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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  Got Cute Cube - 2011 Nissan Cube
  By auntie3 - September 4 - 12:56 pm

  I have had my Cube for about a month now. I love it. My husband is a big guy & at 1st didnt want to test drive it but after I talked him in to it, he loves it too. Its way bigger on the inside than it appears on the outside. It handles very well and has a tight turning radius. You can park this car anywhere and get into very tight areas. It is extremely quiet. The transmission is awesome in this car, you can not hear it shift. It handles bumps in the road great. I have drove it on ice and snow and although the tires are small it handles great. It has alot of storage area in it. The back seats lay flat to make more cargo area and its great.

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  Back to Old Faithful......... - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By my 2¢ - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I wrote a previous review back in April. Although I had bought a luxury suv as a replacement for my Pathfinder, I still had not sold it and it was sitting on a consignment lot for over six months. The war with Iraq had just started and being that we lived near a military area, car sales were in a slump. Luckily, this all worked out to my advantage. Being so unhappy with my so called luxury suv I decided to sell it and reclaim my old faithful Pathfinder. I am happy to say that I am back in the drivers seat again and loving every minute of it. Live and learn.

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  Best 2nd car I have owned - 1998 Nissan Sentra
  By midhudson - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Clock just turned 90,000. Bought it at 34k. Still has original battery, hoses, exhaust, struts; clutch works like the day I bought it. I am having the fronts replaced next week, only the second time they have needed it. It is absolutely reliable, and I plan to take it to 300,000 miles.

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  My first SUV - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Twash - September 4 - 10:00 am

  So far this car has been a great vehicle to own. Small exhust leak, had to replace a pipe coming from engine. $125.00 It seems to be the part of the exhust thatis not stainless steel of rust proof.Great trucf for the winter, FWD is reliable. I did notice that my front bumper (Medal) has begun to rust. I would purchase another.

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  One of the Best SUVs there is - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By PATHFINDER RULES - September 4 - 10:00 am

  i went car shopping and i new i wanted a suv but did not know what kind. i looked at the 2002 Honda cr-v. bad move the cr-v is cheep looking. it should be called a car not suv what a joke. i looked at the pathfinder and it is the best suv in the snow,rain,sun. i will always get a NISSAN PATHFINDER

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  Great Car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By spaw - September 4 - 10:00 am

  The styling is fantastic. The ride is smooth and very comfortable. It handles corners and speed superbly. The roomy interior is a great improvement from earlier models. I have more room than cars in higher class.

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  Great Car @ a Great Price - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By GOH_2010 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my second new Altima. I had an 02, and traded it in on an 03. I cannot say enough good things about this car. This is a great car for single folks and families alike. In addition I am 64" and I fit very well into any seat in the car!!!

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  what a beutiful car! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By birkre - September 4 - 10:00 am

  beautiful style, confortable ride

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  Beware Competition - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Harold Hellekson - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I have worked for the dealership I purchased the car from and have always liked the Maxima better than some of our other lines but,when this came out I bought it after a 3 mile test drive without low interest or any rebates. I am careful with my money and it had to be one heck of a car for me to do this and I couldnt be happier. Now you have a 60 year old man that wont pass up a run from the light.

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  Zagnificent 350 - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By SM - September 3 - 1:13 pm

  This is one tight car. From shifting to cornering the 350Z has a dynamic racing feel. Your wish is its command. This is a true sports cars sports car. Highway cruising speeds do not do this car justice. It is extremely smooth and deceiving on the open road and equally capable on curved surfaces. The always illuminated gauges are there to inform you about tire pressure, mpg, temp, speed, rpm max, dte, and more. The practicality of the 350Z is not so much. After all this is a true sports car. It has moderate storage compartments behind the seats and the stabilizing bar in the rear hatch area really reduces your cargo space so pack lite. Bottom line:This is a drivers car that wont dissapoint!