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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  First SUV - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Jason - November 14 - 1:03 pm

  This is our first SUV. We got the comfort and premimum packages. We needed the room for all the baby stuff, such as strollers, playpens, toys, etc..Even with all the baby stuff in the back we still had plenty of room after our Costco shopping trip too. The net and tie down anchors come in very handy. The handling around corners and going up and down hills is great. There is a lot of power, but you always feel in complete control. A very high quality vehicle.

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  Sentra - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By mrmarkmac - November 14 - 10:00 am

  My 1997 Sentra just turned over 130,000 miles yesterday and I thought Id offer my review. The car has been outstanding. So far Ive only performed routine scheduled maintenance with no failed components except for the original battery, which died after 6 years of service. This car has been unbelievably reliable. Be sure to get the 5-speed transmission. These cars must seem really slow w/o it.

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  Great car - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Phillygirl - November 14 - 10:00 am

  This car is great to drive, handles well, and has plenty of interior room. I havent any major concerns with this car in all the time Ive had it. Car was stolen a few years ago. Thieves were caught in the car (in a high speed chase no less!) and the front end was torn up. Insurance wouldnt total the car, just repair it. Even so, the car still rides wonderfully! When I dont have the kids, I dont feel like Im driving a conspicuous family car. All around, the car has been wonderful (even through harsh Minnesota, Philly, and New England winters). It has 155K miles on it and hasnt missed a beat. Hope the newer models are just as great!

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  Thanks Dad - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Lawdogg30 - November 14 - 10:00 am

  My father gave me his 1999 Nissan Altima GXE a few days ago. It has 57650 miles on it and he has not had one problem with it. My mother owned a 1998 and I drove that all the time and i loved it. This car runs and drive GREAT! The 4 cylinder motor feels like a V6 with awesome power when you need it. The gas mileage is super as well. Thanks Dad I know I will have this car another 150,000 miles. Thanks Nissan

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  FANTASTIC AUTOMOBILE!!! - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By DFW Daily Driver. - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Bought my GLE in July,03 with 69,000 miles on it from a Houston dealer for $11,450. No oil used between changes. Lots of adjustments for seats, great lumbar support, like sitting in a fine chair in your home. Bose stereo is just incredible. Gas mileage: 23-27 mpg mostly city, but engine is so responsive it is hard to lay off of it. VERY comfortable and smooth ride with GLE suspension. Good legroom in rear with cupholders all over. Stereo controls on steering wheel a great convenience/safety feature. Auto trans is smooth as can be, no comparison to American cars like my brothers Buick LeSabre and Chrysler 300M. Great car!

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  great car - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By goose - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for 2 months and i love it. It handles like any high priced car and has amazing acceleration. for the price you cant buy a better car. It looks great too.

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  EXCESSIVELY LOUD IS ONLY DRAWBACK - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By johnc766 - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the truck loving all the engineering and design that went into it.The only drawback is the loud exhaust and nissan has no fix yet. I love everything about the truck except the annoying NOISE if they fix tis they ahve a winner.

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  Nice Bang for the Buck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By jwstan97 - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive had mine for about a month now and have been very pleased so far. Of course you never know how the vehicle is going to perform on a daily basis without driving it for a month, but so far so good. I have noticed little nuances: no coin holder or place to store change, underneath the driver seat is a black hole (whatever falls under there is never coming back, already lost stylus and pen), radio volume is too sensitive to speed changes plus sound quality seems to come and go while listen to radio only (may have dealer loks at this). Love the truck and the look. Drives excellent in the big city which is nice for me.

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  Nearly Flawless - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Mike234 - November 14 - 9:30 am

  After 2 years and 23K miles, the performance has been nearly flawless. I have towed near the 5000 lb limit with no issues (flat terrain). Drivetrain is excellent, handles like a Maxima. Though it drives like a car, this vehicle is still very much a truck - and you can treat it like a truck and its perfectly content. My nits: 1. Bose stereo could use a little more volume. 2. "Pathfinder" logo separated from floor mat. 3. Minor rattle behind dash. So pleased with this vehicle that I bought an 06 Pathfinder to replace minivan.

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  Out with the old in with new - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By bo - November 14 - 12:23 am

  Recently turned in our 2005 Murano. My wife actually cried in the salesmans room when we turned in her 2005 leased murano. That car was the best ever. Never a bad moment with the exception for a coil going bad, and the dealership kept for 5 weeks trying to find the culprit. They gave us a loaner which says loads for them. Purchased a new Murano S series and am impressed to the utmost. Had leather seats installed and it looks and rides fantastic. Great acceleration and ride. Not many of the bells and whistles on this one but still a fantastic vehicle. Anyone who is considering one should look at the Murano. Compared it to the others and still came back to the best.