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 truck, but... - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Swarty - January 21 - 5:03 pm

  The Frontier LE is a nice truck with a few caveats. My complaints seem trivial but here they are. One, the turning radius is abysmal. I know, its a truck, but I was shocked how bad it was. Also, the key fob had a way of easily being hit. I set off the car alarm at least 15 times in 6 months. Gas mileage is fair. I averaged about 17-18 mpg and about 20 on the highway. Stereo is crappy to say the least. That said, it was fun to drive, had great acceleration, I like the tie down system in the bed and my daughter loved riding in it. If you need a truck that will give decent storage room, you could do a lot worse than this one.

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  Good Little Car; Fun to Drive - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By Hilly - January 21 - 2:00 am

  My wife has driven this car for nearly three years now and it has only had tow minor recall issues. Other than that, only oil and filter chages and new rubber at 40k miles. Handling is very good and it is actually more fun to drive than my 2001 Camry--great in the snow, too.

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  Worth every penny - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Freezer - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 02 Pathfinder used. Have had it for a year and not a single issue. 4x4 works great and plenty of getup. However, the brakes squeak on occassion and the rear hatch shocks squeak.

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  2001 Nissan Pathfinder LE - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By jgreiver - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I love this car!! The sporty V6 blows away the competition in its class. It has more horsepower than some small V8s that I have seen. The ride is smooth, but handles like an SUV. Driver position is very comfortable, and the LE model is loaded with nice features. Excellent choice!!

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  04 Murano a disappointment - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By JHicks - January 19 - 11:16 pm

  This was our 3rd and last Nissan. First 2 were awesome then came the Murano. Starting at 75k miles everything went sour. 2 sensors, 2 motor mounts, cat converter, power locks plus small things had to be replaced. I got no help from Nissans customer service. Cat converter went 500 miles after warranty and got no help thru Nissan. After 4k+ in repairs, I finally dumped it and will never buy another Nissan. Buyer beware, do your research very carefully. I got rid of mine before the CVT failed, that would have been another $5k.

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  After much review... - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By JVP - January 19 - 10:06 pm

  ... I finally decided on the Xterra after looking at just about everything that had 4 doors and a hatch. I have 2 kids, one in a car seat, but hated the thought of giving up my truck for an SUV. The Xterra has great road presence (sits high, feels strong) and has well thought out interior features. I always choose power over mileage when faced with one or the other, and while the mileage isnt that bad (22 highway according to the sticker), the power is wonderful. I am also very pleased with the ride and the suspension. Its built very, very well (Titans frame, etc.) It also has a youthful appearance, which never hurts a guy my age.

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  Nissan has a few bugs. - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By saintro - January 19 - 7:12 am

  Overall the Murano is good vehicle. That being said it like many other cars, Im sure, is not without it faults. To date failures include: The passenger side sun visor flops down and refuses to stay up or forward. The side of the leather seat(the vinyl part) has split into an "X" for no apparent reason and the airbag light is flashing and is going to have to be replaced to the tune of $1000. The seat and visor is also a complaint in other Nissan model, that apparently is not an issue to Nissan.

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  Read carefully-good car with minor annoyances. - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By mred72 - January 18 - 3:39 pm

  I bought this car with 6,000 miles on it. Dealership had reprogrammed the CVT so the notorious vibration at low RPMs is somewhat eliminated. The entire rear lighting assembly was replaced as others complained about. Car DOES NOT get much more than 33 MPG as of writing this, but it should improve in warmer weather, at least it better (I drive all highway). Still its better than the 26 MPG I was getting in my 05 V6 Avalon and Solara. Very nice handling and little road noise. Comfortable car, fit and finish done very nicely. Had fog lights installed afterward. Makes a big difference in distribution of lighting.

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  best bang for your buck - 1998 Nissan Sentra
  By therupster - January 16 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car in 98. No A/C, no power anything. Put in our own radio three times and going on the fourth (stolen). I dont agree that it has much pep. But it is very reliable. I just put in a new battery, and probably only spent $450 on it in 5 years (including tires and brakes -- not including other regular maintainance and theft repair). Great car, easy to work on, and generally cheap parts. I get 40 miles/gallon when we drive out East.

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  My 2 cents - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By brindlefawn - January 16 - 10:00 am

  Great all around truck. I drive it to work, on vacation, and some times "off the beaten path." I have never not had enough "go" and for the money this is the best small 4x4 truck out there. It is thirsty, but I contricbute that to the way I drive in addition to the numerous short trips I make.