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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  Nice car but troubles in initial quality - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By AK109 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for three months now and have put up over 3000 miles on it and already Ive had a faulty shock and a leaking radiator replaced. I still love the car, but I question how many more parts are going to be faulty, if theyre not already.

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  Altima - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By wmora - June 15 - 10:00 am

  It has been an exellent experience !! i will defnatly will buy another Altima, is so nice ,confortable and good looking.

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  My Altima - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By ImKeepnUp - June 15 - 10:00 am

  After driving a Nissan Sentra for 4 plus years, I am loving the extra power and interior room the Altima gives me. I have nothing bad to say about the vehicle. Ive financed it for 5 years, and plan on keeping it for the length of the loan.

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  Just got it!!! - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By fasani - June 14 - 10:11 pm

  I just got a 2000 Nissan Pathfinder with just 70k miles. I made my first family trip and we drove about 2k miles with no issues. Geat familiy car, and it was exactly what I was looking for.

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  2005 Murano SL AWD - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By jfg1022 - June 14 - 8:36 pm

  I previously leased 2 Ford Explorers and with the lease on my Explorer about to end I decided that I wanted to purchase something reliable and smaller than an Explorer since I live in NYC and have to find parking every night. The Murano is perfect because its roomy inside (It actually has alot more passenger legroom in the backseat than the Explorer) but its not an overgrown SUV. The Murano has a car like drive and its easy to handle. Im so glad I decided to purchase the Murano and its definitely something that my family can grow into.

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  Great truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Nick - June 14 - 4:16 pm

  I have 8,500 miles on my NISMO right now and its still a blast. Great looking truck, awesome on and off road. I have not found an obstacle this truck cannot handle. Best fuel economy around 60-65 mph.

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  Good - but need better SEATS! - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By lamier - June 14 - 12:23 am

  We compared several trucks for the last few weeks. Ford, they wanted too much for the Sportrac; Toyota, they dont make any deals, and the rest are the rest. This is my wifes car, and she loves it because it handles as a car on the highway and as a truck in the country. The only complain so far are the seats; they need more support and the arm rest are out of place. Over all, it is very nice truck with a teen looking.

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  Surprised by a lot of negative reviews.. - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Raindawgs4ever - June 13 - 7:53 pm

  I have had my 2007 Sentra S for almost two years now. I am kind of surprised by some of the negative reviews Ive read here since this car has been a peach for me. I agree with the dings on the plastic interior, non- collapsing rear view mirrors and blind spots, but Ive adapted and overcome these shortcomings. Im not understanding the mileage knocks as I get out what I put in with this car. If I am driving like a madman in the city I can get like 19 mpg. If I mellow out a bit it will go up to about 27. The worst I have ever done in freeway driving is 28. Driving conscientiously I get 34. My overall averages, mostly freeway with 15% city driving is 31-32 mpg. I am happy with that.

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  Back to the X - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By X247 - June 13 - 1:06 pm

  I had a 2003 xterra and after 2 years I trade for a Pathfinder, The X was underpowered. Now Im back to the X, its an improvement to the older model and rides just as good the Pathfinder. For the money is a great SUV, LOADED which is nice. I went for an off road but the SE is what I found. Im keeping it till it dies!

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  Cant wait for the new one to come out! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By ntitan - June 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Titan w/ 113,000 miles on it and it is just like a brand new one. I now have 126,000 on it and not one problem. Take care of it and it will surely take care of you. If you have ever questioned if you should buy this truck over the Detroit boys, well you would never regret it. Give it a chance and you will never go back, I promise you that.