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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  Great Family Fun - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By heatherty01 - May 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a wonderful vehicle!! Great for my family, tons of room. Kids love the dual screen DVD.I love the headphone so I can listen to radio while they watch. Wish it came in all-wheel drive!!!!! That is the only negative I have found. Would be good to have here in the Northeast.

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  I love it! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By proud soccer mom - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I had some major personal issues with the "soccer mom minivan" image, so I refused to drive one..until I saw the Quest! I have an SE with rouge interior and its the best, most stylish vehicle Ive ever owned. I traded a Lexus LX470 for it and I couldnt be happier. My kids love the ease of entry (auto sliding doors are great!) and the 2 DVD screens...I love the way it drives and the open feeling of the skylight roof.Its like piloting a plane..cockpit, cabin..I could go on and on. The interior is so much bigger than it appears from the outside. And oh, yeah..I love the automatic rear hatch. Great job Nissan...this "soccer mom" thanks you!

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By darkelf - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had this vehicle for four months, but so far I could not ask for a better ride or performance. On the highway you want to keep going. This urban vehicle gives a smooth and comfortable experience, above and beyond my expectations. So far; "Real good".

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  Careys 2 cents - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By CareyD - May 29 - 2:00 am

  A fun to drive head turner

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  Silver but not gold! - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By GaryXE - May 29 - 1:24 am

  In general a great little truck. With regular maintenance it has held up well. The only complaint I have is gas mileage!

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  great! - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By kelsey889 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  i love this car.

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  Great Car!!! - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By lh90 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I absolutetly love this car. I bought this car about 12 days ago after test driving the VW Jetta. This car has way more passing power and handles curves great. All of the controls are easily laid out. I got the moonroof and spoiler and the side moldings on this model really gives it a sporty look. I thought about getting the Rockford Fosgate option but the standard 180 watt CD system has a lot of booming base in its own right. An overall excellent car for under 20K!

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  Great Value and Great Ride - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By kais48 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive still yet to see a 4WD vehicle that surpasses my 2001 LE. The ride is incredibly smooth and carlike, with impressive acceleration. The interior is extremely comfortable and convenient, although the rear seat room is too limited. Gas mileage is rather poor, but what can you expect from an SUV? I have had many people express how impressed they are with my Pathfinder both from a value and luxury standpoint, and I agree - Nissan has made an exceptional vehicle that belongs in the "luxury" category.

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  A good reliable runner - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By archie85375 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Great performance. Outboard visibility is excellent. Reliability is the best. My third Maxima. Toyed with the Infiniti G35. 5G more and it doesnt yet have a track record.

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  Shivers Down My Backbone - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By ny2la - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for six months and I still have goosebumps nearly every time I drive it. In fact, I often find myself taking longer routes to and from destinations just to spend more time driving this car. Simply stated the 2002 SE Maxima was designed and built, as the manufacturers ads say, to be "Driven."