33 am

  I enjoy driving my pathfinder. I wouldnt trade it for any other SUV. Having looked and owned other SUVs in the past I prefer the pathfinder over Ford, Chev, and Toyo SUVs the ability to access to the 3 row seat is great and the space and comfort of the 2 row seat is great. Interior is easy to clean and the teflon in the rear interior was the best idea for pets and sport equipment. Keeps me from worrying about keeping the interior clean.

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  05 MAX - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Justin from Jersey - August 15 - 11:00 am

  Black exterior with Burnt Orange Interior gets tons of attention. People always comment on how nice of a car the Maxima is. Performance is good. This car gives you a high feature content, and is a step above the everyday family car.

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  Very Dependable - 1996 Nissan Altima
  By Rioo - August 15 - 2:00 am

  I leased this car for 3 years. I tested both auto and stick. Let me tell you they are very different. The 5 speed is much quiter and pull quicker. To be honest, it was a leased car so I didnt bother to change the oil or get it tuned up on schedule. I might have 4 oil and 1 set of sparkplugs changed in those 3 years... and it just runs and runs without even a single problem!