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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  Nice Car , still need more time to evaluate - 2016 Nissan Juke
  By kevin poirier - July 3 - 8:56 am

  Do your work on pricing...there is more room than you think

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  Solid for the $s - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By neekmeister - July 2 - 4:36 pm

  I purchased this vehicle approximately 10 days ago and so far have been very happy with it. Clearly this is not a race or luxury car by any means. However, if you are like me needing cheap commuter transportation with the occasional requirement to transport a family of four around while getting excellent MPG this is the way to go.

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  Still fantastic reliable SUV - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By assem mota - July 2 - 12:26 am

  I bought it 3 years back used, pushing it to the limit, never let me down. Had problem with cd (I sent it for repair for 3 times in 2 years), tires lasted for very long time. I still enjoy it too much. In case of change I will go for the new Path.

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  2000 Nissan Pathfinder LE 3.3L V6 - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By aufiero92 - June 30 - 10:56 pm

  I was passed down a 2000 Pathfinder from my dad recently.. He got it new and I received it with 150K and was running fine. Since then, Ive put 35K on it and have had no major problems. This car is one of the most reliable vehicles Ive ever had. Starts fine in the freezing cold, 4WD works perfect, has never broken down, however, there are a few electrical problems. Most of the console lights dont work, seat heater indicator doesnt work, sunroof only opens by repeatedly clicking the switch, and the 6 CD changer broke and got jammed before I replaced it. Other then those small cosmetic issues, it is a great car and very reliable.

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  Want Another - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Another Consumer - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I love my Xterra and am passing it on to my newly licensed son. Im looking at another but want leather interior and was told by the dealer this was not possible!?! Ive had nothing but good luck with it and love driving it!

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  Terrible first month - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By KHL - June 29 - 2:00 am

  My experience is not good at all, and really gave me a bad impression over Nissans manufacturing quality control. In the first 3 months, I had the car repaired 4 times. Mostly, bad QC! Body panel dropped, sliding door rail mis-aligned, truck light not connected, plastic covers failed off when touched for the first time! I must have one of lemon car coming out of Nissan factory. Very disappointed.

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  Firsst time owner - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Sonoma - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased this vehicle in September 03. Its fun to drive and has a great sound system even if its not the Bose system. I like the way the car drives and handles, it seems to grow on you each day you drive it. I dont like the way it defrost the window. It seems to take longer than it should. Also, I have a hard time adjusting the temp trying to make the inside comfortable. Overall Im please with it, espescially because of the end of year great deal I got.

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  Long Term Quest Update - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By irloyal - June 28 - 10:23 pm

  After having owned this Nissan Quest for 3 years and 36,000 miles I felt a long term review would be helpful to others. Pros: The Vans styling is still unique and turns heads. The engine runs as strong as the day purchased and is plenty potent for any type of driving. Only routine manintenance has been reqired for the most part, but exceptions are noted in the con section. The dealer ships have been very good about handling warranty issues, and they have increased the warranty to 60,000 miles at no charge. Cons: Horn Stuck. Over-sensitive tire pressure sensors. Replacement tires require new size unless you buy Goodyear. Overall Rating: B Overall Value: B+ Buy Again? Yes

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  Great car!!!! - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By great car - June 28 - 2:23 am

  I am a courier that drives 300 miles a day on route. I have put 104,000 miles on the car in a little over a year (it now has 117,000). I have never had any problem with the car! It still runs like new.

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  Updated Long Term Review - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Since 2006 -NM - June 27 - 1:26 pm

  I purchased my Xterra in 2006 new from the lot. I wanted an SUV because I was moving to New Mexico and needed a vehicle that had very good utility, was great in the backcountry, and can get through snow on uncleared roads. My road is never cleared in the winter. Ive owned it for the entire time. While some of the critiques Ive read in the reviews have some merit, ie. hard plastics inside, and gas mileage, on the whole its been very good. I replaced the tires at about 50,000 miles. The Drivers seat started making noises and was successfully fixed by the dealer in Santa Fe (good service dept!). The fuel pump was replaced under warranty before 36000 miles.