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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  2005 Pathfinder - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By lectraglidebnb - February 8 - 7:13 am

  Im 62" and could use more head room. But other than that I like everything about the vehicle.

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  2005 Nissan Murano - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Lynn - February 7 - 11:30 pm

  At first, I loved my Murano. No problems for months and months. To date, the car has not "broken down", but the engine is starting to concern me with odd noises and hesitations upon acceleration. The dealer finds no technical problems, so I am left to worry and baby the car. Also, the fuel economy is embarassing. Chevy Tahoe beats my 18 mpg by 6-7mpg. It is much bigger and it is just fine on 87 octane, where the Murano prefers 93. Whatever happened to Japanese dominance in that dept?

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  Love it, BUT....... - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By josh37 - February 7 - 8:42 pm

  I bought my 2005 Nissan Maxima SL with about 71000 miles on it, i now have 123000 on it. I LOVE the car and how it drives and looks. It has plenty of power. But, my transmission is slowly dieing on me. This is a common problem with these cars. I read the other day that, with these cars you have to change the transmission oil every 30,000 miles for it to last. I havent decieded if i am going to get ride of it yet, or just replace the transmission. If i decide just to replace the transmission, i will make sure to change the transmission oil every 30,000 miles, if not earlier. I truely love everthing about this car.

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  This is my 2nd Xterra - 2011 Nissan Xterra
  By shoodoobee - February 7 - 3:19 am

  I traded in my 2001 Xterra XE with 108k miles for 2011 Xterra SE about 1 month ago. This is a solid, safe SUV. The 2011 is very comfy, but there are some things I wish it had for the cost: a temperature gauge, a decent stereo, carpeted cargo area (otherwise EVERYTHING slides around), power seats, multi-CD changer, Sirius radio, and - better/different interior upholstery and plastic. Even a drop water stains these seats. It didnt on the 2001, but it does on the 2011. And the plastic console collects every piece of dust because it has a softer material. It really is annoying how much it collects and retains dust, hair, etc. Drive-wise, its solid, fairly quiet, and does well in the mountains.

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  Great car, but one issue - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Nissan lover - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Before buying an 03 Maxima, i had an 89 maxima- and i didnt have to think twice about which car to buy next. The maximas are definetely reliable, and that was the #1 thing i was looking for since i commute everyday! There have been many Maximas in my family, and i didnt think twice!

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  Awesome Car!! - 1996 Nissan Sentra
  By Charboo - February 4 - 8:20 pm

  I love this car!!! It has been really wonderful! Reliability is top notch and its a fun little car.

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  Value for the Money over my Honda Accord - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By charleybird - February 4 - 6:26 pm

  I purchased it because I like the body style. I like the drive, comfortable for 4. Good fuel economy.

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  less than impressed - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Erin - February 2 - 8:03 pm

  This car gets great gas mileage and the exterior of the car is very Nice. But, it is the most uncomfortable car that I have ever had to drive. The steering wheel is extremely uncomfortable, I feel like I can never adjust my hands and elbows to a comfortable position while driving it.

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  Really good! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By DPG - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Nice car, nice ride, great looks with the snergy package (spoiler, foglights, alloy rims to name a few items that comes with that package). If your in the market for a compact car,(not as compact as it used to be) you need to look at the Sentra.

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  Not a bad truck for normal use - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By slapshot - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Overall, the truck is pretty good. No problems since new (6500 miles) except for some sqeaking in the suspension somewhere. The interior (cloth seats) could be more comfortable. The suspension is too soft. For a daily driver, it does OK. However, towing leaves ALOT to be desired. Towing a 3000-3500 lb boat is a big load for it and it lets you know it (HP, braking, and horrible gas mileage). I would not feel safe towing the max tow rating of 5000 lbs with this truck. If I had it to do over again, Id buy the Explorer V8 or 4-Runner V8.