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:

• 

  Shirleys Still Smillin - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Shirleys Still Smill - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I love to drive my Xterra.Handles very well.Cant wait to take to the Outter Banks.If I can afford the Fuel.Terrible fuel mileage.

• 

  04 Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By mpp - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Great looking car with lots of power. Fun to drive except for the fuel economy. Doesnt get good gas mileage. Very roomy. Great sound system.

• 

  05 Gray Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By EvaB - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I have only had my Altima for 2 weeks, but so far I love it. I drove the 4 Cyl Honda Accord, and the Altima drives alot better. Its quick and fun to drive and handles very well.

• 

  Not sure I made the right choice... - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Tex - January 17 - 5:00 am

  This is my first Nissan and my first truck. Bought this truck base on price primarily, as compared to Taco. Didnt consider US products base on previously bad experiences. After 5100 miles the dash rattles sometimes when idling, the rear suspension squeaks (I HATE squeaks and rattles), and presently the dealership cant figure out why it wont start. The dealer set me up with a rental F150 Crew Cab which, I hate to admit, I like- its very comfortable and responsive. Heed other reviews that comment on the driver arm rest, driver side only door unlock, key fob, and plastic dash- these turned out to be real annoyances for me. If I could give my Frontier back and get all my money back, I would.

• 

  Gold SC Crew Cab 4WD - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Jon-Michael DeBona - January 16 - 7:43 pm

  My pickup was incredibly reliable which is typical of Nissan. This was my second Nissan. I never had a problem with either. After over three years I have not had to have any repairs done to my Frontier whatsoever. Im thinking of trading it in for Titan only because I want more space.

• 

  Love the truck, but it could be better - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Mikabru - January 16 - 4:33 pm

  I Love the truck, but it could be better. The drivers seat lacks lumbar support, the seat belt is hard to latch, the quality of exterior paint was poor... Dont get me wrong, I love the truck. That supercharger is killer, but attention to detail would have made it even better.

• 

  Good truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By tvs - January 15 - 3:00 pm

  I looked for a while at smaller 4dr trucks. I liked the toyotas but I could not find any in my area. A friend said he was looking at the Frontier. I took a look and loved it. It could be a little faster but I did trade an 02 Mustang GT for it so that may be why I think it is a little slow. Love the 6 disc cd player and the styling of the truck. Towing capacity was also a big plus since we were buying a boat. I have two little ones and you do have to move the front seats up a bit so the car seats fit but I have also fit 5 adults in it for an hour and a half with no complaints.

• 

  annoyance overshadows good - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By king - January 15 - 7:33 am

  Overall driving is an improvement. Too bad you ruined it with that horrible cover on the back

• 

  Good car, but have concerns - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Melinda Gibbs - January 15 - 6:43 am

  Ive noticed in the other reviews that only one person complained that during wet weather hard braking causes the rear end to swing out...its quite scary. I had 2 new rear tires put on the back today maybe that will help. It has done it to me about 6 different times in wet weather, almost hit another car a few times...not good. Hub cabs rattle all the time. Dealership cant fix them. Had trouble with power windows...all fixed under warranty. I really like my Altima, but Im very nervous about driving in wet weather.

• 

  Great SUV - not for tall people - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By AlexJC - January 14 - 5:43 pm

  Overall I love the look and performance of my Pathfinder. It ran great in the sand of the outer banks and in the snow of Michigan. My only problem is the cramped interior. I am 62" and my head touches the ceiling with the seat all the way down. The back seat...forget about it.