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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  Excellent for Families - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By 2005 Pathfinder - May 31 - 2:23 pm

  This SUV is really a godsend, I updated my 1999.5 Pathfinder to the 2005 and I have never been happier. The third row seat is excellent for carrying more passagers, and the design of the SUV allows for maximum comfort on long drives. The DVD player is awesome, mostly because I have gotten my readio back. The handling is great. The ride is quiet and it drives well. The engine is amazing. I really like that this vehicle is not a gas guzzler like my brothers Ford Expedition.

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  Warts and Gems - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Wayne - May 31 - 10:13 am

  Maxi has been a good car but I have also had the rough engine engine problem (its the fuel injectors clogging up, folks - use Techron every 3 - 6 months from the day you buy the car or youll be replacing them). The fuel filter isnt as efficient as it could be. Ive replaced the CVs, rear struts, the clutch, 2 injectors (so far - at least one more is going bad), but it doesnt use a drop of oil and it always starts. How much can you really complain about a $1,500 car?

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  Suprised at Quality Glad I got Extra War - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By DRP - May 30 - 7:23 pm

  Upgraded from Xterra to pathfinder. The VDC and SLIP lights on the dash have gone on and off since I got it dealer couldnt find anything wrong. At 15K I had a flat tire and found out the jack would barely lift the car high enough to change the tire on a flat surface being that I was on the shoulder it would not lift the car high enough so I had to borrow another jack to finish the job, also the jack jammed fully extended and would not go down had to drive off it. The fuel sensor went at about 47K, I purchased a extd 10year warranty which covered repair. The tires and brakes will be replaced this week at 51K. I average 16.7 mpg. Fun to drive aspect wore off quick quite boring to drive now.

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  2006 Nissan Pathfinder - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By melyssa 75 - May 30 - 6:40 pm

  I bought this with fairly low miles 50k. It has a high idle with vibration under the driver seat when you start engine. Theres an exclamation symbol thats been on since two days after purchase. Ive taken it to get tires inflated but the symbol still remains. The steering is very hard ,seats are loose for some reason, when I turn I can feel it move. This vehicle aside from the steering being hard has a great takeoff,seating could be more spacious. The front seats are stiff and uncomfortable . The Bose stereo would be nice if the cd player would work. The stereo has static and bad reception and thats in town.This has been a total disappointment.

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  GREAT CAR - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By KARL - May 30 - 1:53 pm

  The car is very comfortable and roomy. I have owned the car for a year now. Handling, brakes, acceleration are excellent. Parking takes a bit of prep because it is longer than the VW I used to drive. I would give this car a 9/10 rating.

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  Luv my Z - 2010 Nissan 370Z
  By djtime - May 30 - 8:03 am

  I love the Z roadster. Fun to drive, A real head turner. I added a cold air intake and acceleration and fuel mileage have improved but the engine/exhaust sound are still only so-so. Id recommend this car to anyone who enjoys driving.

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  3rd 350Z owned, Love the vehicle. - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Eric Roundy - May 30 - 6:33 am

  This is the first roadster and I have to say the funnest of the Zs owned yet. Would recommend this car to anyone who is looking for a fun daily driver.

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  Great Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Brad - May 30 - 3:16 am

  The styling, performance and overall feel of the car is very nice. Ive always owned a Honda (Accord and two Civics), but Im a Nissan fan now after owning the Altima. I bought it new and havent had any problems with the car. The only issue I had was after a couple weeks the car didnt start one morning. The local dealership was great and towed it in for me even on a Sunday. I contacted them the next day and they said it started right up. We still have no idea what happened but I havent had the issue again. My biggest complaint with the 05 Altima is the A/C vents on the dash... horrible design. The vents are a narrow vertical shape and has very bad horizontal control.

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  Essentially Flawless - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Llarion - May 29 - 10:43 pm

  So far, I have had zero problems; my only trip to the dealer was to have tint and spoiler installed. Car is refreshing to drive; it has power to burn, is reassuring and stable in terms of handling, and looks gorgeous. It has a crisp, aggressive stance, but is not outlandish looking. Overall, an exceptional value!

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  Fun car at first, But Z ya later! - 2009 Nissan 350Z
  By bryanbrock - May 29 - 6:40 pm

  car is impossible to get comfortable in after about 30 minutes of driving. The designer should be shot, The center console and door mounted arm rest are "for looks" and are located way down ware your hip bones are. Its either both arms stretched out clinging to the wheel or nothing. You will feel every bump in the road terribly!! ..this is the year 2010, if others can be sporty and not buck you out of the car doing so than so should the z! You know what.. Ill just come out and say It, Buy a ford Mustang GT and save your self a lot of grief! mustang has 300hp, Mustang has more room, you dont feel every bump, interior is great! convertible tob works better! ..WE do not miss our Z at all.