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:

• 

  The Low Down - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Johnnysoup - February 2 - 6:40 am

  I bought this SUV for a few reasons. Ive had succuss with Nissan (98 Frountier & 2000 Frountier Crew Cab) Owned a Jeep Grand Cher and had nothing but probs from brakes to trans. And I sold that after 19,000 miles. Anyways this SUV is good but not great to drive. Decent feedback but there is body sway on any quick type moves. Compared to Pilot and the Honda did NOTHING for me. Yes the Pilot does ride smoother but its more like a station wagon feel and the interior was as blah as a 2000 Civic... Memory seats helps as Im alot taller than the wife. Just use the key fob and the seats set up for you. Nice power to move through traffic. Brakes are fine. Soild SUV from a quality auto maker.

• 

  Look out Toyota - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Eric Laettner - February 2 - 6:30 am

  I have only had the car a week so the reliability rating is a guess. I have owned two Nissans before both Sentras. One was a GXE and my latest was a Spec V. I never had a problem with either Nissan. The Altima is fun to drive and has more cool features then I know what to do with. Gas mileage is good for its performance (0-60 in 5.9). Also considering the price I think you cant compete with it. I was thinking about a Infiniti G35, but for about $7000 less I got just about as much car (I know they are both technically Nissans). The Camry and Accord are just to plain and not even close to being as "sporty" as the Altima. I would recommend the Altima as a mid- range sedan for the $$.

• 

  We just love this car! - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Tropo - February 2 - 12:06 am

  This is our second Altima. The first is 2007 SE with tech, and this one is a hybrid with a sunroof and tech package. The day we got it, we drove from Philadelphia to DC for the weekend and back. total miles 300, half a tank of gas. Car is great, and best part is the button start and everything is totally quiet in the car. I can go on and on, but the bottom line is we compared it to the Camry, and we liked this one better. We got the Metallic Jade (green), so we have a true green car in more than one way!

• 

  Dangerous in snow and rain - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Manu - February 1 - 9:10 pm

  I own 06 Altima and drove 15000 miles. This vehicle is too dangerous to drive in snow and icy conditions.My car is came with out an ABS. I do not know how much improvement you get with ABS. Car slips crazy even at low levels of snow and icy. I am trying get rid off this car for my safety. In dry conditions the car is ok.

• 

  Great Mid-size Pickup Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Nissan Frontier - February 1 - 2:13 pm

  This is a great vehicle. I love the horsepower it has and the overall look of the vehicle. It feels solid I recommend it.

• 

  Nissan Pathfinder 2005 - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Thomas Vrobleski - February 1 - 12:03 pm

  I just got my 2005 Nissan Pathfinder on 1/3/2005. I traded in a Madza Tribute. This truck blows it away. The style and comfort are great. I would recommend the 05 Pathfinder to anyone looking for a midsize SUV with an afforable price.

• 

  Transfer case problem - 2010 Nissan Murano
  By mudder4 - February 1 - 9:43 am

  Ive had my Murano 19 mo. and have enjoyed the style, handling and fair gas mpg so far, avg. 23 mpg overall. Last mo. noticed oil seeping from the transfer case, took it to the dealer thinking oil seals needed replaced and was told the complete transfer case would be changed. Four days later it was fixed, (free rental car was given), and everything seems fine now. After reading many stories online about transfer case and cvt trans. problems involving earlier years Im a little concerned that they may not have been rectified.

• 

  Nissan Titan SE 4 dr SWB - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Eric V. - February 1 - 7:30 am

  Ive owned Ford, Chevy, Dodge, and now Nissan. By far the Nissan Titan out performs in all aspects of what a truck should be. Ive compared all others in its class, and nothing comes close to the Titan. Ive been more than happy with the truck since Ive owned it and would recommend the truck to anyone who would like a great truck.

• 

  BUY A ROGUE! - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By ashley17 - February 1 - 7:24 am

  Overall....BEST CAR EVER! I dont know what is wrong with people who fuss about the shape of the car, nothing is wrong with it! Rides like a dream, purrs like a kitten,and will never let you down unless it is a minor problem like an oil change or tires. BUY ONE!

• 

  Utilize the MPG technology - 2011 Nissan Cube
  By rick119 - January 31 - 11:37 pm

  This is a great car! I have 34000 miles and it drives very good and quite comfortable. You must deduct about 2.2 mpg from the instant dash meter to get an accurate mpg est. that being said if I put my cruise control on 59-60 for a 55 mile stretch I get 41 mpg one way and 42 mpg back. That is after deducting the 2.2 mpg. I use syntheitic oil, I went to 9.9 pound wheels with a 35 oz spacer on all 4 wheels. In a week or so I will put on new oem size rubber but they weigh 2 pounds less than the oem tires. I use a light weight crank pulley as well. If you find a place that sells ethanol free gas it may help slightly. One pound of turning weight equals 4 pounds of static weight.