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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  Best for the money - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By royboy41 - October 13 - 5:26 pm

  I have had my vehicle for 1000 miles now and I am very happy with it. I looked at a variety of cars: used Acura TL, new Acura TSX, Mazda 3 (2010) and a Ford Edge. The Altima SL CVT with Bose is very comparable to the TSX but has a better body style and was thousands cheaper. The voice activation blue-tooth phone is very very cool! Wish the 2.5 had a few more horses for when the car has 4 passengers, but it is sufficient. You can always step up to the 3.5 if needed for a couple grand. It also fits 5 passengers very comfortably.

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  I love this truck! - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By Karen - October 13 - 11:16 am

  I just got my Xterra in solar yellow last week and I absolutely love it! The ride is super smooth, better than my friends sedans. Its also really quiet in the cabin for those long hauls. And the plastic lined cargo area is ideal for my three dogs. The roof toolbox even comes in handy for wet swimsuits, shoes, or anything stinky from the dogs. I have only had it for a few days and have already logged 400+ miles on it. I cant keep myself out of it!

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  Wouldnt buy it again - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Rachel - October 13 - 11:03 am

  Bought this car after owning an Acura and a Camry. Both the Acura and Camry which are now 15 years old have had less problems than this Maxima. Had to have transmission replaced after warranty ran out. AC compressor had to be replaced. Motor went out on the driver seat and it will not move- not worth the expense ($250) to replace it. There is a constant rattle in the back panel. Nissan has not helped one bit with any of this or with the poor service and the run around I got at a particular Nissan dealership. Lastly the interior design with the radio, temp control, etc. is terrible and difficult to use while driving with all those buttons. I will never buy another Nissan. Get a Camry!

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  comparing with mid class cars - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By JP - October 13 - 4:03 am

  accord, camry and altima, i think they represent for mid class sedans. for smoothness i figured camry and accord are the one for it. but altima aint that bad. i like its style especially tail light, 15 more horses than others and sound system. i am enjoying it

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  Dissapointing - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Mark_Char - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Blew the tranny after 6 mos. ownership. I bought it used had it for 6 months, only had 140 kms on it. Never used for towing or never abused. Nissan Canada wouldnt even consider helping me out. Strangely all the reviews were excellent for this vehicle. Lesson learned, dont believe everything you read, Im still burning my consumer reports magazines!! Talked to several shops theyve had many repairs lately due to rad problems causing insufficient cooling of tranny. Even 1999 models. Im waiting for the recall.

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  The Best Yet - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By sheltiepup - October 13 - 2:00 am

  I drove the Pilot,4runner,Envoy and the pathfinder- the interior of the pilot was wider and the price was a bit less but the inside was plain and didnt ofer as many features as the pathfinder- the 4 runner was too expensive. The interior ROCKS compared to the rest- I love being able to control my stereo from the steering wheel! Heated seats are the best,The stereo is good compared to most factory radios(6 dash cd ) The leather seats are comfy, Sunroof is a nice option to have included (Not an option on the honda pilot) The ride is quiet, Gas mileage Stinks.

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  Great car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By jltucker - October 13 - 2:00 am

  a great car! Really fun to drive, handles wonderfully, the 3.5L V6 really gets out of the gate quick, loads of interior room and trunk space. Loaded with lots of features including outstanding Bose sound system.

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  Practical, Comfort and Elegance in One! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Akuyek - October 13 - 12:56 am

  I have this car for almost 3 years yet it still takes my breath away. Surefooted in slippery snow, at sharp corners or blasting through a hazard situation - in luxurious comfort. Its like commanding a magical creature morphed and have the agility of a unicorn, the elegance of a swan and the stability of a bullfrog.

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  Not what nissan advertise as an SUV... - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By Xjunk - October 12 - 10:43 pm

  Had this vehicle for repairs under warranty twice a month during 36000 miles. Basically changed everything under warranty. Fixed window regulators, both seats replaced, a/c compressor, abs actuator, WHOLE rear axle, curtain airbags deployed at 12k miles driving in mud. Definitely not what Nissan advertises as off road vehicle. Engine idles bad even after doing a 400 dollar injection cleanup by dealer. gas mileage is really bad and lots of noise, clunking under body. Nissan North America service was horrible, had my car for a month because of airbag issues and not covered under warranty!!! Never ever gona buy another nissan.

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  Me Likey My Murano - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By waits211 - October 12 - 9:56 pm

  Murano is better than I thought. I test drove it, actually wanted the fx35 but wife talked me down. I enjoy everything about this car except for 2 things. 1)blind spot. I put in a small mirror on the passenger side mirror and that fixed it 2)gas milage. I expected this to do much better than my pathfinder but it doesnt. I do all city driving. Stop and go. I get around 16mpg. Highway puts me in the low-mid 20s. I dont use premium and dont feel a difference when I do. All in all Nissan builds great cars but the dealerships and service is terrible.