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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  2008 Nissan Pathfinder SE-V8 - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Grant Garvey - February 21 - 9:16 pm

  I was in the market for an SUV with a V8. I didnt want or need a monster in size, but wanted an ability to pull over 6000 lbs and still be able to park in a parking lot. The fact that the Pathfinder is a 317 horse is amazing. I drove the joke of a 4 runner and the Sequoia. Before you follow the Pied Piper off the edge of the cliff and settle for an over priced under powered toyota, check out the Pathfinder!

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  Good Vehicle to Date - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Corrpro - February 21 - 8:43 pm

  I bought the car new in Feb. 2005. I only drive it between 6000 and 7000 miles per year, so to date it only has about 15,000 miles. But it has been a very good car so far. Compared to my last 2 Dodge Intrepids (94 & 99) it is a much faster, smoother riding car. I love the features such as the heated seats and heated steering wheel. I do think that some interior improvements are needed, especially with the dashboard and controls. I havent checked out the newer models yet, so maybe they have addressed this. As stated before, there have been 2 recalls, but I had no problem with either issue, and had them both taken care of during one visit to the dealership.

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  2007 versa commuter - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By garrett - February 21 - 8:50 am

  I drive 100 miles daily and find the Versa to have good comfort. 4 big men can ride in it no problem. I like the 6 speed manual but a lot of time spent in stop and go traffic will leave you worn out. The only problems Ive had is excessive cranking at startup. Took it to the dealer twice and they changed parts but couldnt fix the problem. I suspect a relay but it usually is no problem.

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  I would never buy another nissan - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By js - February 21 - 6:40 am

  Problem, after problem. Nissan isnt as cooperative as they should be, considering they know many of the problems associated with this truck. They pretend theyre hearing these problems for the first time. Ive had this truck at the dealership more than any vehicle Ive ever owned. I am never 100% satisified with their repair work. Ive had problems with the brakes & rotors, 4 -wheel drive, roof console,(it fell)and now still rattles after it was repaired. I had to replace the tires after only 25,000 miles(my last truck I got 65,000 Miles out of the tires) The sunroof also rattles. The dealership said rattles are only covered for the 1st 12,000 miles(read your owners manual)Poor quality.

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  Best SUV Ive owned - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Joe - February 21 - 12:53 am

  We had an expedition prior to owning this Armada. We actually went to the Toyota dealer to buy a Sequoyah and they had this used vehicle on the lot. My wife and I test drove this vehicle for about 20 minutes we only test drove the Sequoyah for two blocks. So much fun, so much space. 43" of leg room in the second row whole family loves this vehicle.

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  My Baby SUV - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Nikki - February 20 - 10:42 pm

  For my 1st SUV - the rouge is the best. It handles like a smooth car. Perfection to say the least. The only reason Im upgrading is because my son is outgrowing the back seat and we need a bit more room..... With good tires my baby was excellent in NYC snow and winter weather.

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  life after maximas - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Jim - February 20 - 7:43 pm

  I actually wanted another Maxima, I had previously owned four. However getting older I could no longer enter and exit the Maxie in comfort. The Murano fit the bill perfectly. Nissan quality, comfort and reliability. This car is a pleasure to drive and I get stares wherever I go. I think they do not know what kind of car it is.

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  Reliable.. WHAT?! - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Nick B IL - February 20 - 1:40 pm

  Unfortunately I have not been as lucky as others who have posted here. I have had the computer go out at 70k, the rotors go out at 100k, the brake pads are replaced every other month, I get about 17 MPG. I have had the fuel filter replaced, the steering column replaced, and must do regular flushes to all fluids. I bring it in monthly to a mechanic (and have switched a few times just to make sure the mechanics werent messing with the car). Can anyone say lemon?

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  Back Relief and More - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Robert Smith - February 20 - 8:53 am

  I bought this vehicle mainly due to my having lower back problems and the remedy of sitting in a higher position as compared to a sedan. Disappointing, since I had been contemplating entry-level luxury sedans (e.g, 2007 Infiniti G35X and Acura TL) and felt that I was compromising with this purchase. Boy was I wrong! What a pleasant surprise to find such an incredible all-around vehicle. This is the first Nissan Ive owned and suspect it wont be the last (fingers crossed).

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  We love it so far... - 2013 Nissan Leaf
  By mojobrown - February 20 - 7:13 am

  Im writing this in January 2015. We bought our 2013 Leaf at the end of May 2014. We overcame the anxiety of buying an all electric car with the comfort that we got a great deal. 7.5 months after buying, were closing in on 10,000 miles and everything has been fantastic. The car is fun to drive. Its reliable. Its attractive. My kids love the heated back seats. We have a normal mini-van as our second vehicle and we drive it less and less frequently. The Leaf has always provided enough range to go where we want. On only two occasion did we decide NOT to take the Leaf and its only because we didnt want to pay to charge while we were in downtown Indianapolis. Its a great car.