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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  Attention ! Turn Off the Radio....SE MAX - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Wlp18NJ - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought a Maxima 04 Driver Preffered Package its LOOKS very cool.BUT DRIVING THIS CAR BETWEEN 65 TO 85MPH WITH WINDY WEATHER CONDITION (10 TO 25MPH WIND)YOU CAN REALLY HEAR THAT ANNOYING WHEEZING SOUND.I called the dealer and they said bec.of the design.Rediculous paying $30K PLEASE NISSAN WAKE-UP...

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  Getting Noisy - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By jay - March 17 - 6:30 am

  The truck is great I agree about the rusty trim, Radio is great, seats are stiff, but arm rests are worn out internally. Have heater/AC issues not warranted but easily fixed. Now transmission is really noisy at low speeds til about 3-4th gear shift. Last thing the painted trim panels by nav, radio, shifter, a/c controls are too easily scratched (fingernails?).

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  Our "Quest" is over - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By fossilfinder66 - March 15 - 8:46 pm

  We bought a new 07 Quest last weekend. We liked the looks of the "un-minivan" but choice for an entry level model was very limited. They really move these models so you dont get much selection. The interior room was light years ahead of our 1999 Quest. Power was nice also. Did not get leather but cloth interior looks cheap and probably prone to catch dirt in the waffle pattern.

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  Godzilla - 2011 Nissan GT-R
  By GTR - March 15 - 8:13 pm

  Incredibly quick and quiet during massive acceleration, gearbox is fantastic, interior design and nav really nice. The car is heavy though, noisy drivetrain, and the run flats make the car ride stiffly even in Comfort mode. Chassis gets very upset over potholes and railroad tracks. It is a supercar at a reasonable price and cant be beat. It could definitely be improved though. Gets tons of attention.

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  Better than any Jeep available now - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By xterrable - March 14 - 1:36 pm

  Ive owned several Jeeps from 1951 to 2001 models. This Xterra has the newer jeeps beat hands down.

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  2005Pathfinder_OffRoad - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By 2005_OffRoad - March 12 - 3:46 am

  The overall build quality of this vehicle appears to be very solid. Im still trying to adjust to the vehicle coming from a 2003 Z71 Tahoe. The V6 takes much more effort to get to speed. Both vehicles get around 14mpg city driving. The Bose stereo is not as full sounding (along with rattles) and the seats need additional adjustments. The ride is not quite as smooth as the Tahoe, although the handling is much more precise. The interior plastics on the Pathfinder are a large improvement from GM. I think the Pathfinder is a great vehicle if you are in the market for a mid-size SUV. Im relying on the resale and reliability of Nissan to justify my purchase.

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  Smooth ride, but could use more room - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By twoskip - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I will say that this SUV has a great car like ride. Better MPG than my previous Grand Cherokee. Not as roomy as the Grand Cherokee though, and not enough interior storage compartments for misc. things.

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  Tires are dangerous - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By RedRaven - March 12 - 2:00 am

  With this car I had a flat tire (Conti tires). My tire was shredded as if someone cut with a knife the back of tire all around. I then read on the internet the following from other owners (many like this one): "Do not buy this car! The car had 2 tires shred within the first 2 months" I paid for the tire replacement (not covered by warranty) I sent a letter & an email to Nissan Canada quoting comments above (attached also pics of the tire) Wrote at the end of my letter: "What I am looking for is a reassurance that the Nissan Altima 2003... is safe & that the tires installed have been tested" Nissan never replied. I recommend AGAINST buying this car.

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  Catch me if you can - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Cam0001 - March 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Maxima.(prev was a 1996 GLE)This one rides pretty hard. I think I would have been happier with the SL. It definately turns heads. The funny thing is that when ever I pull up to a light, everyone waits for me to pull off first. I love it! This car truly is a rocket.

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  Love hate relationship! - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By AW - March 9 - 4:23 pm

  I got this van for more room when I had my second child. Not that I have 3 things are starting to look "gray"! I love the seats and actually think they are comfortable except the third row is not made for adults or more than 2 car seats. My recline handles on my second row seats have broken on both sides twice! The interior is very cheaply made and not worth the money on any model. There are only 2cup holders in the front which is a hassle. It drives great and is awesome on long trips. In town the gas mileage stinks. I wish we would have done more looking before we purchased this van. I do love the power and reliability. So I love a little and hate a little.