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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  A Pleasant Surprise - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Manny - December 29 - 4:50 am

  I recently purchased a Nissan Murano after doing an extensive search on mid- size SUVs. While looking, I hadnt even considered this vehicle as an option, but after sitting in it at an auto show, my curiosity was piqued. It has all the features I was looking for in an SUV (pick-up, size, speed, features), plus some added bonuses like lots of cargo space and tons of safety features. From reviews, it sounds like the reliability is good and the gas and emissions ratings (important in California) are pretty decent. Its got awesome pick-up and drives and handles like a car. I was interested in "pilot- ing" it until this came along. I was sold.

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  Best Care Ive Ever Owned - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By johnjohn12 - December 29 - 3:26 am

  I bought my 2013 PF, SL, 4x4 premium in June 2013. I have almost 2,000 miles on it so far and it is the funnest SUV Ive ever owned. Absolutely comfortable inside and plenty of room for my two kids. Lots of fun gadgets and great has milege. I havent had any problems with anything and have absolute trust in the Nissan name.

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  Some Dissatisfaction - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Chris Anderson - December 28 - 6:40 pm

  Hood and truck are plastic. A magnet will not adhere. Stick shift sometimes difficult with the "zig-zag" configuration. Seats uncomfortable. Speakers not great. Radio/clock dial hard to see. The worst was salesman told me my 1st oil change was free, but upon reporting for that appointment, I was told the first oil change was never free. That was an aggravating waste of time.

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  Just bought 05 used Pathfinder - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Dave - December 27 - 7:16 pm

  After doing a lot of research into finding a new vehicle, I ended up choosing an 05 Pathfinder that I found used at a local dealer. Ive taken the Pathfinder on a couple of long trips already and I really enjoy driving it. I moved into this vehicle from a 99 Pontiac Grand Prix. That car was fun to drive, but at 115k miles, it was time to trade. Granted, I cant take sharp corners in the Pathfinder at 80mph, but overall Im very pleased with its handling. If you want a $50k SUV, then youre going to have to pay $50k. But for the money, I think the Pathfinder more than delivers.

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  Beware of Toyo A22 Tire Wear - 2012 Nissan Quest
  By Lawrence Blind - December 27 - 1:11 pm

  The original tires on our Quest, Toyo A22, have worn to the wear bars at 22,800 miles. After some online research I have discovered that others have also noticed and complained about this. Our vehicle is driven around town for usual family outings, and a couple of longer out of town trips. Our Firestone dealer, who services the vehicle and rotates the tires regularly, said there is no OEM warranty on the tire, either from Nissan or Toyo. Others have commented that the tires were likely not sized correctly by Nissan to handle the vehicle weight, and we think there is something to this argument. The only other conclusion is that the Toyo A22 are a very cheap tire thrown on a new car to save a few $$. Either way, we are very disappointed that we need to replace the tires with such low mileage on them, and we will certainly avoid purchasing either new Toyo tires or any vehicle with them in the future.

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  Enjoying the Ride - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By nx2kracer - December 26 - 9:36 pm

  With 6000 miles on this car, I have nothing but praise for it. It is still a joy everytime I sit down in the supportive bucket seats, shift it into first and take off. Power is available no matter where you are in the power band and it has the handling to the match. The car was a joy to drive on the race track too, it ate up the 3.2 VIR track with grace and finesse. Screaming out of the corners! Buy one you will enjoy it!

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  Good tough looks, back could be improved - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By homi - December 26 - 1:33 pm

  Good overall SUV...Value for money

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  Nice Pre-Graduation Present! - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By About to Graduate! - December 26 - 10:00 am

  My Dad bought me this car last year after driving him crazy for it. I love it! The fuel efficiency is whats got me a bit uncomfortable with our current gas situation and all. But I did jump from a 97 Civic to an SUV after all. If youre thinking of purchasing this model - do test drive, test drive! So you can feel the difference for yourself.

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  Great Car! - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Alannn - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Best car Ive ever own, 131K and runs like new!

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  Extera ...WOW - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By kashdkjahklfh - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I have never been upset with this car...truck. Easy to pack and fun to drive.