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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  My first Sensible Choice - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Raj - June 7 - 12:00 am

  Great Off Raod vehicle...true for DC roads too!! Satisfactory mileage ... considering you get what is estimated by EPA. Little bouncy on city roads. great pick up. SE has a very good turning curvature and very good traction in snow/heavy rain.

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  A 1 year review on my 04 Base model - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Karl - June 6 - 2:13 pm

  After 23K miles I have been very pleased with this car. yes the tires feathered at 5K miles, and the axles had the clicking problem. But for 25 Grand I dont know of where you can get more bang-for-the-buck fun. I have noticed the gas mileage has gotten better and better. now at 23 avg. The only real gripe I would list is that the base model comes with the least adjustable seats. On a long drive the side bolster tend to poke into the outside of my fat legs and make them a little numb. I have defintely considered trading in on an 06 Z. I think i will wait for the 07. Love the new wheels. Also considering a Vette or a porsche cayman

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  Original owner - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Rudy - June 6 - 8:43 am

  Owned 7 years with 50k mi. Still looks good compared to newer cars. Only problems have been gas cap actuator, driver power window motor, garage door opener in rear view mirror and intermittent hesitation problem during stop/start. After dealer performed last recall to replace intake fasteners hesitation problem was cured. Glad it was not transmission. I believe someone posted that Nissan extended the CVT transmission warranty to 10yrs/100k mi. Overall it has gotten me from A to B without any problems but I would have not expected to have these little things break down with such low miles.

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  sexy rocketship - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By Alan - June 6 - 5:00 am

  Great car was gonna purchase a 2010 Camaro but when I went to the nissan dealership to test drive fell in love with this car. Soon as I test drove I was overwhelmed at how comfortable this car really is. The speed and comfort this car gives is truly a masterpiece . Just bought a car cover for it today so it wont get dirty. Will ONLY be taken out nice days.

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  great sounds - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By crazy - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Really reliable and just a fun car to drive.

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  Natedog loves his Pathfinder - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Natron - June 6 - 2:00 am

  My first new automobile, and I went with the Pathfinder. I fell in love with it the first time I test drove it. I love everything on it, the interior, the conservative yet classy styling, and most of all the realiability. My dislikes are the pricetag for the LE wich I got, and the brakes seem a little jumpy. I looked at a lot of SUVs, but like I said this one by far was the best. It seemed like the Nissan dealer wouldnt go down much on price as would the Chevy dealer or Ford dealer, I guess the car sells itself.

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  Love my Xterra - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By xterraguy - June 4 - 10:54 pm

  Got my 07 Xterra used in April 2010 and has 38K miles on it as of now, if its possible to actually be in love with a vehicle - I am! Love it, fun to drive, feels solid and so far has been very reliable. I live in Arizona, so we have pretty extreme weather here, from broiling heat to freezin cold. Only thing done has been battery replaced (thats normal for AZ as batteries do not last more than a couple years here) and the front sway bar gaskets replaced. Otherwise, this truck is just awesome. Ive owned many vehicles and this is the first one that make me feel like I can drive it for the rest of my life.

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  Solid and fun - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Spaz - June 4 - 10:33 pm

  This car is a whole lot of fun to drive and has been super reliable. All Ive had to do is scheduled maintenance. It had no problems on a 2k mile round trip through the Tahoe mountains through the high desert of Nevada and Utah and the mountains of Colorado in the middle of the 2006 heat wave. Totally fun and enough pick up for merging on LA highways.

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  Love my nissan - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Lynda Clark - June 4 - 1:53 pm

  I love this vehicle. When I wrecked my minivan and had to get a rental, we got a pathfinder. I instantly fell in love with it. It was comfortable, stylish, great on gas, and I felt safe.

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  Love my Max! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Cathie - June 3 - 11:56 pm

  We have owned Nissans since 1987. Each year they get better. This one is the best by far. So comfortable! Great features and fun to drive~