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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  Love my xterra - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By jenlw - April 3 - 3:53 pm

  I recently bought a used 2000 xterra. It had about 118,000 miles on it, and is 12 years old, but still runs great. I love the way it looks, and drives. Gas mileage isnt the greatest but I dont do that much driving so its ok. I did have to replace the distributor, which was about 350.00 but other than that its been great, and I love it! Ive had it for 6 months and still love it like I did when I bought it. They didnt have the option that mine is but it is a SE automatic 4x4

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  Ok car...but many problems - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By Califorinia Style - April 3 - 10:36 am

  I bought this car new! Two weeks later the front wheel bearing and struts started to make noise. It took the dealership 4 times over a two year period to access the problem. I found a better mechanic who fixed the problem. Fast forward 6 years and 100k miles later my check engine light is on due to the catalytic converter and my speedometer goes out on long trips. I will never buy the first model redesign that comes out again without reviewing the ratings. Overall the car is reliable but the STRUTS need to be better. You get what you pay for in an economy car.

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  Best Choice Ever Made! - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By chileeroks - April 3 - 7:33 am

  I recently purchased my 2007 Maxima and it was the best choice I ever made. I made a step up in purchasing the Maxima with previously owning an Altima. Nissan makes a great quality car. The ride is smooth, the options are great! My only complaint is the vehicle recommending premium gas but it does get great mileage. I drive mostly highway and I get about 20- 21mpg. I feel safe in this car and its fun to drive!

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  Time Tested Review - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By JC - April 3 - 6:50 am

  Satisfied owner after 3 1/2 yrs / 50k mi. 2 recalls (FT rotors & R doors). Normal driving 15/16 City – 17/18 hwy. Solid engine and drivetrain gives you a feel of confidence in this vehicle. Excellent interior room, handling, acceleration, ride comfort, and large windows that will spoil you from enjoying other vehicles of this class and price range. Paint, trim, and OE 18” alloyed wheels have proven the test of time without defect. Highly recommend potential ½ ton P/U buyers test drive before buying from the competition.

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  PF05 - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By roadski - April 3 - 6:33 am

  Ive had my pf for 5 months now and really enjoy the ride and the power. After a 5-6 hour drive to the mtns. theres no driver fatigue. The pf handles very well for an suv, even in the corners! Theres also plenty of room in the back with the seats folded down to sleep. An interior handle to open the liftgate would have been a nice feature. Overall I like my pf except for some ergonomic issues.

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  A Great Ride - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Shadow - April 3 - 5:00 am

  So far the Maxima has far exceeded my expectations, and Ive been pleasantly surprised overall. Great features, great handling, good acceleration. Intelligent key system is fantastic, Bose system sounds nearly as good as a $2400 custom system I installed in my SUV.

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  I love my van! - 1999 Nissan Quest
  By cherylmills - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I balked at the idea of becoming a "minivan mom", but I love my van! The kids can watch a movie during long trips, and theres plenty of space to keep them out of arms reach of one another. I bought it used at a very good price, which made me wonder what was wrong with it, but over a year later and all Ive had to do is fill it with gas and change the oil. Very solidly built, dependable, and comfortable, even for a family of six!

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  Defective - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By dogface - April 3 - 2:00 am

  The "Electronic Brain" suggests the vehicle is "not driveable" according to the information that the dealership has been given. Good luck if you purchase an Armada, I for one, would never purchase in the future, a vehicle that the dealership has not been given the tools to address manufacturing problems, and has to contact the manufacturer to address the problem. Nissan should not be excused from their obligation to support their dealer network. I was advised by the dealer that they (as a dealer for Nissan) did not have the software to diagnose or reprogram the malfunction/ defect that occurred within 150 miles of my purchase of this vehicle.

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  Pathfinder Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Marc Hunt - April 3 - 2:00 am

  When I bought this vehicle I was skeptical about all of the positive things that were being said about performance and handling. After driving it I was blown away by how well such a big vehicle could handle. The body roll is A LOT less than the Suburban/Tahoe and the Ford Expedition. Nissan did their homework well when they built this model!!!!

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  Super car one complaint - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By robert reinke - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Great room inside and trunk. great design.