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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  7 Year Review (LE Model 2WD) - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By ses3699 - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Bought new in sep03 and have 120,000 miles. Comfortable, dependable, good power. Replaced one front wheel bearing, battery, brakes at 60,000 miles. Dealer fixed catalytic converter at 70,000 miles under warranty. Replaced front struts, shocks at 110,000 miles and belts at 50,000 and 100,000 miles. Original bridgestone tires replaced at 35,000 miles. Went to Michelin and replaced them at 105,000 miles with Michelin. Get 19 mpg driving from stop-and-go to 80 mph every day to work (40 miles each way). Cd skips when cold. Driver seat leather getting rips near controls. Steering wheel radio controls are becoming finicky. Cup holder lid hinges.Towed trailers on several 2000 mile trips

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  Consider instead of paying for the H - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By DenverDailyDriver - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Im not sure where car magazines got it into their head that the premiere concern of most drivers is fun. Fun driving in a stop-and-go city you probably mean gunning it to the next light and cutting people off. Whee! You want fun, Mazda 3 makes more sense. For those of us who have commute on a city grid and not pick of a stable of autos, the Versa does great and is probably a better fit than the Fit. Edmunds admits in their Fit review: "However, more comfort-minded consumers may better appreciate the Nissans quieter cabin, cushier seats and higher available feature content." I saved myself $3000 over Fit prices, have more horsepower and more torque, and a 7 yr ext. warranty.

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  Practical and Basic - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By SallyM - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I have owned Nissans since 1979. I dont think they can be beat for reliability/dependability. The Nissan Altima 2001 is no exception to this, only its a really boring car. Its not fun to drive: Less power, poorer handling in wet weather, wider turning radius, and it just looks like a million others. It is so common looking that you lose it in parking lots. Save your money and buy one thats 2002 model year after they changed the design and made it look a whole lot sharper. Why not have looks, performance and dependability instead of just dependability?

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  They want MSRP? - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By intrepid - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I want one of these trucks, but Im not going to pay MSRP for it. The 2004 trucks are almost 1/3 of a year old already. The ride is VERY stiff, maybe because it was a SE model that I test drove. I think the exhaust is too loud for a 30- year-old plus driver. (IÂ’m forty-one) My plan is to wait, and buy the 2005 model in 8/2004. That is if the LE model drives smoother, and has a quieter exhaust system in 2005. I know it is "require that you own this vehicle in order to write a review", but no one has, as of yet. Please feel free to delete mine after someone does. I just would like to get other opinions of the truck, before my purchase next summer 2004.

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  My 1st Nissan - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Gomey - February 14 - 4:03 am

  After driving Toyotas for the last 20 years I was a bit apprehensive about buying a car that didnt say Toyota on it. But after driving my new 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe 2.5S I am totally impressed. It handles great, has tons of power, looks beautiful and gets an avg of over 28 mpg. Not bad considering I have been driving rather heavy footed. The seats take a little getting use to and the plastic on the inside of the car has an inexpensive feel to it. Not cheap but not too good either. The CVT is amazing. I think it and the engine are a great match. Nice job Nissan.

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  What a Car! - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By Bret Bowman - February 14 - 12:13 am

  Im preparing to put 185,000 miles on my 97 Sentra and it still drives like almost new. I do need to change the struts, tie rod ends, and a few other minor things, but after 185,000 miles you expect to need to do that. Its been the most reliable car Ive ever owned and was cheap to purchase when it was one year old. I installed a remote start alarm with windows roll up modules, a decent stereo and its now a fun car to drive. I love this car and how reliable it is. I especially love that it has a timing CHAIN (not belt). Not sure why any auto maker is still using timing belts. Thank you Nissan for quality vehicle that lasts and lasts!

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  not your everyday looks - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By kevin - February 12 - 11:40 pm

  I like most everthing. Rides good for what it is. low end insides. 300 h p gas with 180 hp. Does not even get 18 on the freeway. Like all cars you only get the low number. Over all for the price its all good.

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  Versa Info - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Bruce - February 12 - 4:43 am

  At 64" & 240 lbs, I actually fit in the Versa. The seat is a bit short for my long legs & not quite wide enough to accomodate my wide hips. My wife is 6 & the seats fit her fine. You can haul 2 six footers in the back without them feeling cramped. The Versa handles fine but the suspension is a bit choppy on rough roads. The Versa feels underbraked but Ive been driving 1 ton & 3/4 ton trucks for 25 years so I am used to strong brakes. My first tank of fuel in all city driving yielded 27 mpg. At 2,000+ miles I am up to 29 mpg in the city. On a recent trip with a 700 lb payload & running 75 mph, I averaged 31.5 mpg. Versas my first compact car & I would buy another. Lots of room for a compact!!

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  No repair parts available - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By jcove - February 11 - 2:12 am

  2013 Pathfinder was rear ended with damage to the driver side rear quarter panel. Pathfinder has been at the Nissan body shop for six weeks waiting on the quarter panel. The insurance company has oked ( without my knowledge) the shop to repair the damaged sheet metal rather than continuing to wait on the rear quarter panel. When contacted Nissan consumer affairs on assistance with rental car reinbursment and or possible making a payment due to the lack of repair parts. I was told the part was on national backorder. no assistance on the rental nor the payment. Nissan customer service has slipped from what it used to be as I have owned 8 other Nissans. This will be my last one !!!!!

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  Nice Light duty truck - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Light Duty Hauler - February 10 - 11:26 pm

  Checked Tacoma, Ranger, and Colorado. Frontier has good road visibility, good seating and the gas mileage we wanted. Cargo capacity is generous, ABS brakes effective and love the King Cab. Sad to give up our 1989 Chevy S10 but are very pleased with this new member to our family. For us, it is a great light duty hauler in the 4 cylinder version. The 4 cylinder is adequate but nothing snappy. The overdrive is easily engaged or disengaged in hill climbing or descent. 4 wheel ABS is very good.