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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  For young and old alike - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Judy Smith - April 15 - 2:16 am

  After checking other reviews and comparing SUVs I test drove the Pathfinder. I was hooked. It is comfortable and roomy enough for my 65" son. It has good pick-up, drives quiet and feels solid and safe. I havent used the third row seats yet but they are there if I need them. The DVD keeps the grandkids happy on long drives. My daughter bought a 2001 new and I always liked it. People that have ridden in the back seat say it is comfortable. It drives like a dream and is comfortable seating for long drives. I plan on keeping it for many years.

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  Fantastic Performer/4dr combination - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Davetek - April 14 - 11:50 pm

  Car has been absolutely reliable so far, and Ive about 80K on the odometer. The VQ powerplant never disappoints; there is ample torque everywhere so shifting is minimal. The handling is fantastic, turn in is very sharp and mid-corner is almost neutral with slight understeer. Brakes are equally good, minal nose dive and sports car stopping distances. On the highway I usually average better than 30mpg, with 23-25mpg in the city. The 6spd manual is "stik-stik" perfect, but the throws are a little long. Pedals are placed nicely for heal toe downshifts. Performs reasonably well in the snow too, obviously winter tires are recommended.

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  Very Impressed - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Roland & Steph E. - April 14 - 10:10 pm

  I was looking for a good change in vehicles I saw the 3.5 SE Altima loved the look of the car. Once I drove it I was very impressed of the smoothness of the ride, all of the accessories they have including bose, sunroof, spoiler, and acceleration performance is awesome. So far the car has been perfect - no problems. It was hard for me to make the change but I do not regret it one bit. The interior is also very easy to clean and I like the design the sporty sleek look. Gas mileage on hwy excellent.

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  Altima 3.5SE is awesome! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By nhmtnbkr - April 14 - 9:53 pm

  Ive had my 3.5SE for a little more than a year (nearly 20K miles) and I have to say that I love this car!! I tested the Camry SE and the Accord EX and this car blew both away. Its wonderfully powerful and quiet, gives a comfortable, tuned and composed ride for a sport trim vehicle. Handling is fantastic, very well balanced and easy to control. Mileage with a Yakima rack is OK at 23 mpg in mixed driving. Definitely recommend the use of at least mid grade gas, as regular sucks about 3-4mpg from the mileage. Legroom for a 63" guy like me is good, much better than Camry and Accord. Braking is OK, could be a little bit better.

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  Better than the Camry - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By altiman - April 14 - 3:40 pm

  After owning an 07 Camry se for about a year, I decided to trade it in for the hybrid altima. What a great decision that was. Sure the Camry had good v6 power, but it lacked in features. For $30k I was able to get a hybrid Altima with every available feature. Which by the way was what I paid for the Camry with no real fun features.

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  Nice vehicle - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By Mollari - April 14 - 9:23 am

  We immediately took the vehicle on a 1000 mi trip (round trip miles). DVD player was great to have. I think theyre too conservative in their gas warnings.

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  Great Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By rker321 - April 13 - 1:50 pm

  When I bought my Altima in 2004 I actually had to buy a 2005 model, there were no 2004 in all of So. Calif. I am so pleased and happy with this car. The performance is wonderful, the lines of this car are so beautiful. I just hope that they dont change anything on this car for a while. It is perfect.

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  Love my Platinum - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Jim Wujkowski - April 13 - 2:52 am

  Simply, a great car. I never thought I would be in a Nissan. Was considering a BMW or Audi, but fell in love with the Platinum. Sporty yet comfortable. Great handling, quiet, and fast! Look forward to driving it everyday. Great gas mileage: 21 city, 34 hwy. You know you have a nice car when you catch strangers taking pictures of it in the parking lot! You did it right Nissan.

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  I like my Pathfinder - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By rochrandy - April 13 - 12:53 am

  I have owned three Xterras, 2000, 2002, & 2004. I decided to step up to the Pathfinder. Bought it Memorial Day 2008. I have 18000 miles on it with zero problems. I pull a small trailer and the Pathfinder handles it very well. I feel that I got my moneys worth when I purchased it.

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  nissan frontier - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By dfmcarlson - April 12 - 8:19 pm

  My dads 2000 nissan frontier 4x4 4 cyl manual has been the most reliable truck, he bought it new it has 260,000 miles everything in the truck is still all original has never been touched, same water pump,same thermostat,same clutch and pressure plate you name it its still all there. except for a cracked exhaust manifold i just replace a couple days ago. its been beat up bad its been threw water up to the hood waters coming in the truck but does not burn any oil at all for almost 300,000 miles no truck could ever last and have been beat up as this one has.