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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  This vehicle is awesome...... - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By alankc1 - July 16 - 1:23 pm

  I dont think Ive ever owned a vehicle that I love more than this one. It has all the options, other than leather, (but who needs leather, hah) and Ive installed a satellite radio system.....For the money, you cant go wrong.

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  Traded 05 Pathfinder for 08 Armada - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By brandon - July 16 - 11:20 am

  Loved our Pathfinder and love our Armada. The ride is fantastic and fit and finish is far above all American competitors. Turning radius is great too. 7 inch LCD in dashboard is very functional and nice looking. 2nd row leg room and comfort is superb in Armada. Drove 200 miles all freeway and got just over 16 mpg so not bad. Lots of power to spare with the v-8. Got a nissan extended warranty when purchased. Will help ensure investment is protected (should not need to use it though).

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  Nismo V6 King Cab - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By duker51 - July 16 - 3:40 am

  Very nice truck. Roomy, seats are comfy, handles very well, and looks rad. This truck is very solid. Good room and visability from all angles. The engine and trans work well together, smooth and powerful. Off roading is awesome. The Nismo was built for this and it work very well. Locking Rear, VDC, 4-Wheel Limited slip, all perform admirable!

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  Great everyday car - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Scott - July 15 - 1:26 pm

  Great car to drive for everyday use. More than enough power and handles well at high speeds. Never had a problem after a year. Only had to change brakes and tires. Car handles great in the snow up in Buffalo, NY. All around awsome car I would highly recomend the purchase of a maxima I do not think itll disappoint you at all.

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  Good car for the money - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Syed - July 14 - 1:56 pm

  I purchased my Sentra brand new in Jan of 2004 and had it till December of 2007 when it was totalled. I put on 130,000 miles within that period and I am very satisfied with the car. I didnt spend any money on the car besides the usual oil changes and brakes. I only had one problem wiht the car during the period I owned it. When the car was started cold in the morning, it would start on the first try but if I was to start the car later on, it would take any where from 2-3 tries for it to start. This problem started within a year of owning the car and worsened as time passed. This was not a big deal because all I had to do was turn the key again and the card would start.

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  love my car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Marcia - July 14 - 12:46 pm

  I needed a car that had plenty of room and a great heating system. I have owned 4 Nissans and was familiar with the make. The ride is smooth even while in the backseat.

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  Maximus supreme - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By SL8ROCK - July 13 - 7:20 pm

  Bought my SE in May of 06 with about 48k on it and it rides like a dream. Those 6 cylinders come in handy on the highway. Takes curves pretty well, too.

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  ...continued - 2012 Nissan Pathfinder
  By mrcarp - July 12 - 8:03 pm

  Great in the snow.

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  Great little car - 1998 Nissan Sentra
  By Nissangirl - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I loved my car. It performed well and had only one problem other than basic maintenance. The one problem was the a/c died six months after I bought it. I just totaled my car and the fact that it did exactly as it was supposed to saved mine and my sons lives. The front end crumpled down to about 2 1/2 feet in length, but the inside is just as roomy as ever.

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  the Z is back - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By WayneTN - July 12 - 10:00 am

  The 350Z is a great value, a lot of performance and style for the money. I bought this car as my first sports car and I definitely have not been disappointed. My primary objective was to blend performance, reliability, fuel economy, and styling - and the 350Z delivers. Its a great looking car; it turns heads. The overall performance is comparable to that of much more expensive cars. Fuel economy has exceeded the stated values. Reliability, whether around town or on vacation, has never been in doubt. If you want a true sports car at an honest, reasonable price, this is it: the 350Z. You need look no further.