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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  Top Notch Car - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Alberta - August 16 - 10:16 am

  I bought this car in 2006 with 150,000K and I now have 190,000 with virtually no problems. Replaced the struts and the starter but other than those repairs the car has been fantastic.

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  Ill give it a 9.9 - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By TDrochak - August 16 - 10:00 am

  The XTerra handles both onroad and offroad well. Its plenty roomy, provided that you are not over like 62". VERY RELIABLE! Ive had it a little over 1 year and the only problem Ive had is I got a traffic ticket (which I beat in court) in Cle Elum, Washington for having too much mud on it. Now the important stuff. I can throw the kayak on the roof rack, throw a couple mountain bikes, fishing poles, cooler and camping gear in the cab and head out for a week at a time out to the beach, into the mountains, or whatever. This thing handles absolutely AWESOME in the snow up in the mountains. Handles well on rainy roads also.

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  Maxima, best car for the price - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By europa3962 - August 16 - 10:00 am

  This is a wondeful automobile. Nissan has the best engine going. Smooth performance. No service issues and the most reliable car Ive owned. This is a great sports car feel disguised as a sedan

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  Nissan Platinum Edition - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By brlouisianatreasures - August 16 - 3:50 am

  Have nothing but wonderful things to report about my Pathfinder. It is my first SUV and I could not be more pleased with its comfort. Am particularly happy with the way it drives---frankly, it is MUCH easier to handle than the Grand Marquis I traded! The performance is magnificent.....very powerful, smooth ride, and no problems todate. The interior is so comfortable and roomy; love the sun roof! Second-row seat folds down. GORGEOUS luminous gold....It is my LSU Fightin Tigers vehicle!

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  15K Miles & 7 Months Later - GREAT! - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By tlluvr - August 16 - 2:00 am

  See my previous posts for more info under Third Timer. Just want to clarify this car does not require Ester type oil which some dealers are charging over $90 to replace at oil change time. Nissan recommends this type oil, but any synthetic 5W30 oil will suffice. You can also use NON-synthetic oil as long as you change it every 3000 miles. Do not waste your money for $100 oil changes! Ester is a component of synthetic oil formulas, not some mystical oil type only Nissan makes! Dont be fooled! Also, premium gas is recommended but not required! Need a minimum of 87 octane. Reference Nissan Owner Man. I highly recommend this vehicle...a fantastic value!

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  Good Car and Dealer - 2011 Nissan Sentra
  By Anonymous - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Happy with car. A relative has a 2008, which sold my wife on this vs Corolla. Roomy. Good MPG. CVT is unusual, but likable when you get use to it.

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  Would buy another in a heartbeat! - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By kdells - August 15 - 9:48 pm

  Bought my beloved pathy used in 2010 with 155kmi on it, had it for 3 yrs till it was totaled in an accident. We were rear-ended @ 50 mph & only had some bad whip-lash. It still drove, stopped & shifted fine after the accident so we drove it home. We brought the mileage up to 203kmi due to frequent trips from upstate NY down to SC & back. Never had ANY problems with it on any of those long trips. It never broke-down on us in 3 years. Only had to do basic maintenance over the years (brakes, oil changes, timing belt etc). Overall, no big complaints that would stop me from buying another. VERY solid & VERY reliable! Money well spent!!! Nissan got it right!

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  FUNNEST CAR EVER OWNED - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Sheila - August 15 - 12:56 pm

  I wanted a smaller car but not one of those little cars that you have to fall down to get in and a lift to get out of it. This car is GREAT! You just slide on to the seat and you dont have to pry yourself out. It is so fun to drive and you get alot of looks. People laugh, like, whats that! Best small car Ive ever owned.

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  Fantastic, Glad I Got It! - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Rusty - August 15 - 12:56 pm

  The car is quiet and really fun to drive. I have had it over a month and I am averaging 33.6 mpg. I drive approx 84 miles per day to and from work. I use it as a commuter car and it is perfect. Driving in Atlanta traffic is terrible and this little car makes it fun. Excellent stereo,(I got the rocksford system), very comfortable, and quiet. Plenty of pep for what I need, I average 80 mph daily when traffic is moving. I strongly suggest you try one. If you are looking for a good gas mileage, comfortable, safe car, get a Cube. P.S. – your friends will make fun of you, however, you can laugh at them when gas hits $3.00 dollars + per gallon. O yeah, it only has an 11 gallon gas tank.

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  Rogue is Best- It beats the rest! - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Jimbo Driver - August 15 - 11:50 am

  I drove the rav4, forester, patriot, crv,& escape. I have to say in terms of build quality, fit & finish, style, safety & comfort the Nissan Rogue won me over. Everything feels substantial - doors closing, handling, engine. The car is refined and sporty. The cabin is comfortable and all controls are logical (except for the missing radio dial for tuning). The car handles well. Steering is exact. Brakes are strong. In rain and snow the car goes where you direct it. I feel comfortable and safe in this car. Drive one!