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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  satisfied customer - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By doris williams - February 21 - 2:00 am

  I was very pleased with the new look. But the inerior could have be alittle better made. The quality of the carpet is poor. The carpet under the seats is very poor made. I was really suprised at how the carpet feels. It is not very well put together. I had a 1995 althima and it felt better the carpet was of better quality. It seems the put a lot of money in the design and compfort. But was willing to skip on the interior.

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  4 door sport sedan - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By prmonse - February 20 - 9:06 pm

  After test driving and going over the specs of 6 cars, I decided for the Altima, I got the SE with the leather sport package and XM radio, and let me tell you its a sweet ride. Its very comfortable, the seats are supportative with multiple adjustments, the leather looks classy, and even tha back seat is roomy with the front seats adjusted for a 6 footer. The styling is modern and it looks fast just standing still, that was one of the main reasons, and the other the engine. Its like a turbine, quiet,and power delivery is right now wihtout any fuzz, you floor it to pass and in a blink your doing 80mph, awesome. The other main reason for choosing it, the fuel economy, has me impressed,26mpg.

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  Peeling grill, oil leaking - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By tigger - February 20 - 4:30 pm

  I bought this car brand new and I loved it for the first 2 years. Then.. The main problems I have are the grill peels, I have replaced the brakes and pads several times and it still shimmys at high speeds, and I have oil leak. I have changed the oil every 2000 miles and I treat it like my baby. Unfortunately the CD player stopped working and the CD is stuck. The sun roof wont open and last but not least the car is very difficult to turn without going back and forth a few times. The heating system is terrible. It is near impossible to get it to defrost if it is humid out. This car has always been in the garage too.

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  Very economical box - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Tez - February 19 - 7:36 pm

  Exterior is rather bland. Interior is a cross between german and perhaps a little eurotrash mixed in. Handling is just okay. Power steering tightens up the steering a little too much at high speeds. Seats are uncomfortable for fat tall people like myself. CVT is VERY interesting. Machine cruises at 1800 rpm. Radio is so so. Climate control is so so to good. All told, drives like a rental but the CVT is cool and the whole thing is a every inexpensive ride.

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  very very good car - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Hector - February 19 - 9:53 am

  I have bought the LE model of the nissan pathfinder. I bought it in super black and the interior is creame leather. This is a beautiful car especially when its nice and shiny and clean. The engine is pretty fast 270 horse power is enough for me.Sometimes in the highway i will be putting the car 135 mph and u cant even feel it but u do see your self leaving all the cars behind and passing other vehicles trying to press there gas on me.I love it when i press the gas and your back goes against the seats. sharp on turns and wonderful in the snow espeacially when i have the auto 4x4 which the car puts 4 wheel drive when ever it needs it.

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  Solar Yellow Xterra rocks - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By leftydog - February 18 - 9:16 pm

  Nice Truck, rotten gas mileage, Super charger is a necessity. Handles well, rides ok on smooth roads, body shudders on tar pits, holes, bumps. Commanding view of road with 17in wheels. Seats are ok. Reasonably good space in the back.

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  Reliable transportation. - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By screamingsloth - February 18 - 8:30 pm

  I bought this truck in 2008 with 47.000 mile on the clock. Aside from normal preventative maintenance, I have replaced both camshaft position sensors and the crankshaft position sensors. That is all. I monitor all fluids closely and now with 132.000 on the clock it still performs as new. The only other glitch is the CD player failed.

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  Best car so far - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By ecollazo - February 18 - 12:10 am

  This car rocks! As a student, this cars trunk is roomy!, fits 3 very comfortably in rear seats. The fuel economy is the best! The design could of been better...and needs something to make it stronger for hiway takeoff. Other than that..I love this car and recommend it to anyone. B+ for nissan.

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  Solar Flare - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By limee - February 16 - 11:16 am

  Decided on the Sentra after having compared it against the Honda Civic Si. Liked the Sentra better as it was quieter with a more compliant ride and had more torque. The Honda was a lot more fun in the twisties and the gear box was great, but the noise of the engine would be very tiring over a long haul along with the wind noise and the suspension was a lot less compliant. I figured unfortunately I dont live in an area with plenty of open road and uninhabited mountain passes so the Sentra seemed more civilized in that respect. Seems well put together with no rattles or sqeaks as of 1000 miles so far. Averaging 26 mpg which I suppose is average for this group of car

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  Excellent SUV - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By robhockey - February 16 - 7:24 am

  Purchased the Platinum about a month ago to replace my aging 2004 Volvo XC90. We just returned from a 1,000 mile round-trip to Canada and the ride was comfortable and quiet. First thing I noticed is that there is definetly more room in all 3 rows than the Volvo. Navigation was great, along with techno-goodies, like bluetooth audio, Sirius/XM and the tire pressure monitor. MPG improved from 22.5 to 24.5 for the return trip home. After a couple of months of research, what you are basically getting with the Platinum is an Infiniti JX35 minus the softer leather and lane departure warning. Here in Northern NJ, the difference was $9,000 so the my decsion was easy. You will not be dissapointed