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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  The cream of the small car crop! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By jon - January 20 - 10:46 pm

  This is by far the best of the small cars out there, unless youre an early 20-something boy racer (you need a Fit). Its longish wheelbase and suspension tuning means a GREAT ride around town, including over non-spinal-injuring bumps! Its really remarkable. The Fit gets all the kudos for handling, but the Versa is nimble with an insanely small turning radius. Tossable, but rides like a grown-up car. An interior for grown-ups as well, with fantastic fit-and-finish and a logical, high quality dash.

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  I love my Sentra! - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By jessbugg - January 20 - 7:26 pm

  I bought my Sentra used from a dealership in early 2010, it was originally a rental car so had a few extra miles on it. I have put over 40,000 miles on it mainly driving back and forth from TN to FL for school and I have never had any problems. Its a great car, gets good gas mileage on the highway and I have not had problems with an "uncomfortable ride" I only recently replaced my tires & brake pads but the car has 70,000+ miles on it now. Ive had no issues with the engine or anything under the hood, but I do get regular oil changes and maintenance checks since I do so much highway driving. Everyone always thinks my car is newer than an 08, I love it!

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  So far so good - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By stealthtwinturbo - January 20 - 9:30 am

  We got this can in Nov 2004. So far no sig. problems. Weve had the steering wheel shake that everyone is complaining about, but it is tolerable. Performance is great. Should have a LSD or be AWD with as much power it has. If you shut off the TC, the car just smokes the tires! Lots-o-torque steer. Navigation is fun, but difficult to use. Sirius sat radio is alright, but we are used to an add on unit in the old car and this cars sat radio just does not compare to the features of the stand alone unit.

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  Absolutely fantastic! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Stephen Kowalchuk - January 20 - 2:26 am

  This car is a terrific performer! Road feel is fabulous, incredible power, comfortable driving position, nice control layout. The 6-speed manual epitomizes "fun to drive". Only drawback -- torque steer. Jump on the accelerator and you better be holding onto the wheel. Everything else is practically perfect.

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  Almost an Infiniti - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Picky - January 19 - 4:40 pm

  I have 8k miles on my SE and though it took some time to bond with it, I truly enjoy driving it. Once you accept this is a fwd car (and will never handle like a rwd car) its probably one of the better handling large fwd cars out there, especially under $40k. Suspension is tight in the corners and smooth on the straights. 3.5L engine provides fantastic performance but could easily be higher if Nissan didnt have to worry about competing with their Infiniti line. CVT (continuously variable transmission) is quite remarkable. Feels like it always gears the vehicle down for better performance, especially at higher speeds. 50 to 100 mph feels more like 350hp with the CVT. A special ride indeed.

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  Driver - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Mariusz - January 18 - 5:43 pm

  This Truck drives great. Acceleration is amazing. Soft ride with independent suspension for each weel make ride like a small suv. Interior is very roomy. Three rows of seats are very cofortable. The back two rows are folded flat make a lot of cargo space.

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  Nissan got it right with this Pathfinder - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Boltsfan - January 18 - 4:30 pm

  Ive had mine a week and absolutely love driving it. The 4Runner and Sorento were both possible options but factoring in performance and all features, it was an easy choice.

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  Made to Ride - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By DB70 - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I think Nissan Pathfinder 2001 is a great improvement. It has great horse- power, great torque, very good road handling, decent mileage, very cool pick up and its really made to ride. It all depends upon the drivers, depends upon how you take care of your car, how do you really treat your car and there are a lot of other factors which can take loads of problem in the vehicle. Me and My friend bought the same car - Nissan Pathfinder 2001 - all we could see was 240 horse power and great pick- up. I love driving it and I would and I have recommended so many people to buy NISSAN PATHFINDER cuz it ROCKS!!!

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  Cant believe its a Nissan! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By ACE Driver - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Great acceleration, beautiful body styling, much improved interior over the 2002 - but still needs a little improvement w/ the interior features - but this car is a blast to drive... the Accord is in big trouble!!

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  Best Vehicle Ever!!!! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Beverly Hills 90210 - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I am 100 o/o happy with this car. I have had many, many cars and this one is right at the top. Thank you Nissan. The only negative is the steering wheel radio and speed controls are not lighted. The rest is Perfect!