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 car comfortable - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By pianotunertech - November 21 - 6:25 pm

  We had a 05 Murano, it was definitely roomier than our 08. The drivetrain is a little quirky. But it gets up and moves very very quickly. The sound system in this car is the best Ive ever heard for stock. It is very balanced and very powerful. The heated seats are wonderful, the ride seems to only improve with time. The seats are very comfortable for long trips with less fatigue than other cars--I like the upright sitting position. This car is very luxurious, leather, the air conditioning seems to work much better than our 05. Maybe its the silver exterior vs. navy blue both with the black interior, but that 05 was beastly hot and hard to cool down in summer.

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  la creme de la creme - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By the viking - November 21 - 9:53 am

  I have taken my time to sit inside the new pathfinder to explore it at first then test drove it for at least half an hour. I realize its the best to buy this season because it offers any and everything you desire in a vehicle .contrary to the old nissan vehicles, the inside doesnt look cheap any longer and the power for a 6 cylinder cant be outmeasured .Its the best out there.

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  dont overlook Murano - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By dadoftay - November 20 - 8:46 pm

  This is a great crossover SUV. Ride is great, handling is more sporty than most others in class. Standard features list is impressive. Room inside will shock you. Lots of power on tap. CVT is nice but takes a little snap away from an otherwise strong drivetrain. Manuverability is excellent. Interior feels very rich and luxurious. Definitley look at this vehicle in your search.

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  la creme de la creme - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Eric the red - November 20 - 7:26 pm

  I have taken my time to sit inside the new pathfinder to explore it at first then test drove it for at least half an hour. I realize its the best to buy this season because it offers any and everything you desire in a vehicle .contrary to the old nissan vehicles, the inside doesnt look cheap any longer and the power for a 6 cylinder cant be outmeasured .Its the best out there.

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  Looks great -too stylish to be practical - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By croon3 - November 20 - 5:46 pm

  Best looking minivan out there, but rattles like a 6 yr old Chevy van. Engine is racy, but interior is not family friendly. Whoever chose light dove grey for an interior color doesnt have kids! Front end shakes and will need realignment often - factory defect, but dealer wont fix. Plastic and hard to clean interior, rattles all over place-think twice before buying! Looks better than all others, but not practical!

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  4th Pathy - 2009 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Tony V - November 20 - 1:36 pm

  This is my 4th Pathfinder and the best one yet! Great power and smooth ride. Just returned from long road trip from NY to Florida. Seats were comfortable and handling was superb. MPG is in line with other trucks this size. 22-23 mpg on highway with regular unleaded.

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  Better Than Honda, Toyota or VW - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By agraff - November 20 - 11:40 am

  We test drove Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, VW Passat and Audi A4 and we were blown away with the new Nissan Maxima. The looks inside and out, feel and performance all stand out above the others we drove. This car handles so tight and has so much power that you feel constrained to drive the speed limit. The only negative is the recommended premium fuel and the gas mileage. The dealer really downplays the premium fuel, in fact we had to ask about it. We are getting right on the EPA fuel rating of 26-27 highway using regular.

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  Love/Hate - 2012 Nissan Xterra
  By hhilde - November 19 - 6:47 pm

  If I had the need I would buy this truck again and have two of them. That means I like the truck and I am happy I can get a tuck with all its functional capability in this particular size. I feel like I can go anywhere in any condition living in MN. All the professional reviews seem accurate so use those but what they dont say that I dont like is: I think the breaks are touchy and lacking feel. I also think the accelerator is jumpy meaning when you step on the gas get ready to jump and go go go! I find this annoying when trying to get out of a parallel parking spot gracefully without hitting the car in from of me. Especially downtown Seattle on a hill. Yikes!

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  Picked Over Accord - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Trudi - November 19 - 10:00 am

  I was ready to purchase an Accord until I drove the Maxima. Best car I have ever owned. I like the body style and colors offered. More horsepower with the Maxima. Great features. A true luxury car at affordable price. Interior is much more refined than the Altima.

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  Nice car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Stazer - November 19 - 10:00 am

  Nice car, except for 3 things that I dont like about it. Back seats are not good for tall people, suspension is Rough on the SE (you feel every bump), making a U-Turn is hard, same with parking spots. Also if you hit the gas and there is bumps on the road you better hold onto the wheel cause it locks up and and jerks really hard.