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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  Good Transportation - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Careyd - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Bought used in March 04 when forced to become a courier due to being laid off. Was local rental with 41k miles. I only had $10k and had to find something reliable, low mileage, relatively safe and economical. The Camry and Accord were over my budget and the Altima seemed to fit the bill. After 38k miles in 5 months (thats right!) I have been mostly satisfied. I did have to replaced the alternator ($340 changed it out myself) but only maintenance items besides that. I drive an average of 10 hours a day so comfort is important, and I have been pleasantly surprised by the seat comfort. (I am a big guy!) Actually roomier up front than other cars.

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  THIS IS THE ONE AND ONLY - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By SHOOTSNSCORES - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Our last two vehicles have been explorers. Weve owned the murano for a month we will never own a true suv again. We decided to test the crossovers.Drove the murano first. WE WERE blown away. NOTHING ELSE compared. Smooth carlike ride.Seats are the most comfortable ive ever ridden{cloth). FUN FUN FUN TO DRIVE. CVT IS AWESOME. IM 63" and can stretch my legs all the way out in front. Truly an urban suv as its advertised. Getting in and out a breeze. Unique design doesnt look like the typical suv or wagon or minivan. Climate control and bose cd changer is fabulous. RANKINGS 1 MURANO 2 PILOT- 3 ENDEAVOR 4 HIGHLANDER 5 EQUINOX -cheaply made

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  we like it so far - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By dbarnman - May 26 - 10:00 am

  we have 10,000 mile in 8 months. no problems with the car it self. good vehicle for the wife. as for me sluggish on power, and i dont reccamend the dealer we used. we hope to have continued success.not shure how cloth seats will hold up. will keep you advised.

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  350z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By nleegunn - May 26 - 10:00 am

  FUN CAR TO DRIVE

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  3 year review - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By clubber - May 24 - 9:33 am

  This is my second Maxima. The first I kept for 12 years and the engine ran beautifully until the day I traded her in for my current Max. The smoothness of the engine with all its power is my favorite perk. The car has never failed to start. I have the Bose sound system and it is great. The black color still comes up with a great shine. Interior is a bit spartan, however but instrument panel is easy to locate.

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  A surprise package - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By subcollector - May 24 - 4:40 am

  After looking at the Accord, Camry, Lexus ES and the Hyundai my wife suggested the Altima. At first I thought it would be too small, but I was surprised how roomy it turned out to be. After driving it I was also surprised how well it drove. It was smooth riding and had adequate pickup for a 4 cylinder. After purchasing we are now very pleased. I dont miss the hard riding Infiniti I30 I just sold. It may not have all the bells and whistles but it does the job. Very satisfied.

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  Appearance is great but... - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Patrick - May 23 - 9:56 am

  I purchased a 2.5S Coupe (Precision Grey) and had 2 problems already. After having it for 5 days, the car would only start after pushing the start button 15+ times (which the service technician claims its a defective battery - well see) and the a/c compressor has to be replaced (was making a rattling noise). Ive had an altima since it debuted in 92 and had no problems with its previous versions. Im hoping that the new coupe doesnt prove me that Nissan is now marketing more on design and failing on overall reliablility.

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  proud owner - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Nyan - May 22 - 2:00 am

  When i bought the auto, it was like brand new with only 21875 miles on it. It was so mint that the smoothness of the paint work was like new. It surprised the dealers. I live in Alberta, Canada and the winters up here can be very treacherous for driving - icy roads at minus 25 C. So when it was in 4 wheel drve, the drive was so controlled and the feeling of security is wonderful.

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  Xterra not what its cracked up to be - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Gremlin336 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle has been in the shop more than driven. They cant seem to fix the alignment. All the Xterras I have looked at(6) show feathering on the tires long before they should! Seems to be a design problem. Could be because they use the older recirculating ball steering.

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  2003 Altima Interior design deficiencies - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Haute Harry - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Car has nice exterior styling; however, interior materials are way too hard and plastic. Needs soft covering over all door interior sides. Interior lights on dash need to be different colors for different gauges. Difficult to distinguish between fuel gauge, temperature, and shift/gear selector because of same color and close proximity.