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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  So far so good. Nice SUV with gas mileage like a car. - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By adspof - May 11 - 7:59 pm

  Just bought it after selling my 1996 Ford Bronco which I loved but at 11 mpg was beginning to feel the pinch. So thought a stickshift 2 wheel drive Pathfinder would do the same as I dont 4x4 ever really. I like the lite but sturdy feel and I just feel like I am saving gas as I coast everywhere in nuetral 1/2 the time and use the gas the other 1/2 it seems. Only issues have been general maintenance stuff I guess, as never had to deal with on the Bronco. I have already had to to the front struts, carrier bearing at center of driveshaft, right side exhaust manifold (cracked), charcoal cannister, trailing arm bushings to stop "pathfinder death wobble". If paid a shop $2,000 so did on own.

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  Quality (?) of sound system?? - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By sqkyboo - May 10 - 10:00 am

  OK, we all know and love this car, superlatives for performance. But the base models single CD sound system absolutely stinks. Even my kids1997 stock Saturn sounds better. I dont get it. I already changed the cd/radio to an Alpine; its better, but the sound quality still stinks, so Im saving for better speakers. Any others who feel the same?

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  Completely Sastisfied Customer - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By stl1adh - May 10 - 10:00 am

  I just sold my 95 Pathfinder and I was so please with its reliability and performance that I went ahead and purchased a 2003 Pathfinder. I NEVER had to have work done, except your normal maintenance. In the years that I owned it, it didnt start up only 1 time and that was due to an original battery that had died! It was a pleasure to own and I am now a Nissan driver for life!

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  Solid Performer - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Hammer123 - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Bought a white- pearl coat automatic 99SE but w/ an interesting twist. It has cloth heated seats! Actually better than leather because it heats up faster. Breaks and muffler system are OUTRAGEOUSLY priced to fix. Overall it is fun to drive, the payment does not kill you and it is just a very solid performer. A Stick might be more fun!

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  if your 59" or taller, dont buy it - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By bily t - May 10 - 10:00 am

  this suv is way to small, im 5 8 and its to small for me, forget about the back seats, your lucky if you get 2 small adults back there, and cargo space,,,,what cargo space????

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  to small for the big guy - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By pappyd314 - May 9 - 5:44 am

  Deceptive mileage rating. While traveling back home from Florida - 1,100 mile trip - I set the cruise at 70 and the MPG rating showed 40+MPG. When I pumped gas and used my calculator, I actually got about 35MPG. My Ford Taurus does this also but the actual mileage is usually only about 1 mile less than that shown on the car readout. The Altima, while getting good mileage, is not as great as everyone thinks. Dont be fooled by the car readout, check the mileage yourself. Make sure to fully top off the tank as this may make a big difference.

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  Not your mothers Nissan... - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By MM - May 8 - 10:33 pm

  I say this because my own mother has a 1994 Maxima which hasnt had near the amount of problems that my 2004 Murano has had. Power seat died once, visor stopped staying up, and I have been to the dealer 3 times to fix a rattle in the door, an issue which has a service bulletin out for it. And yet, they have been unable to fix it. Loved the vehicle when I first bought it, but have started to hate it!

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  02 PathFinder LE 4x4 - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By cj724 - May 8 - 2:30 pm

  This vehicle has a solid feel to it. Performance is excellent.

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  Love - Hate relationship! - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By JLL - May 8 - 10:00 am

  My van & I have a love hate relationship. My husband wanted me to get a Tahoe, but I got the van. He warmed up to it because of the comfortable interior. We drove this on a huge summer trip, and found it to be the perfect family vehicle TONS of room. Thank God for the warranty, at 99,000 mi I had to have both front wheel barrings replaced. Factory tires lasted all of 20,000. Brakes have been replaced 2x. Catalytic converter has to be replaced. Automatic side door now demon possessed. (Seriously). HORRIBLE gas mileage. I have never gotten better than 18 mpg, and I drive on a hwy on cruise everyday. It has been great for small children, but its growing old.

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  Goodbye nissan - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By heath - May 8 - 10:00 am

  I have loved nissans for awhile. I have had 7 of them. But they do not back them up and they have horrible customer service now, time to say good bye! Good bye squeaky hood they never fixed, battery drain, oil sensor, fuel sensor, noisy a/c, squeaky seats, its been fun but it is time to fin a manufacturer that will take care of us when we spend 28k for a truck!