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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  Why Pay More? - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By NissanGuy - August 31 - 8:36 am

  Bought this car as a daily driver after wrecking my first 300ZX (I have another one now in the garage). Was very pleasantly surprised by the strong performance, and good interior room. I love Nissans - I think you consistently get more for your money than with Toyota or Honda. I wanted an auto for DC area driving conditions, so a Spec-V was out of the question, but the SE-R has performed just fine. I think the car is nimble and generally handles well in all weather conditions, but I agree that the OEM Firehawk tires need help. My main complaint is the same as most others - the interior is cheap looking and feeling. In sum, you get a lot more go for your $ with the SE-R vs the others.

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  GREAT Truck - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By TAMARA - August 30 - 11:00 am

  I owned 3 Nissan Pathfinders, a 1997 SE, 2001 LE and 2004 SE. I did not like the new models, but I love Nissan quality, so I decided to try the Xterra, since it was in my price range. I absolutely love the acceleration, a lot better than my Pathfinders. I love the way the truck looks and the way it handles on the road, very quiet on the parkway. I do miss the sunroof and armrest that were in my Pathfinders. The Rockford Fosgate stereo system is out of this world!!

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  Love99Pathfinder - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Love99Pathfinder - August 29 - 10:00 am

  Fabulous SUV! Purchased it used at 22k miles. Have had no problems in the 2 years we have owned it.

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  good price for performance - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By 514329 - August 29 - 10:00 am

  for an SE 4X4 w/ tow package, built 05- 04 and only 9 days in the lot for $34095.00 out the door (yes incl. tax, tax and title) would I take it, yes. I can get use to some issues but definetely cant deal w/ paying $3000.00 on my trade-in and $1000.00 above invoice + tax, tags & title on a competing manufacturer (I went to all dealership w/ this manufaturer on where I am and just cant get the deal I want cause I got use to paying invoice). cant also deal w/ driving a full size SUV w/ underpower engine.

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  BAD GAS MILAGE!!!!!!! - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By SHR - August 29 - 10:00 am

  The truck is very nice looking but the gas milage is poor!!!! I drove 1160 miles on it and put almost 97 gals. of gas in it! 3300-3500 rpm at 75mph! and thats with the 5 speed and 3.3 ltr. not recommended for alot of traveling! But it will fit a family of 4 in it nicely and the interior layout is very nice! ride is a little harsh but what truck isnt!

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  Disappointed - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By DD - August 29 - 4:50 am

  I purchased my 2005 Nissan Maxima with 13 miles on it. It has a very sporty look to it however, I dont like the fact that when you get into it you have to be very careful not to bump your head as you enter the car because it sits low. When you pay good money for a car the chrome should not tarnish from washing the car. I experience a groan and/or moan sound when I make a left turn with the steering wheel and have no idea what that is. Of course everytime I take it in they say they do not hear it. I would not recommend a Nissan to anybody and I will never purchase a Nissan again. The sad part is that I owned an Nissan Exteria and it made the same groan noise when turning.

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  My Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Jamie - August 28 - 4:56 pm

  I have only owned this vehicle for a little over a month and I really love it. The amount of space in this vehicle is amazing! Its perfect for a large family like mine! The only thing I have a hard time with is the gas.

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  So far so good - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Kevin - August 27 - 11:11 am

  I have put over 70K on my Altima since purchasing in July 2013. Most of the miles are road miles. The original Michelins are still on the car and should be good for another 4 to 5000 miles by appearance. The one major complaint that I have had with the car was recently fixed. The annoying 20 to 40 mph rattle/groan from the right front side of the car. After a lot of research and speaking with a Nissan mechanic at another dealership, I got my hands on the service bulletin that described the problem and appropriate repairs. I after talking with my dealer and Nissan corporate, I was able to negotiate 50% payment to replace the alternator. The car is so much quieter and smoother since. Otherwise, the car has been great. Gas mileage is super.

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  Im ready to buy another.... - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Paul - August 26 - 8:23 am

  I have a rare five speed. This big (by todays standards) four cylinder sedan easily pulls away from traffic and rides comfortably on the highway. I rent cars often because of frequent travel but when I use the Altima on trips Im a lot happier. Never happy with the factory tires-when I swapped tires at about 50,000 miles the new Yokohama Avids provided a huge improvement in ride, handling and wet weather safety. Otherwise this is the best car Ive ever owned. Brakes, tires, oil changes, normal maintenance, thats it!

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  Highly Recommended - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By trev613 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I love my Maxima. Great car for the money. Easily competes with the top of the line cars and has better styling than Honda. I bought it new with 52 miles on it and have driven it everywhere and have never been disappointed. It has all the options except the CD changer. Pearl white with Black Leather...not available in the new models (not sure why?). Very few problems.