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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  Love it - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By J-Rob - December 5 - 10:00 am

  Just bought a new Pathfinder LE 4wd with black leather, hitch, and bike rack. I love this vehicle. It has a smooth drive and is very comfortable. I was also looking at the Highlander, but decided that I could get more fun from the pathfinder for less $$ (6-disc in dash, bose sound, more towing capacity, and the ability to kick in 4WD h/l). i couldnt be happier and got the PF for 700 less than invoice! Cant wait to drive it more!

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  Outstanding Vehicle - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By RobbK6 - December 5 - 10:00 am

  This car has been a joy so far. I replaced an excellent condition CRX Si with this car and it delivers even better performance with a back seat! I have over 22,000 miles on my car and I havent had a problem yet. I will say the paint sucks, but that was the only thing I can say negatively. For the price there was nothing in the same class when I bought it. It has a decent aftermarket following for the engine and some suspension upgrades. But in all actuality they arent really needed. I have a 2001 SE with performance package, sunroof, and 5spd.

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  FunToDrive - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By freeway - December 5 - 10:00 am

  This is the first vechicle I have bought that after about 1 year I wasnt tired of it. I plan on keeping this one until it wears out, then I buy another.

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  great car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By scott w - December 5 - 10:00 am

  Bought it for my wife , now I need to buy her something else.Its mine now.

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  Best Car for the $ - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By BigJim52 - December 5 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2002 Maxima GLE 6 weks ago and could not be happier with my choice of this vehicle. Power, handling and comfort are all excellent. The Bose stereo is fantastic.

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  This car is fun fun fun, but only if... - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Wade - December 5 - 10:00 am

  ...only if you have the 6 speed manual transmission. Let me remind you that the Maxima is a sports car with 4 doors, you should not even look at the automatics.

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  Why I love Nissans--Xterra is Tops! - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Lee English - December 5 - 10:00 am

  Xterra is AWESOME. I love the power, the styling--everything. I even get good gas mileage. I averaged 330/mpg in my Maxima; now Im at 300. I LOVE the turning radius, the extra space, dual cupholders and the multiple outlets. Sunroof could be better and I dont like the two non-knobs next to the power outlet above the radio. My sometimes only regret is that I didnt get the SC, but there were none in my color choice when I went to purchase.

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  Pseudo-car Crossover SUV - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By VegasBoy - December 5 - 8:13 am

  I drove a Nissan 350z 2006, Altima Coupe 2008 and 2009 Mercedes C300 Sports, before i bought this car because i am going to have a baby. Compare Rogue to this car this is what i get out of it. Rogue as Advertised really handles better than the c300, equal of altima and lower than 350z. braking and acceleration is the same as an altima.Road comfort rogue is below c300 but above the altima and 350z. Rogue is a Nissan with it comes their trademark quick acceleration and darn good braking. The interior is ok unless you are expecting luxury then better have Murano. Fuel Economy-rogue is better than the three around 24 mpg city, havent tested in highways. Rogue is a good fit for a starting family

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  Bullet Proof! - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By Daddyniowa - December 4 - 8:20 pm

  When I bought this car it had about 59,000 miles on it. It is a five speed. The only modifications I have made is opened up the exhaust and installed a "Tornado fuel saver". I do use Mobile One full synthetic motor oil changed every 8,000 miles, and synthetic gear lube as well. I have owned a lot of Japanese cars in my past, and I have to say this one is one of the very best! I consistently get 32 to 34 mpg on the highway which is most all that I drive. It corners very well, and if you redline 3rd gear you are doing exactly 103 mph! Whenever I give a friend a ride or let them drive it they cannot believe the power and torque that it has. As as far as repairs there have not been any yet!

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  3 Weeks and counting - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By flyerchas - December 3 - 10:33 pm

  Ive had my 2005 Altima 2.5S for 3 weeks now, and it just keeps getting better and better. Some creaks and rattles when I hit a bad bump, but other than that is as tight as a drum. The ride is great, and my break in mileage is over 30 mpg highway. Seats are very comfortable. Its big, comfortable, rides nice and quiet. What more can you want from a $20k car?