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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  Who would have thought - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Taqbiir - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Me and my wife, both like the Murano and thought it was the "Smart" decision based on what was out there. But it turned out to me more than just a "Smart" decision. After we bought the car, I thought I would hate driving it day in day out, but on the Contrary, "Who would have thought" !!

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  My Pathfinder 05 - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By marty quihuis - April 8 - 8:56 pm

  The Pathfinder has been very reliable and so so on the gas. The power is always there when needed. The off- roading has been pretty comfortable. The design could look a little sleeker but looks very beefy. The comfort of the ride has been great on long trips.

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  WoooooooooooooHoooooooooooo! - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Dale - April 8 - 3:20 pm

  Fun to drive and powerful. Excellent quality and great lines. Tested the BMW Z4, Mazda Miata, Honda S2000 and Mercedes SLK 280. The 350Z looked and felt better to drive than the others. Great buy for the money and it turns heads.

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  PCB Nissan - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By John D. - April 7 - 3:56 pm

  I had planned to buy an SUV but the salesman told me that I would be missing out if I didnt try driving a Maxima. I told him I wasnt interested, but my wife said why not. So we jumped in and took it for drive. WOW!! I was impressed! We drove back to the dealer and I told them there was a shimmy in the steering wheel. Two days later they called and said they found a bad flat spot on one tire and fixed it. We went back for a second test drive; kept it over night and decided to buy it. I never thought I would ever purchase a 4-door car again until I drove the Maxima. What a fantastic vehicle Nissan has made. Speaking of performance, Im a retired Navy Pilot; I know about Performance!

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  Pathfinder LE 2 WD drive - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Charles Bosworth - April 6 - 11:43 pm

  Car handles well, more like a car than a truck. Appointments are luxurious. Even the basic LE model has all the bells and whistles except navigation and DVD systems. A standard 1st aid kit is nice. No available rear window deflector is a turn off. Two glove boxes is different. This is a new version of the old pathfinder. It has 3rd row fold down seats. Because it is newly redesigned it might be hard to get a good deal (no specials). Bose speaker system, multi-control AC and memory system for drivers seat, mirror and pedal height are all nice touchs. There is a big difference, appointment/accesory-wise between LE and other models (SE, etc..). We had a 2002 LE. Not much interior storage space.

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  Nice Work Nissan! - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By XOR-Owner - April 6 - 6:33 pm

  I really like everything about my 2007 Off-Road Xterra. The 6M is great to shift and I was sold when I found the cabin quiet on the highway and the fact that 6th gear revs quietly at a low 2300 rpm at 70 mph. This truck is a real good value although Id have paid more for a more luxurious interior. I drive the backroads to work and routinely get almost 20 mpg on 93 octane gas. Test drive an X for sure!

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  2003 Nissan Frontier - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Kelly - April 6 - 12:50 am

  I love my Nissan. Could have better turning ratio. Seats could be more comfortable and rear doors could be made easier to get out of. Other than that all else is excellent.

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  Good so Far - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By FirstCar - April 5 - 10:06 pm

  Not too many miles driven, but theyve been good miles thus far. 6 speed took a while to get used to, but thats because I transferred from a Jeep. It has plenty of power for an economy car, loads of features, and looks very sharp (I got the black). Im 62 and I still have a few inches from the ceiling. Everything is placed well, besides maybe the center console (nowhere to rest my elbow while shifting). Trunk is HUGE, engine compartment open and easy to access (this will be great 5 to 10 years from now). The base radio leaves a little to be desired, bluetooth a little clumsy (not synched well for my phone brand). Quiet, comfortable, does 80 just fine, cruises at low speeds well.

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  Fun to Drive - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By no1popz - April 4 - 3:26 am

  After 7,500 miles driving my Versa during the last 6 months I can say without hesitancy that this is the best little car I have ever owned, and I have owned lots of them from Mercedes to Ford. Its fun to drive and comfortable to ride in. Gas mileage isnt quite as advertised - the best so far 32 MPG on the highway. I am amazed that I dont see more of them on the road. I traded a PT Cruiser for this and Im glad I did.

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  Bionic Frog - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By warpedscout - April 3 - 5:46 pm

  I purchased my Juke a few days ago and have been pleasantly suprised by this car. I have been wanting a Mini since they came out again but too many maintenance issues (Transmissions going out) and having to take it to a BMW dealership for service (1 1/2 hours away). The styling is love or hate but in my opinion very cool!! If you drive it right and keep premium fuel in the vehicle your will get good mileage (K&N air filter will help also). I am currently getting about 27 MPG just tooling around enjoying the car. Seating is good for my family and the interior is comfortable and fun.