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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  Leoivench - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Leoivench - April 24 - 10:00 am

  The best small car on a market

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  really a blast! - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By BobX - April 24 - 10:00 am

  I imagine that some of these negative reviews think like my brother, who thinks his Blazer is the greatest (e.g., softer seats), though I dont think it would make it in one piece through some places weve been. The Xterra gives us about everything we were looking for - ruggedness and handling as well as comfort. We just did a trip through eastern Oregon (1,000 miles total, and about 100 off- road) - it ran great, handled great, and my back end was still feeling fine when we got home. I dont know what more I could ask for, other than the things mentioned for potential improvements. It really has been a blast to drive, though!

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  My first Pick-up - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By Frontier Frank - April 23 - 5:13 pm

  Bought brand-new. Went into dealership to purchase another type of vehicle could not make a deal and asked if they had any of the new super-charged pick-ups. Drove it, bought it and 9 years later have no regrets. Its the most fun vehicle to drive and the workmanship and paint of the vehicle have been outstanding. Turned out the dealer I bought it from was the best I have ever dealt with.

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  Really nice full size, I shopped a lot.. - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Doug in Dallas - April 23 - 7:46 am

  I have had mine a while now and am still very,very pleased. For the money, fact that it is a truck and other things it is amazing. I use it as transportation for 4-5 adults in comfort. It pulls over 9k lbs (big tow pkg) and has so many really nice features. Good power and torque, gas milage is 14-15 so far (hey its a V8 full size I knew that). I sold a car and a truck and am filling both roles with this and it is doing great. Truly excellent room in the back and great functionality. Compared to Ford F150 (05), chevy 1500 and Avalanche it is no contest. Tundra is nice but not as well thought out and is 7/8th size. Not as roomy or feature equiped. I am not a Dodge fan so did not consider.

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  Just purchased - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Tracey - April 23 - 7:46 am

  We just brought home our new SE 06 Pathfinder and love it. We upgraded to the comfort package with the A/C vents for the third row seats. I could not believe they expect to cool the third row with two tiny vents in the second. We test drove on a very HOT afternoon and I wouldnt put my child or even my dog back there without access to an A/C vent.

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  Ice Cube - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By D Malkmus - April 23 - 12:33 am

  I traded a civic hybrid for my cube. In my opinion Nissan has come up with a winner with this vehicle. It has more room to comfortably accommodate my 6 ft 7 in husband and two teenage boys than our 2007 Expedition. The seats are very comfortable and the illumination package is a must. My kids love it at night. It is a perfect vehicle for commuting around town. The wind noise at highway speeds is noticeable but not significantly higher than my civic. The road noise is less by far. All is all we are very comfortable in the cube. It is much easier to park than most vehicles and it is very easy to get in and out of as compared with most cars.

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  Great Truck! - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Tigger - April 22 - 6:53 pm

  This is a great truck, It handles almost like a car, has power at every RPM and hauls a car trailer with ease. At 75 mph it was only turning 2800 rpm and I averaged 13 mpg hauling close to 7000 lbs over 700 miles.

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  titan - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By rich - April 22 - 3:50 pm

  have 22k miles on the truck now and besides having the brakes replaced 2 times no problems. The last brake job was the upgrade and have had no problems so far. Truck tows a 30 7000 pound travel trailer great. I love the truck and would change a thing.

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  Forget Toyota, get a Frontier! - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By johnnycorn - April 22 - 8:23 am

  This was the my first ever Nissan. I looked at Toyota, Ford, Suzuki, and Dodge. The dealer became the difference. I had a great experience. Having said that, I love my truck. I have the 4 banger with a 5 speed auto. The millage I get so far is better then the EPA at 19 city and 23 highway. It handles well but takes U turns wide. The auto has a hard time picking a gear in mountain driving. San Jose rains a lot and it handles very well in wet and windy conditions. I love everything about this truck! I would stongly recommend it and honestly after looking at the Toyota, I see little reason to buy one when the Frontier is a better truck in my opinion. Also check out the Suzuki Equator.

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  Satisfied Titan Owner - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Luvthistruck - April 22 - 3:16 am

  Prior to buying the Titan I drove all of the Big 3 truck manufacturers. The Titan is by far the best value and performing half ton pickup. I do not have the tow package as I felt a 7500 lb capacity is more than enough. I use the vehicle for recreational use and on our first trip we found the vehicle extremely comfortable with a great ride. Around 20 mpg on the highway too!