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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  Please Read - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Rosalie - June 3 - 2:00 am

  The sound system in this vehicle is one of the worst Ive ever heard. I had a better one in my 1972 Pontiac!!!

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  . - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By albepositive - June 3 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has given me absolutely no problems whatsoever. I have replaced tires, air filter, and oil, just routine maintenance. Car has decent acceleration with 5-speed manual, very good braking and excellent handling. Road noise with sporty tires on some types of pavement can be annoying and tires are not best invery wet and snowy conditions. My gas mileage has been so so, around 24-25 mpg probably from excessive speeding! For the money I paid, $16,900, this car is a great value, nothing outstanding, but nothing to complain about either. Based on this vehicles reliability I would buy a Nissan again

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  Glad we Leased - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By brownhoback - June 2 - 8:56 pm

  We got this vehicle a year ago on a lease. Loved the car. The heater display will not come on sometimes when you first turn it on, after about three miles down the road it turns on. We had to take it in and the dealership did the recall repair on the airbag, since then we have had to take the car in four more times because the no airbag light was coming on when there was someone in the passenger seat. Of course it didnt do either thing when we took it in (record it). A clip fell off the undercarriage. Now recently our keyless/remote system is not working properly. Weve had to use the key to get in and then button start it (the screen said no key), turn off and turn on again to drive it.

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  Need Help! A/C & Battery - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Operational Problems - June 2 - 7:40 pm

  Getting foul smell from A/C. Have to open window its so bad. We leave air circulation on to dry out, but this does not help. Dealer suggested scented spray for $82 every 6 mos. Possibly mold & not good for health. Need help! Also, battery too weak for operational demands. Accidentally left push button on, battery dies within 30 minutes. Dealer will not provide more powerful battery for this high end model. Also, vents on dashboard reflect in windshield restricting your view.

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  So far so good - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By brian - June 1 - 4:03 am

  I bought my pathfinder over a year ago for two thousand dollars. It had 213,000 miles on it. I now have 216,000, so I dont drive very much. It is a good car for driving around town, but sometimes it gets shaky on the freeway. It will rock back and forth until I slow down a little or speed up. It has been a reliable car so far. After I purchased it last year, I replaced the timing belt, water pump, and belts because I did not know when they were done last. I have never used the four wheel drive.

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  Luven My Tuscan My Maxi - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By swtnblk - May 30 - 5:50 pm

  Im so blown away by this car. The speed is amazing, the Bose system is awesome. Got my windows tinted and man it really brings the Tuscan Sun out. I love the change in the shape of the Maxima. The tail end looks like it has hips, like me. The car is very comfortable its the seats hug you.I love so much about this car. GOOO Maxi we make heads turn

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  Why did they change to a CrossOver? - 2011 Nissan Pathfinder
  By ihatexovers - May 30 - 2:17 pm

  Id write several paragraphs but I dont have a lot of space...so here goes.....I LOVE THIS TRUCK! Ive had it for three years and hate to turn it in in April @ the end of its lease with over 100K miles on it. Its reliable, fun, a work horse and economical. How can that be? I drive almost a tank full of gas each day with my job. I spend more time in it each day than my bed! Ive seen it through all weather conditions and even terrain. Ive NEVER had a vehicle that performs as well in all environments! If you think this truck drives too much like a truck...then youve probably never owned a real truck before it...and you probably had yuckie cars as well. I will hate to see my truck go but...

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  Recommend - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By freddy - May 30 - 2:13 am

  4 years 50,000 miles later fast, fun, easy to drive. front seats are spacious and comfortable. very smooth ride.

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  King of the Road - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Ross - May 29 - 10:53 pm

  Once I saw this car I knew I HAD to have it. Its affordable, gorgeous and my number one priority...FAST! If you want to turn heads, have fun and receive compliments on your car...the 350z is the car for you. This is my first two-seater, and the trunk is very cramped however passenger space is sufficient. The interior is pleasant, however not luxury. But the performance and exterior styling makes up for any shortfalls this car may have.

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  Not bad for $10,990! - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By astonvsbugatti - May 29 - 3:15 pm

  I just bought my 1.6L Versa sedan in manual transmission, and I enjoy it. I especially enjoy not having a car payment! Its practical and economical, but its not for everyone. I have a basic model, and had a brief moment of buyers remorse when I realized that the car didnt come with floor mats, rear speakers, or even a trunk lid release! But, it gets great gas mileage, shifts smoothly, has an adjustable height lever on the drivers seat, an AUX jack for iPhone/iPod, a basic trip computer with MPG info, and front, side and curtain airbags. It also has good safety crash ratings. I think that Nissan did a great job of incorporating the important things into the car.