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 to drive - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By billc - July 8 - 2:10 pm

  This is my second Pathfinder, my first was the 05 "off road" model. This time I upgraded to the LE with nav. So far its been nothing but fun to drive.

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  Good Vehicle with lots of technology options - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By Venkat - July 8 - 11:43 am

  Many Features which are not having in other brands within the same segment...

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  Great Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Mike - July 8 - 5:00 am

  Ive had my Altima since 2005 and have put over 82,000 miles on it since then, and Im proud to say it runs just as good now as the day I bought it. The 4-cyl engine has plenty of power, and the ride provides the perfect balance between comfort and sporty handling. I love how roomy the car is front and back, and all of the trunk space comes in handy. Some people complain about the growly engine but I kind of like it. The Altima is also excellent on gas, partly thanks to the 20 gallon fuel tank. The interior is comfortable and all of the materials are good quality. Mine has the convenience package which includes some nice features, especially the sporty 16 alloy rims.

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  Nice SUV - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By edjkc - July 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SUV. After looking at several different models, I decided on the Xterra. One of the biggest selling points to me was its off road capabilities (getting up in mountains during ski season can be quite a challenge in a small sedan). The gas mileage could be improved, but so far I am averaging 18.5-19 between city and highway driving. Not to bad, but could be better. Have read several reports on wind noise, but you must realize that whenever you add a rack on top of a vehicle the size of the X, its going to make some noise. Had a ski rack on top of a Ford Focus - talk about noise!!!!! All in all, I love this SUV.

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  Too big for you? - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Redgray - July 5 - 10:00 am

  While I think the car is great looking, after driving it three months, Im beginning to have my doubts. Driver comfort is the biggest complaint. I find the front seats to be too wide--so that I cant have an arm on the console and an arm on the door at the same time. Because the seats so wide, and with leather, as I drive around curves or corners, I slide side to side in the seat, constantly readjusting my hands on the wheel. Its not a restful ride because of all the readjusting. And, for those of us not 6 ft tall, the armrest doesnt move forward far enough to rest an elbow while holding the wheel.

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  Okay drive, but dont get too excited. - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By codfish78 - July 4 - 10:23 pm

  I purchased this vehicle last summer during the CASH FOR CLUNKERS program. No problem at all so far. With the $4500 discount, $150 additional discount for scrap value, plus the dealers free destination fee, I paid $5340 plus tax for the basic model. Mine is dark metallic blue with a charcoal interior. I think it looks pretty sharp. The car does all the basics well, but I wouldnt want this to be my only vehicle. I am 6 4" tall and weigh over 300lbs. and I fit into this car easily. In fact, I find it quite comfortable. If I had to pay sticker price, I would have gone elsewhere. However, for the price I paid, I think this car is quite decent. See my specific likes/dislikes below.

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  Solid car, great performance - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By theargosy - July 4 - 4:53 pm

  Ive only had this car a matter of days, but my wife has one so I have a better idea of what it is and what it can do. Its a sporty family car with lots of power and conservative styling and functionality. Its got very good overall performance with acceleration a prominent feature. My wifes 2000 has been very reliable through 109,000 miles.

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  Nice Car - my first 350Z - Silver - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By bill350zzzz - July 4 - 2:18 am

  Picked up a 350Z Roadster 2 weeks ago. It has 36K miles on it, I am the third owner. The car is very clean with the exception of showing some wear in the interior. The previous owner liked Jewelry I have a feeling. This is my first sports car. All I can say is its a blast to drive, especially with the top down. Ill take care of the interior with some time. The car puts a smile on my face when ever I sit in the cockpit. Enough said. Good value.

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  I would Not Recommend - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Carlos Pena - July 3 - 10:50 pm

  I purchased my Altima in November of 2004. From the start it pulled to the left. The dealership stated it was just how tha car haldled. As you can see by the yearly mileage that I drive alot (17837--in 5 months), so I am on the road a bit. The car handles very poorly in the rain and in sharp turns.It definetely requires a lot of caution if drivning in the rain, it is very easy to go into a skid. It overall feels to light, and the steering is to soft, which in turns make you feel as if you dont have control of the car.

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  Great car! - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Chezjuan - July 3 - 1:26 pm

  I bought my 2006 350Z (base) in August that year and still love every second behind the wheel. Not only is it (very) fun to drive - even around town - but the only time it is ever in the shop is for routine maintenance. Since I live in the mid-Atlantic region, I use it year round, but I did get a set of good winter tires, which are a must if the Z is ever going to see snow. The gas mileage I get driving around town (~19 combined) is decent for the class of car and engine, but nothing spectacular. While the car is comfortable for shorter drives, I start to feel anything over about 4 hours (mainly in my right leg since the base model does not have cruise control).