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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  Fuel Economy suffers - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By volsfan16 - April 17 - 5:10 am

  I traded a 2005 Maxima for a 2007 Maxima. The fuel economy was rated the same so I didnt think anything about the CVT affecting it. However this 07 Maxima operates at 25% higher RPMs than my 2005 Maxima did. It also gets 25% less MPG than my 2005 Maxima did. Traveling on the interstate at 70MPH, I get about 23MPG and the RPMs are turning at 2500. In town driving yields gas mileage similar to my V8 full-time 4WD vehicle. Tried consumer affairs to see if this was something that should happen and they were of no help at all. Received a form response that didnt even attempt to answer my question. Also, the CVT is not nearly as responsive as the old transmission.

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  new - 2002 Nissan Quest
  By hawaiian - April 17 - 4:56 am

  Just picked up this van and i think its a good deal. Nissan did a good job keeping this design fresh until the new 2003 model appears (rumored anyway) The interior is a big improvement over the old model and the size perfect for in-town/parking garages. The Nissan P/up, Altima, and Sentra I had were all reliable and never gave me any problems.

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  Want A Real Sportscar?Buy one of these! - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By Michael J - April 16 - 10:00 pm

  I had a 03 Z06..nice car..faster than the Z but Ill take the Z and the 30K less anyday..you buy lots of attention with this car because it is style period..332 HP is nothing to snicker at..you can fiddle with the air intake system and boost the HP another 12-15 HP for cheap..I bought the Sports Pkg..and Im back in Black..what a car!!!

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  Honest review - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By rye3 - April 16 - 3:11 pm

  I just wanted to make a honest review from first hand experience. Bought this car brand new in 2001. First problem I had was a flat tire with but that was a easy fix. I had the oxygen sensor fix, ECU unit replaced all under warranty with about 60,000 miles. At 130,000 miles had the rack and pinion replaced due to leaking. Stuck at the park gear and using the shift lock to release to other gears. Currently have 148,000 miles and still going. The paint on the hood is fading away. Its a 9 year old car. Will have to replace the timing belt soon. I tend to loose power going up hills. Hopefully reach the 200,000 miles. Other than that a reliable car.

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  Just bought 2013 Pathfinder - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By keenoo - April 16 - 2:45 pm

  I have been reading the latest reviews on the 2013 Pathfinder and find them a bit disappointing. I bought mine yesterday and have 25 miles on it. I hope and pray I DO NOT have transmissions problems! I have been through transmission issues with a 2002 Ford Explorer and they were never rectified. I fell in love with this car after driving the Infiniti JX. I have the fully loaded Platinum. We read the reviews prior to buying and were so worried that the dealer included the 7yrs, 100,000 miles coverage on the engine and transmission. I hope the issues are in the minority and do not show up with me. If they do I hope Nissan can rectify the problem and take care of their customers.

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  Unimpressed - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By TVTech - April 16 - 10:00 am

  First time owning a Nissan. Size of the car is perfect, great for parking in the city, but handling is unremarkable and has been in the shop too many times. O2 sensors all replaced twice already and have had ECM module replaced twice. Ride too stiff and car severely jolts even at small potholes. Hitting larger ones feel like the car will shake loose. Too much road and air noise. Fuel economy does not meet expectations. Test drove 2004 and found the same stiff ride. Very disappointed, probably wont buy another one.

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  95 Pathfinder is dependable - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By bill7 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I have owed my 1995 Nissan Pathfinder for just over 9 years. I have owed 7 different brand vehicles (BMW, SAAB, Toyota, Chevy, GMC, Mazda, and Ford) and it, by far, has been the best quality and dependable vehicle I have owed (a close second was the Toyota owned). I intend to drive it until it stops, which by the way it is running, will be a while.

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  Best value for the $$$ - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By npt - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Compared to other SUVs the Nissan Armada is an excellent choice not only regarding amenities but price. Great ride, excellent handling and numerous "creature comforts" not available in competition. Power lift- gate, fully reclining passenger seat, and tons of storage compartments are a few of the things I like best.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Mike5702 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Style and comfort. Rides smoothly, accelerates smoothly. Plenty of power and lots of room. Constantly amazed at the hauling capacity. Highly recommend.

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  best decision - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By muranolover - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I test drove just about every thing available. Infiniti (loved it but 10K higher), Lexus 330, inderpowered and over priced, BMW, same. This is the best car for the price. Quality is high, excellent sound system. Great styling. People ask my about the car all the time. Definately drive this car if your looking in this market.