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 SUV but bad AC - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By jscak - May 23 - 9:38 am

  Bought AWD SL 2014 Rogue in Apr 14. Only 4800 mils on it but havebeen to dealer two times due to auto AC problems. Dealer replaced seal on one visit but AC still not efficient. Seems to take forever to switch from recirc air to outside air in a relatively mild climate (Maryland). Dealer said AC working properly during last visit - if thats the case then AC is poorly sized for this vehicle. Had several other vehicles witn Auto AC and never had this problem - it was basically set-and-forget. Latest problem is cool air comes out of driver side vents but warm outside air out of passenger side with both sides set at 72 deg. Going back to dealer again.

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  A blast - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Badger - May 22 - 11:20 pm

  Im not a youngster but I prefer a sporty and powerful car rather than a big "senior citizen boat". Just bought the 3.5 SE and it seems to fit the bill. From the quality of construction, handling, looks and at least to me, attention to detail speaks volumes about this car and manufacturer. Especially impressed with the safety features built into it.

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  Great Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By JJ - May 22 - 12:33 pm

  This is a great truck. POWER like no other. Ive already added a K & N air filter for added HP, and the magna flow dual exhaust adds a much deserved growl to this truck.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By xlegend - May 22 - 12:03 pm

  The ride and increased power are fantastic. Big improvement over the 2002 Le Pathfinder I still own. I have owned 5 Nissan autos during my lifetime and the quality has been great.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By xlegend - May 22 - 12:03 pm

  The ride and increased power are fantastic. Big improvement over the 2002 Le Pathfinder I still own. I have owned 5 Nissan autos during my lifetime and the quality has been great.

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  I love my Maxima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Terri Miley - May 22 - 6:06 am

  I have only had my Maxima 1 week, but I have never enjoyed driving a car as muchas this one. I absolutely love this car. I dont think I have ever owned a vehicle I could have been prouder of and I get so many complments from my co-workers. I hope it performs for many years to come.

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  My Pathfinder,a joy to drive - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By HarryO - May 22 - 2:00 am

  My new Pathfinder is a real joy to drive,Its tight,tough and very responsive. Yet its smooth,quiet and comfortable. I can sense that this little SUV is very well built. I was looking for a good all around vehicle when I found this little prize and I couldnt be happier!

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  New Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By BDB - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Former Tahoe owner -- 200,000 miles on a 1997. Test drove Yukon/Tahoe, Suburban, Lincoln Navigator. Although I thought I wanted a GMC -- I fell in love with performance, safety and new look of Armada. 1,000 miles in first 5 days -- Las Vegas -- Phoenix and back. Have nothing but praise for the handling and engine performance.

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  BEATS THE DOORS OFF THE SUBURBAN - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By SCOTT F - May 22 - 2:00 am

  WHAT A GREAT VEHICLE I LOVE IT! IT HAS GUTS AND DRIVES DOWN THE ROAD LIKE A DREAM. I CAN TOW MY BOAT AND IT STILL HAS POWER TO MAKE IT UP THE HILLS. GREAT JOB NISSAN YOU GOT ME. GAS MILEAGE IS NOTHING TO WRITE HOME ABOUT BUT I DIDNT BUY IT FOR ECONOMY REASONS. BEFORE YOU BUY YOU SHOULD AT LEAST DRIVE ONE.

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  Great styling - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By mr weezul - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Great so far. Gas mileage not what is purported to be. Never thought I would be excited about driving a minivan, but I am. Parking assisst is a great feature.