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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  great vehicle - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By bd00 - March 20 - 2:46 pm

  This Pathfinder was exactly what I was looking for - it is fun to drive, looks good and overall quality is outstanding. Handles great! Without a doubt this is the best vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Love this car!! - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By Michelesb - March 20 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car!! I love the way the Xterra handles, it drives like a car on the road. Havent used it off road or in snow yet. I can never feel when I am speeding... the car drives so smoothly. The amount of room in this car is unbelievable... I can fit my whole life in this car. I like that the seat cushions come out of the car when you put the back seat down...allows more space than SUVs that have seats that just pull forward (like the pathfinder). I think the Xterra is the best value among SUVs. I cant imagine why anyone would purchase a pathfinder for $10,000 more than an Xterra.

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  Power and comfort in an suv - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By cord1507 - March 20 - 10:00 am

  Just completed a 800 mile trip and the Pathfinder was great! Had excellent power in the mountains of WV and still returned over 20mpg. DealerJohn Sisson motors couldnt have been better either.

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  Great Car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By RobM - March 20 - 10:00 am

  Great car but could get better gas mileage.

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  Fun to drive minivan - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By Oregon Nissan - March 19 - 2:16 pm

  This van is drives like a car. We used to have a Honda Odyssey, and the Quest definitely drives like a car. We have used in around town and for long cross country trips, and the van performed well under both scenarios. Interior space is good for the driver and in the second row. Whenever I have been seated in the front passenger seat it doesnt feel comfortable. The 3rd seat row is very cramped and the bench seat back is too short. Definitely not a place for adults.

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  2005 Murano - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Keylee - March 19 - 1:13 pm

  I own the SL AWD and love the design inside and out.I chose the SL as opposed to the SE, because I like a softer ride more than the sportier feel. I have not been disappointed. It has a roomy, comfortable interior, along with a smooth & comfortable ride. The no-shift transmission is smooth but does take some getting used to. The CRV is fun to drive and handles great. So far I would highly recommend this vehicle, Im very pleased with it. I did my homework on it before my purchase, and also a big part of my buying decision was the Nissan reputation. I would like to be asked to give my feedback 3-4 years down the line, than I can really give you my honest opinion.

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  best car i ever had - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By double R - March 18 - 11:43 am

  drives great, floats on the road, tons of room in back seats and the v 6 is fast

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  Amazing Ride - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By Dara - March 18 - 6:50 am

  We purchased this car because both my husband and I are 64 and we have a baby who needs to be seated in the center. This is the only car that allows us both leg and head room and PLENTY of room for other passengers to sit and be comfy. We have our seats all the way back and still have plenty of room in the second row. We also love the front sensors and the rear view camera, nav system and the new touch panel display radio system. The hatch and third row move with the push of a button and the ride is smoother then a Cadi without a doubt! You will LOVE this car.

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  2 years and going - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Gus - March 17 - 12:06 pm

  Got a 6-speed manual in Oct 07. Loved driving it fast. Mileage is great compared to my wifes minivan (I avg. 24-27). Since its a 4-cylinder, not very powerful but it gets the job done. Also, got the manual because the wife doesnt know how to use it; hence, I drive it all the time.

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  Kts review - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Katie - March 17 - 4:23 am

  WE have a pearl white nissan. its wonderful. one of our best buys, no doubt!