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:

• 

  excellent car - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Kyaker - July 20 - 10:00 am

  This car is my wifes daily driver and was purchased new for her job which was 80+% of the time in the car. I wanted her to drive a vehicle that had power and was safe verses most other cars if she was ever in an accident. Now she is a stay at home mom and I am getting her a new car, I was thinking that she would want a mini van etc. She wanted another Maxima. Nuff said...

• 

  Great Car - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Elton John - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Same quality as a Corolla or Honda Civic, but less expensive. Ive owned my car for 20 mths and Ive driven it 21000 miles and I havent had one problem with it. It has many great features such as compact disc, auto, air it has enough zip to get you where you need to go safely and comfortably. The best thing about the car is its affordability. I paid $12,300.00 total out the door for my brand new Sentra. I cant say enough good things about the car!

• 

  Great SUV - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By kevkelly - July 20 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I did extensive research online for reliability data, value, etc for the best used SUV. We narrowed our choices down to the Pathfinder (orQX4), the Highlander, and the MDX. After driving all of these vehicles, we decided the Pathfinder was by far the best deal. We couldnt be happier. The vehicle drives great and has fantastic acceleration. The navigation system has reliably taken us straight to each requested destination, and the entertainment system keeps my 2 year old happy (he now insists we take this vehicle everywhere). This is the 5th Nissan Ive owned, so I know reliability will be outstanding.

• 

  Good Enough to Buy it Twice - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By 03SpecV - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my second 03 Spec V yesterday. I had my first one for about 4 months and was rearended, and 2 weeks later before I got the damage fixed, a 16 yr old pulled out in front of me totalling the car. I put 7,000 miles on it in that short time. After shopping around again, I could not bring myself to buy the ugly 04 Spec (Nissans design team shouldnt have messed with the front of the car). Even though I paid $1200 more than my first one, I still bought another (RF stereo included this time). I have all options on the new one except the "safety" package(ABS, side airbags) and still paid under $17500 including shipping costs.

• 

  Excellent SUV - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Ken Anderson - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Very good SUV, if your looking for outdoor fun, with plenty of power coming from the supercharged versions. Have had no problems with this vehicle at all. Gas consumption is a little heavy though, so expect it if youre going to buy. Extremely comfortable interior and ride, given the fact that it is built on a truck platform. Good Purchase for those looking for a serious SUV.

• 

  Great Buy!!! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By gigem aggies - July 20 - 10:00 am

  This is a great buy-- i got the polished pewter with cabernet interior-- it turns alot of heads-- anyone that passes you--or vise versa-- youll see their heads turning --

• 

  Nice car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Eagle77 - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Nice ride, quiet on the road. Surprising power from a 4-cyl. engine. Car has 21,000 miles and no reliability problems. Car is a real head turner, I have received many nice unsolicited comments about the styling. Getting 23 mpg in extreme city driving, averaged 29 mpg highway on recent 1,500 mile round trip.

• 

  quest 2004 SE review - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By quest5 - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I found the 2004 SE model to be an excellent van for my family. It is fun to drive, smooth as silk. One problem we have had is a rattle in the side door which we have to take it in for repair. Otherwise, many options on this model and love the entertainment package.

• 

  350Z - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Bubba Lu - July 20 - 4:33 am

  Great car and a lot of fun to drive

• 

  I love this crossover! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Amanda - July 19 - 9:36 pm

  I love the styling and the interior space of the Rogue, from the outside you think, wow, I dont know if that is big enough and then you sit down on the inside and you think where the heck did all this space come from!! I love all of the spacial features, nooks and pockets galore. I will say the CVT takes a bit of getting used to. I instinctively tune into the engine and I know when my car goes to the next gear, but in this car theres no pause or shift to the next gear. Its really cool, just unusual. The stability bars in the front and rear give excellent cornering and turning abilities.