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:

• 

  pathfinder - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By lov-n-it - August 23 - 2:00 am

  25000 miles and NO PROBLEMS. This vehicle is very versitile. Easy to park, fun to drive, merging is breeze, 240hp. would have got the LE but at 63" i did not have enough headroom.

• 

  A GOOD OVERALL SUV - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By hala - August 23 - 2:00 am

  THE CAR IS GOOD,BUT IT LACKS SOME LEG ROOM IN THE BACK. IT IS HARD TO FIT THREE PERSONS IN THE BACK , IT WONT BE CONFORTABLE. THE BACK SEATS ARE NOT EASY TO FOLD SO THE CARGO SPACE CAN BE USED. THE SEATBELT BUCKLES GET STUCK UNDER THE SEAT OFTEN, AND IT IS HARD TO TAKE THEM OUT. THE CAR RIDES VERY NICE AND HAS A LOT POWER.

• 

  Love it - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By camc - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I have had it only for about two weeks but its great. Im looking for any reason to get out and drive it. I also purchased the navigation system which is really pretty slick. Its has hotels,atms,airports and hundred of other preprogramed points of interest. The car ride is really nice. Only complaint I have is that the XM radio option that is advertised is not yet available.

• 

  Best Truck Ever! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Cyclemut - August 21 - 11:03 am

  Originally thought of purchasing a Colorado, until I drove both. Wish the Frontier had the Orange color of the Colorado, but am very happy with what I got (Black). Green lights are fun again, mountain trips are a pleasure again, the ride is awesome, the power is great, and after the engine started to break in, the mileage got better! Dont know what youre looking for. But if its for a truck you could pass down to your kid, the 05 Frontier is it. Have the dealer add the remotes for keyless entry (doesnt come with remotes from the factory), as theyre pricey ($158 each). Test drove the Tacoma and the Colorado. Love the power of the Frontier and ruggedness of the body. Wont look back!

• 

  Simple SUV - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Daniel Ocean - August 20 - 4:33 pm

  Traded in 04 Murano. Went from luxury to basic. The X is very simple and rugged. if u get it dirty then leave it there, it looks nice w/ dirt on it. Interior layout is fine. everything is where u would expect it to be. more storage spots than murano. spacious enough to haul things around.

• 

  BLACK BEAUTY - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By RO - August 20 - 5:10 am

  MY NISSAN MAXIMA 3.5SL NAVIGATES VERY SMOOTHLY. IT IS COMFORTABLE FOR MY 103 LBS GRANDDAUGHTER AS WELL AS MY 6 5" NEPHEW. I ALWAYS HEARD THAT MAXIMAS ARE EXCELLENT CARS BUT I AM GLAD THAT I FINALLY BOUGHT ONE.

• 

  Outstanding Truck. - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Dave - August 20 - 1:33 am

  After a lot of research I picked the Titan and after 30 days cound not be happier. However I do realize that time will tell. But if first impressions are lasting then this is a great truck. I have had trucks for 30 years and this may be the first that is actually fun to drive. I was concerned with the size going from a Dakota to the full size Titan but its no big deal. The gas mileage is about what I expected 14-15. Considered a F150 and Tundra but fell in love with the Titan after I drove it. Value was part of the reason. Got a great deal at $3K below invioce. F150 and Tundra were more $ for less features.

• 

  pricey, but worth it - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By brian - August 19 - 9:06 pm

  car handles really good and feels stiff enough to not annoy you. gas mileage could be better, as i avg 15 in city. the car has power to pick up and go. turn radius could be better. the navigation is good, but i preferr hondas navigation as its easier to use and overall better. no complaints about my navi though. my car came with xenons, and the only thing i dislike about them is the lack of projectors in them. lighting just doesnt match my 04 mazda3 or my brother bmw as far as lighting goes.

• 

  1995 Maxima SE - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Phil Franco - August 19 - 7:26 am

  Original brakes lasted 125,000 miles. Replacement brakes lasted 110,000. Original exhaust system. Clutch replaced at factory expense at 35,000 miles. Replaced original starter and alternator. Average 26 - 27 mpg, high speed driving. Replaced struts at 270,000 miles. I expect to log wll over 300,000 miles. This car is fantastic!!! Terrific performance and economy. Best car on the road for the money.

• 

  I prefer Sentra to my Civic - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By kurts - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Sentra is very smooth driving. It has never given me any problem in many long trips. I am more used to the Nissan interior design; Civic and Corolla has an interior that feels "cheap".