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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  Great All Around - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By hikeit - August 13 - 6:23 am

  This vehicle is great to drive everywhere. From camping, to around town, to snowboarding, and on the interstate. After 220k miles she still loves to get up and go. I have (and recommend) a 5 speed, which helps with the hills and gaining speed. This was my first Nissan, and I have been impressed so far. I bought it after reading comments on this sight and have not been disappointed. Mine has not had the rust problems mentioned elsewhere, so I guess I got lucky. I gave it a tune up, new Michelin m/s all season tires and keep the oil changed. This vehicle rocks in snow. Nothing seemed to stop the four wheel drive. Great for hauling kids, camping gear, and stuff from home depot.

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  16000 and still a great car - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Tommy G - August 13 - 4:16 am

  i recently purchased this car used with nissans certified pre-owned program. That being said I cannot find anything inherently wrong with the car design without nitpicking. Yes the CVT transmission takes some getting used to and the stability when driving "spirited" leaves me wanting more. It is to say that this is a commuter vehicle and as such performs its daily tasks appropriatly to its design. No it is not a speed racer and its not ment to be. Seeing that the speed limit in my state is still 70 mph the sentra seems to work well at this speed for long distances. as for anyone complaining about the whirring noise from the transmission at speed needs to just turn some music on.

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  Excellent car - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Maxima - August 12 - 11:06 pm

  Dash isnt. too complicated for attn when driving. Doors have cheap interior material finish. Seat heaters do not turn off automatically,when ignition turned on, seat heaters go on if used previously. Dash instuments too complicated for safe operation when driving. Trunk space is the main feature missing as compared to Ford Grand Marquis.

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  The last nissan Ill ever own - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By lola3053 - August 12 - 2:16 am

  First let me say that I am meticulous about upkeep and basic maintenance (oil changes, etc.) My Altima, with 139,000 kms (100,000 miles) on it absolutely self- destructed over the past two weeks. For no reason that I or any mechanic can find the engine suddenly (over two days) burned out all of its oil and then scored the cylinders so badly that it needs to be replaced. I never really enjoyed this car. It looked great, but handled like a girls car. It was always sort of "dainty" and overly sensitive to steering inputs. Also, the plastic used in the interior components and the boot around the gear-stick were of extremely low quality.

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  I love my Maxima!!! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Linda - August 11 - 11:30 am

  This is my 3rd Nissan Maxima. We had a 92, 97, and now 2005. Weve loved all of them, but this one is by far the best. I especially love the sky-view roof. I have been given compliments on this car wherever I go - at stop lights, car washes, drive-thru restaurants - there are compliments. We put the Nissan chrome wheels on the car this month, and it really spruces it up. A great car - Id recommend it highly.

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  1995 Nissan 4 WD XE SUV - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By 1995 4WD XE SUV - August 11 - 6:33 am

  Purchased in 1996 with only 25,000 miles (prior rental). After reading most the reviews I now feel I was one of the few who bought a lemon. Unfortunately I have one frustrating problem after another with expensive repair bills. Transmission replaced 2 times! Many electrical problems. Trouble starting in hot weather. Dash warning lights stay on after replacing alternator $300. Dont feel stable around corners sometimes feel car will tip. Spare tire inside takes up a lot of cargo space. No functional drink holders. Spring loaded rear door crashes on your head unless you hold it up. I really like they style of the pathfinder and am wondering if newer ones have fewer mechanical problems?

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  No need for a key - 2012 Nissan Sentra
  By sentra2012 - August 11 - 12:43 am

  I was hoping for better fuel economy but I live in a very hilly and mountain area of the northwest and I am getting 24 to 29 mpg. The 29 mpg was achieved with more expressway driving, less hill driving, limited air condition use and a thought of how to maximize fuel economy at all times (smooth breaking, cruise control, smooth acceleration). Other than that the car is perfect for people that are fat, commuters, couples, green philosophy and an affordable car.

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  100% reliable so far - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Dave - August 10 - 8:03 pm

  I had to go out and drive my Pathfinder to see what everyone is talking about vis-a-vis the transmission. Basically it clunks if you go on and off the gas when travelling around 40mph. I drive with a smooth throttle foot so I never noticed it. My wife, on the other hand, drives with a continuous throttle-on-throttle-off style so Id imagine that she would elicit that type of transmission behavior, but she would never notice it because, well, frankly shes mechanically clueless. Thankfully I drive it 90% of the time so I dont think well need to replace the transmission, u-joints, or rear diff anytime soon.

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  How i like it. - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Tyler Sather - August 9 - 9:00 pm

  This vehicle has bad comfort after your sitting in it for 2-3 hours. Performance is really good.I wouldnt sell it for a new corvette.

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  Loved it - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By SHARAKIN54 - August 9 - 7:40 am

  Loved it till the CVT messed up during a Memorial Day trip.. This is a great car to drive and really love everything about it. Wanted one for ever since the body was re designed. Could use more interior storage,