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 Truck - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By bryane - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Bought new 1n 11/98. 54,000 miles now. Not one single problem. Yes, I would have liked to have more power from the four, but it does OK. Truck rides better than my partners 98 Jeep Cherokee.Great in the snow and for hauling mulch, plants etc. I look forward to driving this truck for 10 years.

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  An excellent *sport* *utility* vehicle - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By doesnotmatter - January 12 - 10:00 am

  An excellent vehicle with lots of towing power. Has better acceleration with our 3500lb boat than our last vehicle had without the boat. Very strong and smooth engine, no other vehicle compares in this category. Wish it was a little bigger and had load leveling in the rear - the back suspension is a little soft. Back seat doors are a little tough to get in & out. After 12000 miles Im still very happy with my carefully made decision. Comfortable - decent trip vehicle. Stock tires hydroplane easily.

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  hope this is the one - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By spotbearaz - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I drove it after driving every SUV/Hybrid thing their was out there at least three times, and I was sold.It had power and poise and 4Low to boot! Plus is was not gonna take me an hour to wash it or rearage/rebuild my garage to store it.(I also walked away from the Highlander due to numerous complaints about deafening noises with the rear windows rolled down..they were right)check out CARREVIEWS.COM good reviews from actual long term owners and not kids that seem to infultrate this one..sorry edmunds, but I dont agree with your mid-size comparison.. You should of used an LE version.

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  Difference of Opinion - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By HXed - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Contrary to many of the reviews, my 2001 Nissan Maxima was not that good. I had it for about 4 months before I began to experience suspension problems. So, I contacted Corporate Nissan. Basically they slapped me in the face and denied any responsibility - so I filed for arbitration with a third party. In addition, Nissan does not thoroughly stand behind its products and craftsmanship from their mechanics. I will never own a Nissan and neither will anyone I know. I am going to go back to Acura/Honda were service and quality are of a higher priority than just selling a car to make money.

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  Is that the NEW ALTIMA? - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By on the go - January 12 - 10:00 am

  We have owned our car for only one week and my husband and I totally LOOOOOVE this car. This is the first car we have owned that we actually fight over driving. We took it on our first long- distance trip in the pouring rain and it handled beautifully. We get head turns wherever we go.

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  backup camera - 2015 Nissan Rogue Select
  By becky - January 12 - 8:25 am

  does the backup camera make a noise when backing up? Mine dont?

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  SUV - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Jorge Medina - January 12 - 8:13 am

  this suv is the best in its class. i love this suv and for the price you cannot beat it.

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  Awesomely reliable - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By xepathfinder - January 12 - 2:00 am

  96000 trouble free miles, never sees a garage except for oil changes. Could not ask for a better machine, great in the snow, really decent on the highway. Very comfortable for even 1000 miles trips.

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  pedal to the metal biatch! - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By doop - January 12 - 2:00 am

  fast, comfortable, reliable

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  solid and practical car - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By alr1ck - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Im a first time car buyer and after some research (thanks edmunds!) I purchased the 98 nissan altima used with only 27K miles. Its been 7 months and so far no unexpected problems. the car is solid handeling, very fuel efficient, and overall fun to drive. for a car that was used, many of my friends thought it was brand new (it runs that good).