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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  Nice contrast to a Toyota 4Runner - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By -c - December 10 - 1:23 pm

  Traded in an 04 T4R Sport with a V8 for this and Im very happy. Having two T4Rs (00 + 04) I was wary getting a Nissan but its been a blast (so far). The V8 is extremely powerful yet is very thirsty (13-14 mpg in mixed driving) and likes premium fuel. Thankfully I have a very short commute. Interior is nicely laid out. Love the premium package features (back-up cam), stereo sounds good, iPod hook-up, automatic 4x4, dual-zone AC, etc. However, heated side mirrors should not be only for the leather pkg. Lame. Handles well but the T4R with X-REAS handled much better in turns. I too have the problems w/ the power seat controls getting touched while exiting the truck. Its a p.i.t.a.

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  Great truck!! - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Terry - December 10 - 12:46 pm

  Great truck, fun to drive. First new Vehicle, but I researched every midsize truck available. Frontier had the best bang for the buck. Ive had a couple of issues but they were handled by the dealer with little trouble.

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  logical and economic - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Rob Malcolm - December 10 - 11:32 am

  This car is very good with fuel mileage.It handles great on smooth and somewhat bumpy roads.Be carefull when parellel parkparking.The hubcaps will get scraped up if you come too close to high curbs.The sound system sounds great.The brakes are very good.good.This car is good for city and highway driving.

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  Best Value for Crossover SUV - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Jon - December 10 - 10:03 am

  Studied this purchase for several years, glad we chose it over the FX35 or MDX, even the ugly RX330. Better rear seat room, better value with identical equipment. Less than one month old, but have no compliants. Plan to use it as a tow vehicle for a small tent (pop up) trailer. Wont exceed 2,500 pounds, so well within the 3,500 rating. Well controled body motions and steering feel, love the distictive looks. Navigation system and back-up camera pure genius, not to mention wildly entertaining for the neighbors. Since we dont have kids, no need for a third seat. Much happier with generous rear seat room and abundant storage under the rear load floor.

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  Traded it in - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By sdwtchlvr - December 10 - 6:50 am

  I owned a 2003 Murano from 4/06-5/10. Here are a few bullet points. •The SE ride is very rigid...the suspension is supposed to be sport tuned but it is awfully rough and rigid. Had to replace struts at 70K and when I traded it in, a couple of the motor mounts were shot. •The frame on the drivers seat broke, so the window side of the seat sagged down. Did some research and found I was not alone. Nissan wanted to replace the seat at $1500+. No thanks. •The HID head light went out. Bought a replacement bulb for $180. That blew right after putting it in. Bought another one, same thing. Turns out it was the transistor housing for the bulb. Headache. Traded it in for a Camry.

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  Lucky owner - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Mark - December 10 - 4:00 am

  I bought this former lease vehicle with 36K on it in 2001. 4 weeks in the check eng light comes on. Dealer says too bad & deal with it. But was told that it would not effect engine and it hasnt. This has truly been a great vehicle for me. Has been in the shop 1 time (2002) for a non-wear & tear repair. Replaced the brakes/shocks/struts in 2005 for the only time. Has been paid off for over a year so I have definitely gotten my moneys worth. I would buy this vehicle again in a heartbeat. Has definitely been a great experience to own.

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  Our Nissan - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Lucinda Nipper - December 9 - 8:16 pm

  Living in the state of West Virginia, we drive a lot of hills and curves; our new Nissan Altima Coupe makes driving those easy and fun. Curves are made a lot smoother and the car does not lean like my old car use to do. The autostick gives you manual when you need it especially when coming down a mountain, what a brake saver. We love it.

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  After 5000 miles - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By sjo - December 9 - 5:03 pm

  I left a review back in Jan 05. Loved it then. Still like it, but after 3000 miiles the brakes make the front end shimmy as others have mentioned. I need to take it back to get it fixed and it is making me mad that this has happend. Milelage is about 15 mpg. Since day one the car vibrates at about 75mph. Had then balance the tires, and it comes an goes on the highway. Just want something to work right without problems for once.

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  Very dissapointed with comfort level - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By Dissapointed - December 8 - 8:23 pm

  I would drive this for at least one day before buying, the seats are very poor quality, and can cause terrible jostling when driving over any bumps in road, you cannot drive this any distance without incredible back discomfort, I would not recommend this car, the discomfort and non support has taken all the fun out of driving this car. I tried to get the seats fixed, but it was impossible, as per Nissan as well.

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  Enjoying first SUV - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By dawn388 - December 8 - 12:06 pm

  So far I am enjoying my first SUV. Very good ride, interior and space for my needs. Its actually a little more space than I really need. Everything is easily accessible. The gas mileage is very good. Ive had it three months and no problems to date. I bought the SL Premium edition. I read a few complaints here. Unfortunately, every vehicle will have some glitches -- no matter what the make. Theres no perfect car. Ive owned Hondas, Pontiacs, Chryslers, Mitsubishis and Nissans and there wasnt a perfect one in the bunch.