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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  Fun New 05 X - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By X05 - June 17 - 6:13 pm

  We just picked up our new 05 Xterra offroad 4x4. This vehicle is so much fun to drive. I was thinking about an 04 but as soon as I got in the drivers seat of the 05 I could feel the power difference. The X sits up high so you can get a clear view of the road ahead. The ride is smooth and the handling is superb. The X turns on a dime. You can get a great deal from the dealership if you do your homework first, I know because I got the vehicle for invoice price. I love the new Xterra.

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  1st SUV!!! - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By jason60050 - June 17 - 2:56 am

  Coming from a 350z I really enjoy being high up. I do notice a rattle in the driver door around the window, oh well its not that bad.

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  Still Very Happy - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Becca - June 17 - 2:56 am

  I wanted a 6-speed 2.5 with Premium, and I special ordered it before they even arrived at the dealership. I was hesitant about Intelligent Key and the push-button start, but I really like both of them - especially the iKey for the safety factor. When gas was over $4.00 a gallon, I loved the 35 MPG I was getting on the highway! This is the nicest car Ive ever owned, so I have very little criticism. I *did* have the whistling mirror issue, which the dealership quickly resolved. Also, my passenger seat shakes at high speed if nobody is sitting in it, and that can be somewhat distracting. No fix for that, Im told.

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  Once U Go Z Youll Never Go Back - 1996 Nissan 300ZX
  By Mr. Z - June 16 - 2:06 pm

  My 1996 Nissan 300ZX 2+2 is amazing. I just got it a couple of weeks ago and I cant stop driving it. Although its not the twin turbo model, it is still got a lot kick to it. The bose sound system and t-tops add to the ultimate driving experience. The original sticker price was way to high when first released, but now that I could afford it, I went for it. No Regrets either!

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  Best for $$ by far... - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Perfectionist - June 16 - 1:10 am

  We bought a "stripped" 4wd SE and feel you cant get more SUV for the money. We just returned from a ski trip to VT and this thing provided a perfect balance between handling, power, and 4WD ability all for $26k out the door. The 4Runner is about $3500 more similarly optioned, and even then it lacks what you get in the Pathfinder. Build quality on ours is excellent, no rattles etc.. It is clearly not a car based SUV, but rides as good as a real chassis based SUV possibly can. Buy a Murano if you want a car...if you want something that can tow, go off-road et al then buy this.

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  Awesome SUV - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By DebbieS - June 15 - 10:13 pm

  Fun to drive, great pick up power as well as high speed power, this SUV will get out of its way if need be, no concerns there. Loaded with extra features, lots of room for all the extras with a large family. Mileage could be better. Overall would buy again in a heartbeat!!!

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  The Z with the Sun - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Errol - June 15 - 5:40 pm

  With the top up or down this is the car. The trunk is larger than expected and presents no problem for vacations drive (other thanthe CHP spotting you). Love it - worth every dollar spent.

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  Exceeds Expectations! - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Al - June 15 - 1:33 pm

  Probably the finest car IÂ’ve had at any price. Drive train perfectly matched with transmission. Excellent handling and braking dynamics. Smooth quiet ride. Roomy, comfortable interior. Unusual dashboard and instrumentation design is pleasingly different, well assembled of soft, high quality materials. Well placed controls operate with feeling of quality and precision. Altima glides along with smoothness and comportment of a luxury car. Everything is tightly constructed - no rattles or strange noises. The body feels as tight as a tank. Drive-by-wire throttle control system operates without hesitation as it should. Wonderfully powerful engine. The Altima is an absolute blast to drive!

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  1996 Nissan Maxima - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By dre1665626 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  The car runs smooth nice stereo bose >>>Sliding sunroof nice leather interior >>bumpers are a little tender very eas to scratch >>>brakes work well >>> Great car.

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  Great Car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By JackoB - June 15 - 10:00 am

  We bought the 03 GLE because we have had such good service from our "91 Maxima. Our son now drives the 91 which has over 125K miles on it. This GLE is an awesome car and it is a pleasure to drive. One problem is that I always have the temptation to kick it and I know sooner or later it will get me a ticket. We have put close to 7000 miles on it in the year we have had it.