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:

• 

  Absolutely fantastic! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Stephen Kowalchuk - January 20 - 2:26 am

  This car is a terrific performer! Road feel is fabulous, incredible power, comfortable driving position, nice control layout. The 6-speed manual epitomizes "fun to drive". Only drawback -- torque steer. Jump on the accelerator and you better be holding onto the wheel. Everything else is practically perfect.

• 

  Decent value - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By pierce1 - January 19 - 11:00 pm

  My 1997 Nissan Pathfinder has a decent ride and power. It sways a little at highway speeds. Was very reliable until 100,000 miles. Ive had several repairs since (it now has 109,000 miles. Complaints - my mechanic told me that my trucks rotors must be replaced with the brakes and the parts are pricey, especially exhaust parts. Overall, I would say its a good vehicle but not a great vehicle.

• 

  repeating brake problems - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By dbrockner - January 19 - 8:10 pm

  AFTER 5000 MILES FRONT BRAKES STARTED PULSATING AND SQUEALING. HAD TRUCK IN FOR FRONT BRAKES 3 TIMES. TOTAL OF 15 DAYS DOWN TIME. NISSAN COULD NOT SUPPLY THE PARTS. OCT 04 MORE BRAKE PROBLEMS. 19000 MILES. REARS WERE SHOT. THEY WERE GOING TO CHARGE ME TO REPAIR THEM. AFTER MUCH COMPLAINING THEY REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. THE REARS WERE DOING ALL THE WORK WHEN THE FRONTS WERENT WORKING. ALSO POWER WINDOWS IN FRONT MALFUNCTION ALL THE TIME. 4 WHEEL DRIVE SWITCH REPLACED TWICE.

• 

  shaking steering wheel when breaking - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Sergio Baylon - January 19 - 7:10 pm

  fun to drive, when braking steering wheel shakes a lot (I mean a lot!!!), and the worst thing is they dont have enough spare parts to fix the problem (long waiting list, Ive been waiting since dec 9!!). Dealer says spare parts will fix problem temporarily, while nissan is finding out the real solution. I heard Nissan Armada got same problem.

• 

  Almost an Infiniti - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Picky - January 19 - 4:40 pm

  I have 8k miles on my SE and though it took some time to bond with it, I truly enjoy driving it. Once you accept this is a fwd car (and will never handle like a rwd car) its probably one of the better handling large fwd cars out there, especially under $40k. Suspension is tight in the corners and smooth on the straights. 3.5L engine provides fantastic performance but could easily be higher if Nissan didnt have to worry about competing with their Infiniti line. CVT (continuously variable transmission) is quite remarkable. Feels like it always gears the vehicle down for better performance, especially at higher speeds. 50 to 100 mph feels more like 350hp with the CVT. A special ride indeed.

• 

  Driver - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Mariusz - January 18 - 5:43 pm

  This Truck drives great. Acceleration is amazing. Soft ride with independent suspension for each weel make ride like a small suv. Interior is very roomy. Three rows of seats are very cofortable. The back two rows are folded flat make a lot of cargo space.

• 

  Nissan got it right with this Pathfinder - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Boltsfan - January 18 - 4:30 pm

  Ive had mine a week and absolutely love driving it. The 4Runner and Sorento were both possible options but factoring in performance and all features, it was an easy choice.

• 

  Made to Ride - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By DB70 - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I think Nissan Pathfinder 2001 is a great improvement. It has great horse- power, great torque, very good road handling, decent mileage, very cool pick up and its really made to ride. It all depends upon the drivers, depends upon how you take care of your car, how do you really treat your car and there are a lot of other factors which can take loads of problem in the vehicle. Me and My friend bought the same car - Nissan Pathfinder 2001 - all we could see was 240 horse power and great pick- up. I love driving it and I would and I have recommended so many people to buy NISSAN PATHFINDER cuz it ROCKS!!!

• 

  Happy Deal - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Mkozic - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2.5S Altima in June and I am very happy. Lot of power for a 4 cyl. car. The has a plenty of enterior space, lots of trunk space. I am impressed with base stereo that it came with. The upholstery could be a little better...but you cant get everything for under 20K. I got a great deal through the internet.

• 

  Cant believe its a Nissan! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By ACE Driver - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Great acceleration, beautiful body styling, much improved interior over the 2002 - but still needs a little improvement w/ the interior features - but this car is a blast to drive... the Accord is in big trouble!!