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:

• 

  Pathfinder - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Cathy - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I love my new Pathfinder! Nothing bad to say about it yet - except someone couldve taught me how to get the gas cap off before I was stuck in a gas station about to cry...

• 

  Nissan Strikes Again - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Braxton - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Prior to the PAthfinder, I had 2 Maximas after owning two Camrys. I never thought much about Nissan, yet I found my first Maxima to be as good as Toyota and Honda. I longed for a more pwerful Pathfinder and they finally made one. The Acura MDX was my first choice but I couldnt justify the exter $9k. After almost 2 years (I have 2001 model)I feel totally vindicated. This is a great, dependable, smooth driving truck with storage for my 4 some and our clubs.

• 

  Pathfinder - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By cathy - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I love my new Pathfinder! Nothing bad to say about it yet - except someone couldve taught me how to get the gas cap off before I was stuck in a gas station about to cry...

• 

  Great Value, ALOT of car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By OD - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I walked into the Nissan dealer "kind of" interested in a car. When I drove it and compared it to simiilar vehicles with the same options, the Nissan was about 5-7K less. The car is a great value. I purchased the SE with BOSE, leather and the MSRP was about 30K, I got the car for 25K. At the time, I also got 3.9% financing over 60 months. The car got 28 MPG on a recent drive to the beach. In the 5 hour drive, I was comfortable and enjoyed the passing power. Interior looks great. I considered the Altima, but hated the interior.

• 

  Good Car, Good Price - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Nerf - October 2 - 10:00 am

  When i was shopping around, i was looking at the acura TL (maybe Type S), maybe a low end lexus, mercedes or BMW, but for the money, i found the maxima to be the best buy. the only issue i have is with the sunroof wind deflector wich keeps gettin small cracks, but nissan keeps fixing it for me. by the way to sergei91 you can program your car to NOT make the beep when you lock it with the remote. read your manual, thats what it is for.

• 

  Lovin It!! - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Romofan - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I just got my X yesterday and had to do some driving. After puting on 400 miles in just under 24 hours I have to say I love this thing. It rides like a truck but fells really steady in the turns. I like the acceleration and the access to all guages and accessories. Gas milage is an issue at todays prices, but what the hell!! You only go around once. Overall, very happy with my choice.

• 

  Honest Opinion - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By bob - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car for my wife in March. She adores it. She loves the way it looks, rides, and, most importantly, accelerates.I have a 2000 V-6 Passat w/ 5 speed and it is not even in the same league as far as horsepower. The VW is far superior in steering, shifting, and workmanship. The Altima is far superior in raw power, sport style handling, looks, and the Bose system rocks! Basically, I adore both cars for different reasons. If you love a stick, all drivers should try both and let your heart decide. Before buying either car with an automatic, please learn to drive a stick and enter the "drivers" world.

• 

  Honest Opinion - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Bob - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car for my wife in March. She adores it. She loves the way it looks, rides, and, most importantly, accelerates.I have a 2000 V-6 Passat w/ 5 speed and it is not even in the same league as far as horsepower. The VW is far superior in steering, shifting, and workmanship. The Altima is far superior in raw power, sport style handling, looks, and the Bose system rocks! Basically, I adore both cars for different reasons. If you love a stick, all drivers should try both and let your heart decide. Before buying either car with an automatic, please learn to drive a stick and enter the "drivers" world.

• 

  I love my decision - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By WF - October 2 - 8:43 am

  I downgraded from an Altima to a Versa for better fuel economy. The Versa turns out to be a nimble car thats very fun to drive. It has more rear leg room than the Altima! And I cant complain about its 30 city/36 hwy mileage (I have the CVT version). Its convenience package (intelligent key, bluetooth phone, audio controls on wheel) offers some features typically found on more luxurious models.

• 

  Piece of Junk - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By aellis7 - October 2 - 8:16 am

  I bought my Sentra from a man on Craigslist. He had all the paperwork to prove he had taken care of the car. The paint on the hood and roof was fading already, which is on 99% of all the 2002 Sentras. In the last year the computer has gone out, the AC has gone out and the gas mileage and power has gone down to almost nothing. Stay Away from these cars, I have only had bad things happen. Everyone I know that has ever owned a 2002 Nissan Sentra has had pure hell.