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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  Tow, Tow , Tow your boat. - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Alex - April 21 - 5:06 pm

  Sold the 01 Ford F250 diesel (lots of problems). After comparing the others we bought the Armada. Nissan has the best tow and feature package in the market for the money. Towing a 6000 pound boat takes a little horsepower, and oh, does the Armada have the horsepower. I read about poor gas mileage in reviews, the Ford got 12mpg pulling the boat, the Armada gets 13mpg. Highway mileage is 20 at 70-75mph and city is 15, if you keep your foot out of it. Its comfortable, smooth, Lots of convenience features,a lot of bang for the buck. Air suspension and trans gauge is standard with tow package. Nissan has thought of just about everything, my wife LOVES her Armada, its our 5th Nissan product.

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  Will not u turn! - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Ratchet - April 21 - 3:46 pm

  Truck has a very WIDE turning radius. I am always up on the curb or blocking the road. Not good for tight turns anywhere!

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  OK Vehicle - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By dave - April 21 - 8:20 am

  I have overall been happy with my vehicle. Fuel economy is poor and HP is low, but it is fairly comfortable and has been reliable. My only mechanical problem has been a check engine light that read out as an oxygen sensor failure.

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  Loved It But It Let Me Down - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By NewJeepGirl - April 21 - 7:43 am

  I really loved this truck. Had great performance-never seemed to lack HP, 6 spd tranny lots of fun. ABS computer died at 400 miles none of the gauges worked. Cam seal started leaking at 23K, then dealership couldnt get parts claiming they were hopelessly backordered. Nissan Corporate was no help either. Nice truck if you get a reliable one (good luck-its a crap shoot). Family has had good luck with older Nissans-this one was definitely my last. Traded it for an 08 Jeep Patriot, and was so glad I did-AWD, Lifetime powertrain warentee, better ride and easier to get in/out of. Cant tow my camper like the X, but thats what my 97 Ford Expedition is for!

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  I love my ZZZZZZ - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Eileen - April 21 - 2:53 am

  I have had nothing but positive driving experiences with this incredible sports car. Its handling and speed capabilities are only for the person who really enjoys driving. Southern California is the perfect place for this wonderful automobile.

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  Awesome Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By M. Gilston - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I just want to say that Nissan has made this soccer mom of 2 boys and 2 dogs very happy! I absolutely love the look, power, size and rumble of the engine as I drive my Armada to preschool field trips and carpool line! I also love the looks I get from people eyeing the car and Im soooo happy to have a car that not only looks great, but also has power and chutzpah!

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  for the money, hard to beat - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By unionjack - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Have had the truck going on three years. Other than a couple of minor recalls, no problems. Have driven several times across the country and put 60,000 miles on it in three years. It runs like the day i drove it off the lot. I have to say, for the money, you would be hard pressed to find a better deal on the market.

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  a look back - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By ew - April 21 - 2:00 am

  The Maxima has been a pleasure to drive. The handling is excellent and the car is quick! Many people have stopped me to ask questions. It looks good. I have two friends that have riden and driven my Maxima and both have ordered the 2005 model. This is the 3rd Nisson Ive had and all have had incredible reliability. I will probably trade my 2000 SUV in on a 2005 Pathfinder.

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  2005 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By aprilshowers15 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Had a leased Pathfinder.Recd an offer from Nissan early termination.Accepted and leased an Altima. The performance is good to excellent. Disappointed to discover hood & trunk lid are molded not metal. Had to replace rear bumper damaged because it could not be repaired during Hurricane Ivan. Discovered trunk lid was molded when I tried to affix a magnet. I feel the safety of the car is in question if hit from the front or rear because of the molded hood and trunk lid.

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  Just "OK" - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Jeffrey - April 21 - 1:16 am

  Ive had my Sentra for 18 mos. and have come to the conclusion that it is just "OK". I have 25,000 miles on it and it has been reliable-no mechanical problems. That said, having been a Honda owner previously (Civics and Accords), I wish now that I had stuck with Honda for two reasons: comfort and fuel economy. I drive 120 miles daily on straight, flat, highways and the best I have ever gotten was 32 MPG. I did better than that with my Accord which was bigger and more powerful, and far better than that with my Civic. Regarding comfort, the absence of telescopic steering means having to drive with outstretched arms, which is uncomfortable and annoying. Also, road noise is a bit loud.