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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  Standard Econobox - 1998 Nissan Sentra
  By Snakey - January 31 - 4:16 am

  I have owned this car for 3 years, well just over, and it has been a great car for me (read: college student, poor, etc.) I put 64k miles on it in the first two years and with basic maintenance its been wonderfully reliable, starts every time and stops just as well. Here are the negs: not very peppy, even with a manual and after-market intake (had to try SOMETHING to speed it up!), the interior is noisy at 70MPH+ but thats expected, cup holders are self defeating as they block radio and climate control, STD comes with NO frills, and I mean NONE! Oh, and the stereo bracket might as well have been made for stereo theives, so easy to take. Good car for college and High School students.

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  Rock the Pathfinder - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By TUP1 - January 29 - 9:20 pm

  I drove a lot of SUVs before I decided on the Pathfinder. Four wheel drive and room are a must for me. It really didnt take much after I drove it several times and took a look at the sticker price. The vehicle works great for what I need. Golfing, mountain biking, and snowboarding are more enjoyable now with the room and power available with my Pathfinder. All my gear fits, and I have room to bring friends! I was worried about fuel economy but have found it to be reasonable. I average above 19 in the city (work) and long 70 mph trips (weekends) average 22. The build and quality of the Pathfinder is hard to beat.For the price, the Pathfinder rocks.Les Stanford,Jackson,MI hooked me.

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  A joy to drive - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By dennis - January 29 - 7:10 pm

  fun to drive, smooth quiet ride, great mileage 28 mpg in town, spacious and comfortable interior and looks very nice. Seems to be well-built and solid.

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  I like it but... - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Colorado - January 29 - 3:16 pm

  I love my Pathfinder. It handles well, great acceleration and handling. Many comments about the oxygen sensors and its true, however my cost to fix was almost $4,000 which included many parts along the way to the O2 sensors. Granted it was the Nissan dealer, however, beware. I have the navigation system and its great but the CD version stinks because you have to buy each area at $120 each. Fun chunky ride.

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  good car prone to some repairs - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Bill schledwitz - January 29 - 2:49 am

  Takes about $100/year in miscellaneous repairs.

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  4x4 heaven - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By KEW - January 29 - 2:00 am

  2002 pathfinder SE is untouchable in most ways. Power, stability, styling, quality, ride comfort and did I mention power. However, every time I stomp on the accelerator pedal I see the needle on the gas gage drop...oh well, nobody said heaven is perfect and the sacrifices are well worth it! AND PLEASE CHECK OUT http://forums.vmag.com/suvpathfinder0200/ FOR ALL YOUR PATHFINDER Q&As

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  The best truck Ive ever owned - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By Anthoy Clay - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Ive had a 93 and 98 Ford Ranger. but I have to say ever since I got my 01 frontier crew cab. I have been very-very impressed, with everthing but the gas mileage, but the trucks style, comfort and handling make up for it. I havnt had ant problems with the truck it now has 32k and running like it did when I first drove. GOOD JOB NISSAN. Ford needs to payt more attention.

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  an ecomonic sports car - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By BRUCE - January 29 - 2:00 am

  front bucket seats are really comfortable. lots of pep in the se-r even with the automatic transmission. the 9 speaker rockford fosgate audio pkg is a real bargain and sounds terrific.

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  New Owner Review - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By DATSUN - January 29 - 2:00 am

  First time Ive owned a new vehicle without even a hint of problems. The crew cab is best thing Ive bought, truck, sedan, SUV all in one. Im getting about 20mpg with all highway miles, better than the sticker, but, not certain why they cant get that healthy engine at around 25mpg on the highway. Mileage my only complaint.

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  Check Engine Light and Tire Light - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By JessLobdill - January 29 - 2:00 am

  We just bought this vehicle from a local dealer. I really love the car but the service engine light came on. The dealer said it was fixed but I think that they just reset the computer. And the DTE is showing so I think its a fuel sensor thats out. Plus the tire light is on like I have a flat. Turns out if you read the manual that if it blinks at first and then stays on that there is a problem with the system. Well, I bought the warranty and the dealer has verbally agreed that they would fix both so we will see on Monday. Either way I love it and after those get fixed, 3 rows lots of room, VERY peppy and looks awesome.Got a great deal too. I will update later.