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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  Plum - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By kim - February 25 - 12:18 pm

  I am in love with this car. The style,the beauty,the comfort, and the speed is what I have been looking for in a car without having to purchase a sport car. You have luxury and the performance of a sport car all in one. Thanks Nissan you have really out done yourselves.

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  Solid Vehicle - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By mrcarp - February 25 - 8:45 am

  Purchased used from a work aquaintance in 2006 with only 17,000 miles. Now has 58,000. So far, so good. Same issues, CD skips when cold, leather around seat adjusters cracked a bit, heat shield rattle, evap leak - check engine light has been on for about 4 years now. For those with same issue, I would try a new gas cap for a potential fix. Also, use Maguires leather treatment - works great & eliminates the golden retriever smell. Had new oil pan, etc. installed in December 2011 for about $1,000. So far cost of ownership is as expected - we live in Vermont & the winters are brutal on vehicles.

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  The best vehicle Ive ever owned - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By G$ - February 25 - 7:03 am

  The title describes it. This vehicle is very powerful, great mileage (we average 20-23 hwy, 16 combo city/hwy), roomy, awesome brawny looks, firm but comfortable ride, quiet at highway speeds even with the agressive BFG tires and amazing off highway capability. While driving to a winter resort a few months back we survived the worst white-out conditions we had ever experienced in the Oregon Cascades. Our Pathfinder could not be slowed by very deep snow or ice. We struck a surprise berm of snow left by a snowplow that had we been in lesser vehicles would have surely put us in the fifteen foot high banks. I cant say enough about the Pathfinder. If you are thinking about a purchase... do it!

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  BUY A PATHFINDER: U WILL THANK ME!!! - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Pathfinder - February 23 - 4:50 pm

  The Pathfinder is a very well composed SUV. I would choose this over the Honda Pilot. With 240 horses and an optional sunroof, this car is for more than just cruising! And now, they are changing the style but I strictly recommend those 2004 and later. The 2005s and up are not as refined or luxurious despite an additional 2 seats over the 2004

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  Best car we have ever owned - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By jclick - February 23 - 10:00 am

  My wife has driven the 2000 Maxima more than I have, but the experience of driving this car is unbelievable.The 5 speed shifts wonderfully and the quiteness of such a strong engine and sporty sedan are fantastic. No complaints at all about the car.NO wind noise at HIGHway speeds.

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  My Second Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By drbjr66 - February 23 - 10:00 am

  This is my second maxima, I owed a 91 SE, and I can asure you this new maxima is the one. It has power on demand for a V6 and it comes on smooth, strong and fast. It has a nice responsive feel from the steering and considering that it rides on 18"inch low profile tires (245/45VR18)the ride is pretty dam good. Nissan did their home work on this car A+++.

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  Best Buy - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Scott - February 22 - 11:20 pm

  Just received my 2007 Altima a few days ago. The car is fun to drive and looks really sharp inside and out. Im surprised by the get up and go the 4 cylinders provide. Has a tight turn radius, great cruising, and handles corners very well. Its the Best Buy of its class.

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  My Versa is nice, but... - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Ray - February 21 - 11:20 pm

  My Versa is nice but, the horsepower is really low. I think I notice it more at take off. The gas mileage is great. When gas is 2.069 per gallon it only cost twenty dollars to fill up. I do wish they would add two more gallons to the tank. The radio is nice but if you want loud its not gonna happen. The design is what sold me, the overall look is great.

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  Great Family Car - 2014 Nissan Pathfinder
  By zeus08 - February 21 - 1:14 pm

  This car has everything that we wanted and needed for a family car. The best feature that this car comes with is the sliding rows. When you have children in a car seat is that the middle you are able to completely move it forward without having to take the carseat out. Also the leg room in the front passenger has with a carseat in back is awesome. We traded in my two year old Ford Explorer to the Pathfinder because of the lack of leg room and every time someone needed to sit in the third row we needed to take the carseat out.

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  I love this car - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By George - February 21 - 4:33 am

  This will make our 5th Max. We traded in a 97 bought new and there is no comparison. I thought the 97 was nice. WOW!!!!. The 05 is roomier, more power, excellant craftmanship and a real head turner. It is smokie gray color with light gray interior and when its in the sun it takes on a completely different color. Hats off to Nissan for this one. Look out Lexus, BMW, Acura and Volvo. Nissan has hit the market with a true winner. Would recommend this car to anyone who wants to buy one. Just take a test drive, it sells itself.