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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  Excellent design - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Robsails - February 15 - 2:50 am

  Bought January 2007. Have only driven a thousand or so miles due to other travels, but the 4-cylinder engine is exceptionally well matched to the CVT transmission, giving it as much pull as a much larger engine. The bluetooth connection is the best I have ever heard; it almost completely cancels road noise for the listener and allows great range control for volume within the car. The seats are comfy for the short drives we have taken it on and our one highway trip averaged in the low 30s for mpg at 70+ mph. My experience with other new cars tells me this will increase as it the mechanical bits loosen up a little. She jumps off the starting line with an amazing amount of kick for a 4-cyl.

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  Fun SUV! - 2007 Nissan Pathfinder
  By KS - February 14 - 9:36 pm

  I was looking to lease a 4Runner thinking that Toyota quality and interior polish is a winning combination in this SUV segment. It all changed once I drove the Pathfinder and experienced the striking fun factor behind driving this machine. This big and heavy SUV seems to perfectly contour and weather any road irregularity while comforting all occupants. It looks aggressive and beautiful in black, interior design is very comfortable. My Pathfinder rocks!

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  Dream come true! - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Bliss - February 14 - 5:13 pm

  Id avoided buying into the whole SUV lifestyle...until I met "Murray". What a delight this vechicle has turned out to be! The ride is excellent, the power generous despite the occassional report by others that the CVT drains the V6s power. My husband (a die-hard Ford pickup man) has admitted Murray has even won his heart...especially when he gets the opportunity to leave other folks in the dust with their mouths hanging open in surprise of the Muranos ability to get up and GO when asked. Some catch up just to see what just passed them...besides the smiling driver.

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  Best Car I have ever had! - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By GracieM - February 14 - 1:10 pm

  I have owned my Nissan Pathfinder now for nearly 3 years, and I have to say that I am very impressed. I am so impressed by the handling of the SUV, it rides as comfortable as a Cadillac or Buick and has had absolutely no problems. The gas mileage stinks, but I knew that going into it. This truly is a luxury SUV for the year. I will drive this until the wheels fall, which will probably be for a very long time, but when it does happen I will definitely buy another.

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  For a good value, play your cards right! - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By kiyyap - February 14 - 10:00 am

  The 2002 LE 4WD is my 5th pathfinder (1993,1995,1997,2001,2002).I have had it for 3 years now and I will have it until it dies. My first four pathfinders were XE 2WD models and I splurged on this one and learned a big lesson. You can easily find a 2 year old model and save yourself about $20K and have a very very very great truck. Then engine is strong and the Auto 4WD with limited slip is extremely able to get you through the snow/ice/rain/sand etc etc. I have pulled 4000 lbs with this car cross country and I have taken this off road. I have only experienced two problems, cracked joints on the exhaust pipes and BOSE 6CD head unit replaced under warranty.

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  Awesome - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By CgBlondie - February 14 - 10:00 am

  All around great car. Best car for the value to price ratio. It bothers me, and is the first time I ever purchase a Japanese car..previously owned American, and one German car. But, I am very happy with the purchase knowing that somehow, some American family made some money in this transaction.

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  Im in love with my Altima! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By NJ Girl - February 14 - 10:00 am

  When I sat in the showroom car I "assumed" I was in a Maxima (I was then driving a 95 Max)...my husband quickly informed me it was the Altima. I could not believe the roominess and the comfort of the interior. THEN we went for the test drive and I knew I was buying the showroom model that very day..and I did! I will never regret my decision. It is an absolutely fabulous car. Nissan has really outdone themselves with the 3.5 SR V6!

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  Like the Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Byranlady - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Very sharp looking car and good performance overall, would recommend as a good family car. Lots of room and large trunk area.

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  My brothers - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By rachel - February 14 - 8:43 am

  My brother is the one that owns the Nissan Titan. I was in texas one time when I wrecked my car (I live in Oklahoma) and I had no way how to get my husband and daughter back home. Then My brother said him and his wife could take us.All 5 of us in that truck, I thought it would be uncomfortable but it wasnt. It was QUITE comfortable!! I would recommend that truck to anyone!Since our car was totaled my husband bought a Nissan Titan and I LOVE it!!! And

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  Honda Accord Owner for 15 yrs. - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By wright1308 - February 14 - 8:43 am

  I have owned 5 Honda Accords over the last 15 years. I was about ready to buy another when I test drove the Altima. Immediately I could feel the difference. The Hondas are very smooth, reliaable and actually boring. I found the Altima fun to drive. I like the car more every day even though Ive only had it for a month. The leather seats seem more comfortable than the Accord and I like the home link. Hats off to Nissan for finally making a car that I feel is comparable and even better than my reliable, plain Hondas.