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 is Tops - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Dixi - March 20 - 2:00 am

  I have owned and loved my 1999 Pathfinder year after year. Its dependable, stylish, and impressive. Im now looking at the possibility of purchasing another one.

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  Disappointed - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Summerdrive - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Well, I chose the Maxima over the Avalon and now think I regret my choice. Yes the Maxima has the horsepower, it has a more progressive look BUT the ride is rough, it is a little work to dirve, and outside noise is detectable. So if you only have short hops want to accelerate to 60 -70 and then go slow its great. If you want to cruise and drive for more than 30 minutes at speed NOT A GOOD CHOICE - This weekend I am going to buy an Avalon - will accept less exterior sex appeal look and horsepower for Luxury ride / quietness which should be expected in a $30K car.

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  Nice truck...but - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By twodals - March 20 - 2:00 am

  I have had all tires replaced due to a shimmy that couldnt be fixed; 3 oxegyn sensors replaced, cd player stopped working and had to be replaced; drivers seat stopped moving forward and backward, etc. Its too bad Nissan delivers vehicles with all of these annoying little problems, because the vehicle is great in so many other ways (performance, front seats, features). Mine is leased and I will return it to Nissan when the lease expires and go back to Toyota.

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  My First Foreign Car! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By bob@fagnant.com - March 20 - 2:00 am

  I gave American auto dealers 30 years to get it right but American cars are actually worse today than ever- and Ford didnt even honor their own recall! Sound familiar? So I bought a Nissan! I have been surprised at the performance and when a Honda skid to a crash, I was steady on the road. I just got nicked on my left mirror by a guy going 60 miles an hour down a side street today (and the mirror is still solid) and this is only my 3rd week! Buy one, its a great value for a foreign car and you only have one life!

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  My Sweeeet Baby! - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By davekog - March 20 - 2:00 am

  A true dream to drive...almost drives itself-->responsive, sure handling, gobbles up bumps on the road. Never a problem..easily the best automobile Ive ever owned!

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  2002 Nissan Maxima GXE - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By SteveR - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Excellent value. One of the best engines Ive seen, very powerful, yet quiet and refined. I like the ext. styling and the interior is comfortable. It was between this and the Toyota Camry V6-I felt the Camry was more comfy inside, yet I like the Maximas performance and ext. styling. I would also consider the 2003 Accord. The only complaints are wind noise at highway speeds (sounds like the rear passenger window is slightly rolled down), having to turn on the cruise control every time the car is started, and the beep of the horn when locking the vehicle. I highly recommend this car.

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  Murano - Takes over Highlanders Position - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By my350z - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Comparison of the Toyota Highlander Limited vs. Nissan Murano SL with Premium and Leather Package. Muranos benefits: Styling and ride, CVT transmission is awesome, 245 HP vs 220, 18 inch vs 16 inch wheels, Xenon headlights with adjustment switch, Dual climate control for driver and passenger, as well as backseat vents, Bose sound system was superior to the JBL, Memory settings with adjustable seats, mirrors, and pedals for Driver 1 and 2 (great for weekend driver vs. daily driver use), Autodimming mirror, compass, and Homelink vs. Homelink only

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  2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Tbag81 - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Nissan really did a great job redesigning this model. I love the new look of it and overall I love the car. This car has many options that a 40k sport luxury car would have. Even though the 175hp 4-banger is quick. If I had the chance to do it all over....go with the 240 V6. Worth the money!

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  Good Car provided service is not needed - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By dballeri - March 19 - 8:06 pm

  Ive had this car for 18 months and put 17330 miles on it and I like it. It gets 25 mpg in mixed driving and over 30 on hwy! I had a lot of problems with wheel shimmy/vibration from the time I drove it off the lot and let me tell you, Ive been to five dealer to get it fixed with most of them acting like I was the problem. I replaced the HORRID continentals with Michelins at 1000 miles. It should be a great car for you as long as you dont need service since it seems a lot of others report the same customer service issues with Nissan dealers. Mine is actually for sale since Im going back to school full time.

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  ugh - 2012 Nissan Sentra
  By sauscake - March 19 - 1:14 pm

  this car breaks down like every month i DONT UNDERSTAND