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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  A rattlebox - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By MPFL - October 29 - 7:26 pm

  Although I love the performance of this SUV (the powertrain is excellent), it has more rattles than a 1970s GM car. It has been to the dealer four times very little improvement. On the last two visits, I even asked them to "improvise" keep things from vibrating, but you cant fix a flawed design. There are too many poorly fitted plastic panels.

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  Good vehicle - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By ChadneyG5 - October 29 - 4:00 pm

  Weve really liked the Pathfinder. Weve had a few issues, all which have been cleared up except the fuel sensor/gauge is erratic and inaccurate. There needs to be a recall for this as many people have similar problems with it. The side mirrors electric motors are erratic and the battery has mysteriously gone dead on several occasions (weve stopped using the headlights auto on/delayed off feature for this reason). We used to think the ride was quite harsh until we replaced the original General tires with new Michelins--Wow! What a difference! It was like getting a new car. When I stay off the pedal, the mileage is quite good. I can easily get 20+mpg. With a lead foot I get 15-17 mpg.

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  best of the pack - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By george11 - October 29 - 2:00 am

  The 3.5 L engine is the reason to buy this suv. My came with the 5 speed and it performs ok. The automatic is a better choice. Plenty of room for 4, tight squeeze for 5.

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  Overrated stereo - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Rollo51 - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Once again, a car purchased in spite of Bose sound system. This company has to be the most overrated sound production corporation in the industry. Off to the audio clinic for an upgrade of what should be at least better sounding than my daughters Pontiac Sunbird "Monsoon" system. Rear visibility almost non existant. Other than that it is a joy to drive.

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  350z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By tatum - October 29 - 2:00 am

  excellent braking.....excellent handling....engine performance is responsive.....minimal engine noise heard in driver compartment.

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  owner - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By scdecoy - October 29 - 2:00 am

  great power and handling. a real hoot to drive. heads turn when driving by. mpg is good unless you like to turn it loose. would advise you to try one.

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  from BMW to Maxima - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By ceevee - October 27 - 10:46 am

  i wanted to save money. i was looking for style, comfort, performance. i found what i was looking for without having to pay too much for it. whats standard in the maxima is an arm and a leg when compred to audi, bmw, CTS Cadillac, Saab as they charged a lot more for all the extras that came standard with the maxima

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  Ownership >1yr - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Ownership >1yr - October 27 - 10:10 am

  After about 14 months of owning one, its still a fun car. Positives,... powerful engine, agile reflexes, sporty, economical, relatively good mpgs, reliable. Negatives, and a BIG negative for me, the 6 speed transmission is god awful to shift. Rarely will it slide effortlessly into gear. While not cramped, not as roomy as a Focus sedan by comparison. Ride is harsh, way too stiff for daily commuting. Yes, I know, should have gotten a lesser trim level. Other negatives, Rockford Fosgate stereo package not worth its cost. Also, intermittant wipers not adjustable enough. Another negative, A/C isnt quite as cold as a Ford Focus either. All in all, like the car for what I paid for it.

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  Fun to drive - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By c.win - October 25 - 4:10 am

  This is the fourth Nissan we have owned. I like the style, AWD, and reliability. I wanted a car that was good in the snow as I drive a long way to work. It proved itself one morning in a snowstorm. Nice traction and riding when slippery. Good on gas too.

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  Excellent Highway Performance - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By R. Gray - October 24 - 3:39 am

  Smooth, powerful highway performance, but terrible in confined areas. The vehicle has the turning radius of an aircraft carrier. For congested parking lots and tight narrow spaces this is the worst vehicle I have every driven--including but not limited to a pickup truck-- and should be avoided. If you drive in the wide open spaces of the highway system, this vehicle will delivery power, comfort, and very good mileage. Mechanically, this vehicle has required only routine maintenance for my 8+ years of ownership.