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 2nd Maxima and 3rd Nissan Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By azschaefer - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love this car. I loved my 01 SL but this is so much better. Roomy, fun to drive and it turns a lot of heads. I love the skyview too. I purchased in 5/03 and have more than 17K miles now...gets 26-27 mpg on freeway and 23-25 in the city. I sit traffic everyday and it still gets gas mileage.I didnt get the nav. system but love the display anyway, has a lot of useful info. especially the maintenance reminder. Will definitely recommend and purchase the next generation.

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  Mine has been great - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By MattMPG - July 7 - 5:00 am

  Ive been all over the eastern half of the USA in my Pathfinder and its been great. I didnt get any check engine lights until 150,000 miles. Im fixing the problem and keeping the truck until at least 200k. My Pathfinder is 7 years old and has no rattles and the suspension is still feels like a new car. My next car will be a Pathfinder.

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  I love this truck - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Robert - July 6 - 11:36 pm

  I just purchased the truck and have only been driving it for about two weeks. I love this truck. I have always liked Nissan Frontiers, found them to be very reliable. This truck is a winner. I do wish the arm rest was longer though and it got better gas mileage, but overall Im very satisfied.

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  Great little eco car - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By Digiburd - July 6 - 11:26 pm

  Just bought this car a few days ago and personally it was a tough decision. The price was the clincher. I was torn between the Hyundai Elantra 5Dr, and the Nissan Sentra Special Edition. Both cars had similar features and price. After test driving the Nissan handles better and feels more "solid" you get the door "thunk" in the Nissan that in my mind spells quality. The ride is smooth and quite, the stereo rocks (get the audio fanatic package), and its peppy. After all was said and done I paid the TMV price. Which with the refund got me way under what the Hyundai was going for. Plus you get a better True cost to owner with the Nissn. In my mind, a better choice.

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  Exceeds my expectations - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By ShiverMeTimbers - July 6 - 9:20 pm

  Ive owned my LE 05 CC for just over 4 months now (first truck ever) and couldnt be happier. The truck sells itself, even impressing some dyed-in-the-wool american brand only types. I think this truck might last as long as my old volvo (200k+ miles). As for the reviewers complaining about the ride, you really need to ride in a sport sedan like my wifes Maxima SE!! If you want a car that floats along the road, you need to buy a Lincoln.

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  Great Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By efy - July 6 - 6:40 pm

  We bought this car in March of 2010, with 85,000 miles; it now has 96,000, after only 5 months. So far, it has been a very reliable, roomy, and comfortable family car. We average around 24.5 mpg. On a recent 300-mile trip, I averaged 31.2 mpg with luggage and a passenger. The front seats are comfortable, but the seat backs are shaped oddly, and can become annoying. The back seat is huge, and is more comfortable than the front. It is very enjoyable to drive, with lots of power, engaging handling, and a firm yet compliant ride. It is quiet inside, with only minor road noise. The BOSE sound system sounds great, and the radio display is excellent. I would highly recommend this car to anyone.

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  Best SUV - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By danp - July 6 - 10:00 am

  This is the best SUV for the money. I had a number of GM SUVs and the Nissan quality is superior. Great power, quiet, and stylish. Only real drawback is the gas mileage. The resale value is also outstanding compared to any American SUV. For a few thousand more, get the LE - the added features are well worth it. Im sold on Nissans.

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  Reliable and good handling although ugly - 1999 Nissan Sentra
  By CanadianDriver - July 6 - 7:13 am

  I bought this car used in 2002 and its been very reliable, which is important for someone like me who knows squat about cars. Gas mileage is excellent. The only problems have been replacing the clutch cable, a/c leak, and a bit of rust. The seats are comfortable and the car is easy to maneuver. The heating and a/c come on quickly and work well. The cup holders are awkward because they block the radio and clock. It doesnt accelerate overly well and my friends tell me its ugly (which it is), but it was a lot cheaper pound for pound than a Civic and frankly, a better investment.

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  I made the right choice - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Gemi - July 5 - 8:56 am

  Having never owned A SUV, I did a lot of research. 240 HP, no longer an industry leader but plenty of power. 6 disk in dash Bose with stearing wheel controls!!!! WOW. I keep hearing about how cramped the backsteat is and..OK a little smaller than most but unless you are over 65" 250 lb it is fine. 1 touch up and down windows and sun roof:) You can even roll down the windows with the keyless entry:) This car makes me happy.

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  Clutch Problems - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Stickman - July 4 - 6:26 pm

  Love just about everything about the car. Only real issue Ive had is that the clutch needed to be replaced at 20,700 miles and then again 37,000 miles later. Ive been driving manual transmissions for 47 years and never had a problem with clutches wearing so quickly.