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 Best-of -the-Best! - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Swat - February 18 - 9:10 am

  XE, kingcab, 4 cyl, 4x2, auto, bedliner, cruise, cd, priv/glass, slide-r-wind: excellent truck, tough, sporty and great on gas (23 mph in town). I chose over Ford, Toyota & Chevy. No comparison (quality + value). Daily driver. Big Nissan 4 cyl powers like the competitions 6 cyl! Rear suspension will handle heavy loads without dipping, "try that with an f150!" Ive owned Dodge, Ford & Chevy but Nissan sincerely is the best thus far.

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  Perfect SUV - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By KurtL - February 17 - 5:56 pm

  Had a 2003 Pathfinder lease and took a 2006 after 3 years. Like this one better. Roomier, smoother, more space, better ride and handling. Love the style too. Got both comfort and performance pkgs. Love it!! Gas economy is 17 back and forth to work etc., highway 21+. Only issue was backup lights didnt work at first, and dealer replaced the transmission in order to fix em(??). I found that odd. But its trouble free ever since.

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  Fast, Fun, and Fuel Efficient Reliabilty - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By dodgeman - February 17 - 9:46 am

  This car was my Moms 6th Nissan in a row, after she gave it to me in 04, She moved on to her 7th if that gives you any indication of how loyal we are to Nissan. This car has been extremely reliable and easy to own. In fact, just a few days ago on Christmas morning was the first repair its ever had done, a starter. The car is very high quality from the interior materials featuring soft touch leather and vinyls almost everywhere and soft touch plastic knobs, the the 8.5 year old paint thats never been waxed that still shines like new. Not only is it very comfortable and reliable, but it will run to 60 in under 7 seconds, all while achieving 30+ highway and 23+ city on premium fuel.

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  Pathfinder - Excellent!! - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Pathfinder Owner - February 16 - 2:00 am

  You cant go wrong with this SUV. It is both reliable and fun to drive!!

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  Great Car - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By microage - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I have had only one problem with my Maxima in over 90,000 miles - a sensor needed to be replaced. That is it! Amazing.

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  2002 GXE w/Synergy Package = Fun - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By 2young2retire - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Super fun to drive. Excellent gas milage, no rattles or squeeks and nice to look at. Almost no road noise even up to 80 mph. The only problem I have had is the sticking map lights but it is a common problem with the car and it was fixed immediately. Excellent service from the dealer. At $13,000 it is a real bargin.

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  Beast traped in a Luxury body 255-V6 SE - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By AznGiant - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I resurched quite a few cars(Jetta, accord, camery, impala, prelude,) before I mad the decision to get this car, and I am glad I made the right choice,This car is one of the funnest car ive ever driven. The suspension is a little rough but all the other avantages like the engine makes up for it. to shorten it up "looks nice, seats nice, woops ass."

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  03 XTERRA - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Jahoo56 - February 16 - 2:00 am

  A good vehicle for the active person.

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  GREAT! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By anonymous1 - February 16 - 2:00 am

  This car has great power! There is plenty of interior space, though the materials could be better. The Bose is good, but not completely to produce great sound.

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  Drive an Altima-Nice Road Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By datkin02 - February 15 - 5:56 am

  This car shines on the highway. The 4 cylinder is more than adequate for passing. Car holds the road much better than my 2 Camrys of the past. In town, my only complaint is that the 4 cylinder tends to be loud when you start up from the stop sign. Engine smooths out and runs like silk. I have a bit of air noise around the doors I dont like. Seat comfort is much better for me than my Camarys (I am 5 foot 8)Shift is easy to handle though startling at first. Turning radius is not as sharp but presents no big problems.Compared to my Camary-I miss my leather,thats all. Fabric is good and cleans well. LOVE MY ALTIMA!