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:

• 

  This car is terrible.... - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By SUZQ - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in 5/02 and the second day I had it the flashers started blinking very fast. Brought to the dealer the next day they told me there was nothing wrong. Happened again and brought it back the next day. Took them until 10/02 to repair it. THen in 11/02 the heater stopped working and they did not repair that until 1/02. Then on 2/02 the car died in a parking lot and the dealer said the radio was draining the battery and replaced it. The car has been at the dealership more then 60 days of the time I have had it and only has 7000 miles. I have never had it in my possession when it was in working order without awaiting a part.

• 

  Incredible! - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By CarEnthusiast - September 15 - 2:00 am

  With 29,100 miles and 2.5 years, my Nissan Pathfinder has been just wonderful. Its handling is outstanding, great power, simply a joy to ride. Has handled "blizzard of 2003" in Washington D.C. with no problems. The only problem I have had was with the CD-changer (had to be replaced)

• 

  its a beautiful thing - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By alvaroernestof - September 15 - 2:00 am

  im in love with my new xterra. i wouldnt trade it for anything. its the best car ive had so far, it only needs to have a better gas milage and alitle more h/p.

• 

  Pretty good SUV - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By brianl - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this Xterra about 8 months and have driven 17K miles to date. It constantly gets 16MPG no matter what type of driving I do. I recently drove to Florida (1,260 miles each way) It still got 16MPG. Of course I was going about 75MPH. Other than that it seems solid.

• 

  Murano Fan 4 Ever - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Frankie Dee - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I have not been this excited about a vehicle since I first saw the 1986 1/2 Toyota Supra. This is the perfect blend of SUV and Sudan. It has a unique look which is rare now a days. The ride in the city and on the highway is fun and non-labor intensive. The engine and transmission are a powerful combination, yet they remain smooth and refined. This vehicle will make a SUV lover out of non-believers.

• 

  Murano: Power, style and so much fun! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By LA Lady - September 15 - 2:00 am

  The Murano is so much fun to drive. The CVT really allows the car to fly up hills. Mine is loaded and am having fun figuring out all the bells and whistles.I especially like the positive feedback from other drivers. The design is so unique. Not like every other little boxy SUV. Nissan certainly has a winner with the Murano.

• 

  fun - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By not know - September 15 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive, needs more insulation from noise

• 

  Altima Se 3.5 Review - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By DprMny - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Love the car, love the options, love the style, love the comfort, LOVE MY ALTIMA SE 3.5

• 

  Great Car - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By Steven Smith - September 14 - 7:45 pm

  I test drove the Maxima SR just before the end of 2016 hoping to get a good end of year deal. I didnt get the price I was looking for so I did not buy. Most likely will buy one here in 2017. The SR package looks very sharp IMO and the car drives great. Im 62" and 225lbs and I had plenty of room. Great power and smooth ride and looks like high end luxury sedan.

• 

  Traded Chevy Suburban, in a heart beat! - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Linda - September 14 - 8:26 am

  Fantastic full size SUV, built right here in the good ole USA! Superior safety features, all standard! Fit, finish & quality of materials are very pleasing. Reputation & reliability are outstanding. Easy to use features, placement of instruments & accesories are well thought out & informative. Find myself in this auto more often than my BMW 7 series! Highly recommend!