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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  Very nice minivan - 2008 Nissan Quest
  By leeman391 - November 2 - 7:10 pm

  Previous van was a Mercury Villager which I liked very much, and so wanted to buy the Quest. However I didnt like the center Instrumentation so when it was updated to the left side I was very pleased and started looking to buy one. The van is the nicest looking minivan and has a well laid out interior design and trim. It drives very car like and it is easy to exceed the speed limit.

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  2nd Pathfinder - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Bass-o-matic - November 2 - 1:50 am

  This is my second pathfinder. We have owned it for about three weeks, so my review will not reflect long term reliability. However, I know that these things will last. I have several friends that have well over 200k on their older Pathfinders. I sold my 93 with 200k on the odo and would not have hesitated to drive it across the US. I hooked a trailer on my old one and drove it across the US with 155k on the odo. But this is a review about a 2003, so what do I think- Great build quality, equal or better than the Lexus RX300 we traded in. Great power (the 93 could barley get out of its own way). Noisy when cold- belts, and valve clatter, better when warm. Great off road capability.

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  THIS IS IT!!! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Toney - November 1 - 4:06 am

  I have driven a Toyota since 1984, and assumed that I would always remain Toyota loyal. My son kept talking about this new Altima, so i went on the internet and did my homework. I found out that the Altima beat out the Avalon on everything but weight (it was almost 300 pounds heaver). So off I went to see what all the fuss was about. From the moment I test drove the car, I was in love!! This car has as much room as my 1996 Avalon had, but with all the bells and whistles. All I can say is please start a savings account, because youre going to need it. On my first day out, I looked down at the odometer, and I was doing a smooth 80 mph! All I can say is go for it.

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  Keeps Going and Going and ... - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By sbddmd1 - October 31 - 8:26 pm

  182,000 still runs good as new. I installed a k&n filter on it which improved horsepower and fuel economy.

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  Love my Altima - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By David W St. Louis - October 31 - 12:49 pm

  My husband was so impressed when he drove an Altima for the first time drove from New York to Maine that he suggested that I test drive one when I was ready to trade in my 2008 Honda CRV. I feel in love with it from the moment I drove it.

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  Everything I need, nothing I dont. - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By RacerXterra - October 31 - 12:03 pm

  My wife & I purchased the Xterra to replace a 1991 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4x4. Weve logged about 34,000 miles in 3 years. I LOVED my 4Runner, but the Xterra has proven to be superior in every way. It has been a bulletproof mechanical tank [We took a 2,700+ mile road trip last year with no issues or complaints!]. Mileage here in the Denver Area generally averages 17-18 mpg. Im easily able to strap just about anything to the roof rack, like a 10 ft. ladder, many queen size mattresses, & even a 13 ft. Christmas tree! Once I purchased a set of A/T tires, snow/ice performance has been unparalleled by any other vehicle Ive ever driven. Way to go Nissan, youve made a believer out of me!

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  excellent vehicle as alt to full suv - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By JTDust - October 31 - 10:00 am

  After driving an audi A4 2.8Q for 5 years needed more space but wanted awd. My daily commute is 60m through mts of central PA in all types of weather. This was the choice over many other suvs. I am very happy. Great space, power, control. As my wife calls it my souped up wagon!

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  Tiida good pick - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By zaahir - October 31 - 12:36 am

  The Nissan Tiida offers alot for a small car. It gives good horsepower with an excellent fuel economy. It is extremely roomy and fill with alot of storage spaces. It certainly has redefined the small family sedan/car. Ill recmommend it to anyone.

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  Spend Less - Get More - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By TDavis - October 30 - 5:16 pm

  The Armada has made a much comfortable ride for my family. It allows my growing boys plenty of room and space from one another while being able to cargo the groceries for a family of 6. The pricing of the Armada is affordable while the style is elegant. Nissan is a reliable name and doesnt get the credit it deserves, however, for me and my family we feel fortunate to own a nice vehicle and not have it cost as much as our house.

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  Spec-V 02 - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By spec_v_d - October 30 - 10:32 am

  This is the second 02 spec-v i have owned. The first was just crap but it was because of the original owner treated it like crap... previous owner was a young girl who did not know how to drive a stick. Now i got another and it had the new motor, tranny, and clutch installed by nissan due to recall on the original motors. Car has about 50k miles on it and i couldnt love it more. I have owned lots of tuner cars and i must say this is by far my favorite. Handles great, amazing power for the 4 banger. I have a few mods to the car nothing to crazy just cold air, exhaust, and suspension. gets pretty good gas milage could be better though. All in all i give this car a 4.7 out of 5