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:

• 

  Solid Vehicle - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Kevin - September 21 - 2:50 pm

  This was my second Pathfinder.I bought my Patherfinder with 47k miles from a local dealership and now have 117k miles. Other than the regular change of the timing belt at 100k miles, no real problems to speak of. Comfortable ride, looks great for a 8 year old vehicle! Only complaint is fuel economy; I have averaged around 15-16 mpg.

• 

  Love/hate relationship - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By RedwoodZ - September 21 - 6:56 am

  Fun car to drive but ours came with too many shortcomings for us to be happy with it. As mentioned in other Z groups, the dealer plays dumb with the problems -- in our case the front end / tire problem and a 6 speed that has chronic shifting problems from 1>2. Trannie has been replaced once. The front end has had the TSB "fix". With new tires, the noise is returning after about 4000 miles. The seat covers were replaced at less than 12000 miles! And last but not least, burning premium gas these days is very hard on the pocketbook. We had an 88 300Z we owned until we traded it in on 350Z. After our current nightmare, we wont be owning any more Nissans.

• 

  Titan for the long haul - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Paul Zopfi - September 21 - 2:56 am

  This is my first second full size truck, my first a GMC Sierra. This vehicle is in its own world. Fantastic to drive, reliable so far, ride and comfort are incredible for a truck. Ive used both four wheel drive and without in snow storms just to see how well the vdc and traction control work with no complaints. Great vehicle that I have shown to many friends and coworkers. Three have bought their own.

• 

  GREAT Automobile - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Rick - September 20 - 5:46 pm

  Nissan has done its homework on designing this vehile. It is sipping gas and has the power when required to pass like it had a large 6 cyl. engine under the hood. The ride is comfortable and positive. Gas mileage is between 32 and 55 MPG. It takes a little adjusting, to get the peak mileage. The EV mode is the best part of their design.

• 

  this car should be the car of choice - 1996 Nissan 300ZX
  By elias lujan - September 20 - 10:00 am

  it was a great car with outstanding handeling. i coulg almost miss a turn because of another car and then get around them and still make the turn. it was the best car ive ever driven in my life. my dad says the same and he races quarter miles. it was the best car ever no competition from any other. (Ford, Chevy, etc...

• 

  Smooth Vehicle - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Spraq - September 20 - 10:00 am

  We really enjoy this SUV. It is not as powerful as others, but it has enough power. The build quality is unmatched by anything Ive ever owned, driven, or ridden in. Outstanding quality, better to drive than the brand new Trailblazer we test-drove. And we bought it with 49k miles. The interior is as nice as my parents Mercedes SUV. Not as many gadgets, but as well constructed. My dad owned a Bravada with the same amount of miles a couple of years ago, and there is no comparison in quality. The Pathfinder may cost a little more, but well worth it. A++

• 

  Great car, except front seats - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By moliphant - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Great all-around car, but Ive had to put a pillow on the upper half of my seat for as long as Ive owned it. I have the non-electric adjustable seat, with lumbar support and the lumbar is just too pronounced. This car is giving me back trouble. Other than the easily remedied bushing problem on the rear suspension, there are no other issues with this car. Great ride. Good value.

• 

  Real Off Road Machine - Out of the Box - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By SarnX - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a vehicle to take me to and from work everyday and be able to play offroad on the weekends all at a reasonable price. Hands down this vehicle is it. The supercharger is a wonderful feature for highway driving and passing. The fact that this machine has a full box ladder frame makes it perfect for real offroading. Aftermarket parts are also becoming more widely available. My only complaint would be fuel economy but if that was my main concern I wouldnt have bought this vehicle in the first place.

• 

  Fun to drive, need gas tanker to follow - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Ducati Racer - September 20 - 10:00 am

  We waited for the supercharged version to come out and are very glad we did. We picked up the electric blue, stnadard for the family and to tow my ducati on an open trailer for racing. In texas the roads are fast, so 80mpg is pretty normal and no problem with the trailer and loaded with gear. Gas milage is another issue. I get 120- 140 miles on a tank and 9mpg when towing. Ouch! Price was great for what we were looking for as well.

• 

  5 Months and still the best! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By crashl82 - September 20 - 10:00 am

  At this point I am still telling everyone that my Murano has to be the best vehicle out there for your money. Mine is blk with blk leather interior with all the bells and whistles and I love everything about it. Everything functions perfectly and I even enjoy relaxing in the rear seats which recline. Why spend the extra $20 grand for names like infinity or BMW when you get a superior vehicle with everything and anything you could possibly want in a vehicle. I have driven other vehicles(Range Rovers, Hummer H2s) and they have nothing on this. Buy this car you will never regret it!