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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  My 1st new car is a Pathfinder - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Kevin in Colorado - December 4 - 9:33 am

  In the past 8 years I have owned 2 vehicles, 1 - 1997 Jeep Wrangler and 1 - 1999 Nissan Maxima. I liked the 4x4 capability of the Jeep (which I need in Colorado) and the pickup and go / gas mileage and reliability of the Nissan. The 06 Pathfinder is the best of both worlds with style and function all in one. I bought a 2006 SE Off- road edition with less than 200 miles on it and now at just under 2000 miles I have experienced between 17.5 mpg and 19.6 mpg. I go up to Fairplay, CO from Denver at least 3 times a month and to the ski resorts about 2 times a month and get great gas mileage both up & down the mountain and in 4x4 drive. In the city I experience lower gas milage @ 17.5 mpg per tank.

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  Best option out of 8 tested cars - 2015 Nissan Rogue
  By perek75 - December 4 - 4:46 am

  MY wifes wanted to replaced her Toyota prius 2008 with a small SUV (Chicago winters, getting up higher). We tested and read reviews of 8 SUV models (Honda CRV, Toyota Rav, MAZDA, Chevy Equinox, Ford Escape, GMC terrain, Subaru Forester) and we picked Nissan Rogue. I am 62, wife is 51, + 5 year old girl. The Subaru was a favorite but I was not comfortable. Wife liked the ford also but the Nissan is safer and better MPG. Great head space, easy navi system, great comfort and awesome 360 backup camera, top safety pick NTSB, great leg room backseat. SV trim comes with lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and NAVI. Take Nissan into account when looking, our first Nissan!

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  The Altima Perfected - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By John - December 3 - 11:40 pm

  Traded in my 07 SE for this one to get into a lease (I dont put many miles on the car). The 07 was nice, however the suspension was almost jittery and could get unsorted easily over several bumps. I got everything on this one, including NAV. This is the Altima perfected. The suspension is perfectly balanced between comfort and response, the 3.5 engine is one of the best and I love how smooth the CVT is - no gear hunting when passing, just power. The new grille/hood/headlight clusters look great against the super black finish. The Tech package turns the car into a mobile computer, with ipod, bluetooth, XM radio and traffic/weather, NAV, and the Bose system sounds great.

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  One word: VQ40DE It flat out Hauls!! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By tony22r - December 3 - 1:06 pm

  First things I noticed werent even in the brochure: BIG air box, easy-to-service oil filter in front, Engine Oil & Transmission Oil Coolers! Variable Intake, nice throaty Exhaust note. Whoever put this engine together Knew what they were doing! You can See the quality in every little detail. Comes with tons of useful (standard) features: standard tow hitch, Big Fat 265/70-16 tires, tri-zone AC, low tire pressure warning, full analog gauges. Were not easily impressed, but this 05 Pathfinder definitely delights us. This is a 270hp, 7-passenger Muscle SUV thatll eat some sports cars in the 1/4 mile, while comfortably pulling family-hauling duties on a rugged yet easy-to-drive truck frame.

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  fun in sunset - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Don - December 3 - 6:26 am

  Great Only problem is small trunk and poor rear side vision

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  after 4 months, still no regrets - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By James - December 3 - 4:20 am

  I finally bought the 2005 Altima 3.5se with leather sport package, Bose stereo system, fully loaded except for Nav. It took me 8 months to decide on a car and I am so glad I bought this one. I read lots of mediocre reviews, but I only have the most positive things to say about this car. Heard things like interior felt cheap and the stereo was poor quality. I can not agree. The stereo is crystal clear 99% of the time and picks up stations in L.A. which is 150 miles away! Leather is superb, nothing feels cheap about the car. In fact, went test driving some B.M.W s with a friend and we both liked my Nissan better! Its roomie, sturdy, powerful, and classy. 100% what I wanted!

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  soccer moms-here we come! - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By The Ozmores - December 2 - 5:53 pm

  Never thought we would own a mini van! We looked at large suvs as we needed room for 6,(two pre-teens and two teenagers), and after price shopping, comparing mileage, room, functions and options-this was the best choice all around. We got many upgrades that we woulnt have in a suv. Handles smooth and quiet, sleek "buzz-lightyear design" and teenager approved-dvd player, wireless headphones,and legroom! The Quest doesnt have the boxy feel or look of a traditional mini-van, and coming from long time owners of suvs, we were hesitant to even test drive one, but once we did, we were sold! Unlike other mini-vans, you actually have room for duffel bags and suitcases even with a load of passsengers

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  Nissan - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Taunya - December 2 - 10:10 am

  The Nissan Altima is by far and away the best car on the road. It has smooth handling and quite interior. The interior is very driver friendly.

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  A Blast to Drive - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Franco-a - December 2 - 9:10 am

  The title says it all. For the money, I challenge anyone to find a better combination of sports car handling, power, and utility. That is the Nissan Maxima. The Maxima has so impressed me that I will certainly consider a repeat buy when the time comes. For now, I will simply enjoy the fun. An impressive, well designed and well positioned, product.

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  cool - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Bugti40 - December 2 - 6:40 am

  The car is comfortable very very very fast and fun to drive. It is awesome. I would recommend to everyone.