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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  pathfinder - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By gross - April 5 - 10:00 am

  great all around use suv

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  Very Solid, Reliable Automobile - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By M.P. Adams - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Probably one of the best automobiles I have ever owned. It may be a bit bland for some, but if you value reliability and comfort then this is the right car for you. So far, I have had minor problems with the electrical components(passenger power window not working, keyless entry system not working) all covered under warranty, but other than that I have been overly satisfied with my Altima, they really given it a V6 option though.

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  First Nissan - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By voltran - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Love the Murano, style, performance is great. Mileage is a little less than I expected, although I have gotten 21 mpg at times. Biggest gripe is that is easy to lock yourself out, especially with the key in the ignition, and, even with the engine running.I find I have to leave the window open or not close the door if I want to step out for a moment. I believe the unlock mechanism above the door handle does not open al the way and is easily partially closed when opening the door from inside.

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  All but one.... - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Hartfordguyfaraway - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Very fun car to drive. The vehicle has a strong power source. Seats are a little uncomfortable, and most of all, most importantly,the turning radius is that of a limo. Very poor turning radius..trust me on this, i have driven some long cars. There is a considerable amount of road noise as well, you get used to it!.you can feel every bump and crack in the road, some probably like that feeling. Car has an unwanted shake in front end, dealer cant fix it. 55-65 mph all in all, good for the price, far from luxury though! Dealer very willing to push down price. SE w/500 of options paid $26,000 even! dont let them fool you...its not even 2004 yet.

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  Even more reliable than I am. - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Cee.PerezGo - April 5 - 7:23 am

  This car has gotten me through thick and thin. I have been careless at times not changing the oil regularly but even so... its still charging forward. I love to give her all shes got especially in parking lots, I feel like Im flying a plane. Ive had to replace the exhaust a couple of times as it rusts through as well as the runners. I have an oil leak in the engine but its still going strong. A check engine light showed up about a week ago but my mechanic said its nothing just a sensor near the fuel system. Its nothing important just related to the emissions. Otherwise a magnificent vehicle. Very comfortable as people always tend to fall asleep when theyre driving with me.

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  My overall opinion of the 2006 350z - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Terrence - April 5 - 12:46 am

  The 2006 Touring edition is far better than the 2003 i owned. This vehicle handles very well in corners as well as rapid acceleration in 3rd and 4th gear. The transmission or clutch is a lot less jerky than the 2003 model. Its a smoother ride when shifting. This car rolls extremely well at speeds above 120mph. You wouldnt believe the speed you are going. Its a quiet ride at that speed. This is an awesome sports car.

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  4 vs 6 - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By James - April 3 - 9:30 pm

  When I test drove the 2.5L/4 I found the vehicle nimble and quick at low speeds but requiring some time to wind-up at faster speeds in order to pass/merge. The 3.5L/6 on the other hand was like a rocket that I had to keep tied down. It was almost annoying driving in the city because the bloody car just wanted to blast off! It absolutely hated stop and go traffic and red lights! The 3.5L was a noticably heavier vehicle and had a lot of brake lurch. Again, the 3.5L hated stop and go traffic but on the highway it was a dream. Too bad the car drank so much gas! I opted for the 2.5L because of this plus the $6000 less in price. No seat issues.

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  Excellent car - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Phil - April 3 - 11:40 am

  Bought this 07 Maxima for $15,000 CDN this spring. It had 116,000 km. I am impressed with its power, handling, and comfort. The stereo is great and it came with new Toyo tires.

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  Bittersweet emotions - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By pp - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Bought my max new. Added billet grille & chrome wheels. So exciting! Major oil leak. Maintained by dealer exclusively (oil changed every 5,000 miles). At 105,000 the dealer recommended 10-30wt oil to muffle tapping noise in engine. Are hood, roof & trunk made of aluminum? Material is different than metal fenders. Although car was detailed professionally, the paint has totally faded and worn through to metal on hood & roof. Rest of ext is still shiny black. Embarrassing! Gray contact paper surrounding instr cluster is bubbling. Center console cushion has fallen off twice. Moonroof doesnt close without playing w/ switch. Auto tilt wheel doesnt always lift/lower when door opens.

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  A top midsize contender - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By kiwi - April 3 - 5:10 am

  Overall this has been a great truck to own. its fun and easy to drive, with almost sporty handling and a very strong drivetrain. The driving position is comfortably upright with good all round visibility, easy controls and ample room for a six footer. Rear seats are cramped even for kids but theres good usable space back there for additional cargo. The utili-track bed system and factory applied bed liner are very practical. I dont know why all trucks dont have this as standard. The dealer took care of some initial interior rattles, but otherwise the truck has performed flawlessly. Hard interior plastics are showing there age already. Average real fuel economy is 17MPG, 14 City, 22HWY.