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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  The Absolute Best! - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By mscam - February 3 - 10:00 am

  I did my "homework" for almost six months before deciding on the "Pathy". It was my first SUV. It was love at first drive - and the love affair continues 19 months later! Handling, style, reliability. Over all "coolness" - its great! I could not have done such a thorough exploration on the various competitive without Edmunds - and the corresponding sites, comments, and info. Edmunds, in turn. Led me to. You cant go wrong with this car (please dont call it a "truck"). It is the BEST!

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  2002 SE-V6 Desert Runner -King Cab - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Caff10 - February 3 - 10:00 am

  I just think it is awsome I just live it because I just feel so comfromable in it and the sound system is great and handles very well and is sitting high which I loveand it came standard with steps ,bed liner, bed extender.

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  Buy this Car before your Neighbor does - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By loophead - February 3 - 10:00 am

  I puchased this car in November of last year. I have put 12,000 miles on the car so far without any major problems and only two minor ones. A spring broke in the lid for the cupholders and the car was delivered without the steering wheel controls for radio. Both of these were fixed by the dealership with no problems. I do notice some wind noise at high speeds, but not enough that it would deter another purchase.

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  THE best pickup I have ever owned - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By teckytwo - February 2 - 5:30 pm

  I have owned Chevy, Ford, Dodge and Jeep pickups and I tried them all again before buying my Titan. I am getting older so I like my comfort and this pu is very comfortable and my wife feels safe in it. After a really bad accident in a half size pu I decided once again for a full size. I knew it would not have good mileage but this truck is terrific, no mechanical issues, looks great, runs fantastic and the Nissan maintenance is great. Brakes and tires wear out so no issues for me there. It tows like a dream only drawback is the front columns on either side of windshield takes some getting used to looking around it. No complaints, wish I had enough miles on it to justify buying another:o)

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  Nissan did there homework.... - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Derek - February 2 - 5:03 am

  I just traded in a 2002 Tundra and had a Ford before that. This truck is awesome. The motor trans combo is perfect for a half ton truck. Everything is where it should be in my mind. The cargo system works great. I have towed a 3500 lb trailer over a thousand miles and the truck performed flawlessly. Great truck overall

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  I love my 2010 Maxima!!!! - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Erica - February 2 - 4:26 am

  I just traded in my 04Altima 3.5 with 89k on it. I did not have one problem with this car, just one reason I purchased a Maxima. I LOVE this Maxima, the new design is so sleek, sporty yet classy. I love the CVT transmission, and my god does this thing fly, you gotta love 290hp!!! Im breaking her in easy though. But cant wait to really drive her! I bought it in the Tuscan sun (deep red) love the two tone interior! I got a base. Love that a moonroof and 6disc cd is standard and with 290hp? great price!!!!!!

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  Nice first impression - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By E Antrim - February 2 - 4:20 am

  We looked at Ford and Mercury products before deciding on the Pathfinder, We liked the size, exterior design, interior and features. After driving it on several road trips we noticed and issue with the steering wheel rattling around on road imperfections. It has been back to the dealership numerous times. They adjusted the steering force which helped a bit but hasnt solved the problem. We drove another vehicle off the lot and the rattle or vibration didnt show up. The dealership service manager says it is in spec and says it it normal. I wouldnt buy this vehicle again if the steering and or suspension issues would have shown up in the test drive. I wouldnt buy this vehicle again.

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  great family passenger car - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By steven - February 1 - 5:25 am

  Comfortable quite ride

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  A truck for all seasons - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By LLS - January 31 - 9:40 pm

  I looked at all of the trucks in this size and the only truck that was close was toyota. Snow storm in Illinois proved the frontier will blaze you a trail when others are in the ditch. Only problem with this truck is going too fast and not even knowing it. I have a little less than 10,000 on my 2006 and have had no problems with this truck. I cannot say the same with the dodge, gmc, or ford

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  Great large vehicle - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By wasi - January 31 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle was compared to the Toyota Sequois, Lincoln Navigator and even the Hummer H2. The design, power, visibility and interior comfort make it the msot practical vehicle for a family with children. The vehicle is getting approximately 14 miles per gallon in the city. However, on the highway on the very first trip we got closer to 21. Overall, if you are looking for a larger vehicle that has comfort and fun fun to drive I would suggest the Nissan Armada!