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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  Going to miss it - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By kim - August 14 - 2:06 pm

  My 98 Pathfinder was my first car EVER! I had my heart set on one, and sure enough found one. AMAZING car! I just had to change the tires, but thats because the owner before me had put cheap ones on. I had NO problems what so ever! Trading it in however for a smaller car :( Im just a poor college student and cant afford the gas anymore, however, friends tell me their Ford Explorers and Toyota Tacomas cost more to fill than the Pathfinder. Im gonna miss my Pathfinder!

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  Love it!! - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By DianeanWalt - August 14 - 1:30 pm

  We love our new Nissan. Were getting 38 miles to the gallon. On our 07 we got 40 mpg and we havent even broken this one in yet. What a differance color really does make. The 07 was black, didnt have all the amenities that my husband wanted, so we traded it in for an 08. This one is white, just what he wanted with the sunroof, xm radio, and all the additional pkgs. you can get. Life is too short, might as well get what he really wants. For a big-little car, for running around, it the greatest we found it so comfortable, we use it for road trips too.

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  Great vehicle - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Nismo Maxima - August 14 - 1:03 pm

  This car gives me no reason to ever buy another car, at least for years to come. I added the Nismo cold air intake accessory to the vehicle and love the extra sound at 5500 rpm with a mild extra boost. The acceleration is prime and the style rivels the exotics in my opinion. I have always been an accord fan, but this car takes the blue ribbon. I would not want another car or could not think of another car to buy that compares to this. Im not sure what consumer reports tested or JD Power for that matter. When Motortrend has got 5 Hyundais in the motortrend finalists, it makes me wonder if Hyundai owns shares in Motortrend. This car is the real deal and you wont be dissatisfied.

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  Nissan Pathfinder Platinum - 2016 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Julie Wright - August 14 - 6:02 am

  Know what price you want to pay and get your discounts before going into the finance office!!!!

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  Mini Murano - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By captcrunch570 - August 14 - 4:46 am

  After 800 miles I must say Nissan did an amazing job with this crossover. Sporty fun and I am getting 24 mpg.

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  2500 Mile Mark - Update - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By rogueman41 - August 13 - 12:39 pm

  After 2500 miles, Im still enjoying my Rogue. Finally getting used to the CVT. It could use a little more power. It scoots around town just fine. Passing and entrance ramps are another story. Maybe with the next re-design, they will address that issue. If they would just figure out a diesel option for this vehicle, the low end torque would be awesome. Ride is just ok for a crossover....many times you can tell youre in an entry level vehicle (although it really doesnt LOOK entry level). I get a lot of complements on it. But you can usually hear and/or feel small road imperfections. Gas mileage has been right around 25mpg (combined city/hwy).

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  Love my "Batttleship" - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Jack - August 13 - 7:06 am

  Im a big guy with a big family, so this is the perfect vehicle. Yes it is a thirsty beast, but I knew that going in. This is by far the most comfortable vehicle Ive owned. Family trips are great with six of us and our gear easily accommodated. Pulls my camper with ease. Handles amazingly well for its size. Moves the soccer team and school band like a champ.

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  2001 Maxima SE - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By BV - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Very quiet interior. Powerful V-6 even at 222hp. Handles better than expected for a full size sedan with 4 doors. Excellent room inside. fits four adults easily. Steering wheel radio controls. Big trunk. Seats are form fitting, but could be a tad "cushier". HUGE storage with FOUR areas for drinks,cans,cups etc....and holds them secure!! Huge center storage for CDs to even stand upright. Would easily buy the same car again.

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  powerful! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By maxima02 - August 13 - 2:00 am

  the xenon lights are a hot item, stolen off my car 3 times!

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  Safe in the Lap of Luxury - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By To The Moon - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a Murano SE 2 weeks ago and Edmunds.com helped so much in our research...thank you! First made a list of what we needed, the plushness of the Murano was a plus. Graduating from a van we test drove (that I recall) Pilot, CRV, Rav, and Pathfinder and inspected many others. Focused on the Pilot then we drove the Murano and fell in love with fully loaded SE (didnt want DVD or GIS). Pricing (asked to see dealers invoice), mpg, safety & smooth/solid ride of this dream contributed to our purchase decision. Its smooth rounded exterior is a pleasure to run a shammy over, no crevices for grit to settle in.