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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  The perfect choice - 2011 Nissan Pathfinder
  By redg - March 7 - 4:48 pm

  we bought a 3800# travel trailer and my Isuzu Rodeo just wasnt quite up to the task of towing it. I wanted a powerful V-6 with comfort. Got this car from a dealer (it was the salesmans wifes car) with 6300 miles. Ride is pretty stiff and busy but better than the Rodeo. Step on the gas and youre GONE!. It tows the trailer very well and gets good fuel mileage doing so. We spent 3 weeks on the road last year, up and down some extremely steep roads without a problem. My one complaint was the standard radio was terrible. I replaced with one from Crutchfield and now love everything about this car.

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  My Z gets An A - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By dkramrog - March 6 - 8:46 pm

  Driving my new 350Z Roadster has restored a sense of youthful "joy of the road" to my middle-aged heart. This car is quick, responsive and eye- catchingly beautiful. But simultaneously, it gives me the sense of reliablity and safety that I require. Sure, there are minor flaws-- the interior design doesnt match the exterior elegance, the headlights dont come on automatically as darkness falls, although the dash lights do. But all in all, this is an exciting and responsive way to get around.

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  great car - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By mitch - March 6 - 1:26 pm

  i love this car,a lot of bang for your buck.good power for a 4 cylinder, great aerodynamics, good interior design. love the smart key, makes feeling of german luxury. all round this is a great car,my only gripe would be the quality of the factory paint, i only put 500 miles of all highway driving and noticed many paint chips on the nose and lower passenger side door. i live in new york and we really have not had any snow so salt wouldnt be to blame. i think car manufacturers are cutting many corners to turn in more profit!i will contact nissan to try and solve this matter being i am leasing i do not want to incur any more damage and be held responsible when my 3 years are up.please get the nose mask

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  Fun, Fast, Tough!! - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Fred - March 6 - 12:56 pm

  Sold My Crew Cab for the Pathfinder.. And for once I feel like I got my moneys worth. It has all the features I need.. ride, handling, looks.. etc..

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  4x4 OR - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By Robert - March 5 - 9:20 am

  I have had my 07 OR for a few weeks now. I find the fit and finish above average. The ride is smooth for a big tired SUV. Plenty of power and the truck gets up to highway speeds very quickly. The X tracks like a true 4x4 and requires a little feed back on the highway to keep it going straight.

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  Update to Fun, Fun, Fun - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By Gary - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I have had my car for a few weeks now. First a correction, it only has 5 gears when you shift the CVT in NORMAL mode, not six. Second, I am getting better mileage than earlier. I am getting 23-25 mixed and I got 30+ with mostly highway. My guess is that you can get 30+ on a level highway easily. Still love it. Motor Trend ranked it as a finalist in SUV of the Year, but it lost out to a $70+k Porsche. The Porsche cant be this much fun.

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  awesome - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By margie - March 4 - 5:33 pm

  I loved my Altima. I only had it 7 months but it drove so smooth, was fast and handled curves very well. I no longer have it, it was totaled after a serious accident I had. I survived but my beautiful Altima did not. It was the best vehicle I had ever had.

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  Best Vehicle Ive Owned - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By TC - March 4 - 10:36 am

  This truck has been rock solid since I drove it off the lot. I drive a ton of miles and it is very comfortable. It turns a lot of heads, too. It has some great features for a moderately priced truck. I compared them all but after I drove the Titan, there was no way I would drive any other.

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  2007 Nissan Maxima - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Thoroughly Tested - March 4 - 7:26 am

  After six months of spirited driving, I still enjoy the car. On ramp acceleration to 100 mph feels about as fast as our 2006 WRX. Comfortable, well put together, handles well, good road feel, steering is nicely weighted. The Max tracks well; goes where I point it. I took several thorough test drives in the conditions I would be driving (interstate, mountains, 2 lanes and in town). Drove several Maxs, all felt good and had good build quality, fit and finish. I used Edmunds. Researched using the net and found dealer(s) who encouraged me to take my time and get to know the vehicle.

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  Arent sports cars about fun? - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By My 4th Z car! - March 4 - 12:20 am

  The 2004 350-Z Roadster is the 4th Z car that I have owned. By far, its the most powerful in terms of acceleration. It can go from zero to sixty in a heart beat! Be careful ... its not for the faint of heart. Though the interior is not flashy, it still works. The sound system is better that any of the previous Z cars built. The 6 disc in dash CD player is superb. For the money I couldnt find a better buy. I am sure that I have just as much fun driving my 350-Z as any BMW, Audi, Porsche owner and I have more cash left over. Fun doesnt have to cost a fortune.