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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  dont buy one - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By crap - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I would not recommend buying a nissan xterra. The plastic bumper turns white, the buttons on the radio come loose, the paint on the buttons to the radio lasted 2 years, shift gear broken, driver seat uncomfortable, entire car not quality made. I cant wait to trade in to buy a toyota. This is my first nissan, I miss my toyota.

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  Transmission No gears - 2014 Nissan Frontier
  By Ed - October 26 - 3:58 pm

  I have a 2014 Frontier at 32000 miles transmission started to slip within five miles no transmission. Forward and reverse gone. You could smell the clutch a mile away. I hadnt shifted in 5 miles. Towed vehicle to dealership where I bought truck I have extended warranty as well. 1689.99 later clutch flywheel pressure plate throw out bearing all replaced. 1000 miles after repairs I could feel the clutch was already wearing. Service director wanted me to test drive him and show issues I was now having, Heat plate rattle, grinding fourth gear clutch already wearing out and lets not forget the crease in the passenger door, Service director thanked me for knowing how to drive a stick. Gee only 30 years driving one. Now its in the shop see what they say this time. 1 year and already 1700 maintenance for an issue that wasnt my fault! Is it the hydraulic system to clutch? Yesterday another 2014 coasts into gas station 27000 No transmission clutch smell months later a new clutch flywheel. Then rebuilt transmission back at mossy Nissan for pressure plate and throw out bearing. Just over 40k.

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  Transmission - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By kevin - October 9 - 11:04 am

  i should of looked this car up before i brought it cause everybody is talking about a bad transmission got mt car with 85k miles on it dealer said he just put a new transmission in it but doesnt seem like it car jerks forward alot when shifting gears i think nissan should have to recall this car if everybody is having the same problem.

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  Wouldnt own another Nissan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Rohr - October 7 - 10:56 am

  This truck has numerous recalls. I had to replace the entire rearend because Nissan couldnt replace leaking rear axle seals. They replaced it with a rearend from a newer year. $2700. Fuse box went bad. $425. Never had that happen before. Have to press gas pedal to start it now. Nissan has no idea whats wrong. Interior light problems. Electric window problems. 4x4 sensor problems. Front seats falling apart.

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  Transmission problem - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By Teriaune - October 5 - 10:12 am

  This car is not worth the money are headache. The transmission is awful. Peace of junk. Please let me no when the class action law suit starts are recall because this is ridiculous.

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  VERY disappointed with car - many problems. - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By sad owner - September 15 - 5:32 pm

  I dont even have 36,000 miles on this car and have had to replace the transmission, brake pads, battery and now waiting for rear shocks to come in to replace them as well. I bought a new car so that I wouldnt have issues and worry that can come with an older automobile. I work a lot and the inconvenience of having my car in the shop frequently, as well as the time I have had to wait to be towed, etc. is ridiculous. I have had two Acuras, a Honda and two Toyotas and have never had a complaint. I will NEVER buy a Nissan again after this. I just cant take that chance. I can only hope these problems are behind me. If not, Ill come back and update for you.

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  Awful Options Packaging - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Smart Money - August 31 - 2:00 am

  There I was all set to plop down hard money for the new Murano SL AWD. The car handled like a smart sedan and had the styling and utility of the very best out there. However, when it came to ordering the only option I wanted (leather seats) I was introduced to an options requirement that ran the charge for the leather seats to over four grand. Porsche doesnt even get away with this much of gouge! I actually had to order a sun roof just to get leather.

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  Piece of Garbage! - 2016 Nissan Sentra
  By Consumer Advocate - July 14 - 6:00 am

  I bought the Sentra new from a shady dealer in the Southeast. Soon after, the car started having multiple issues including door locks not functioning, AC stopped working, tire pressure light always on, among many other performance issues. I took the car to different dealerships service departments in the Atlanta area, and they all failed to repair the defects once and for all, which led me to believe that it is a "Lemon" and should not have passed the Quality Control at the manufacturer.

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  Break Pads go out!! & Dismall Fuel Economy - 2015 Nissan Armada
  By Kevin R - June 15 - 3:59 pm

  New Nissan Armada with just 700 Miles on it, On my way home the brake light came on and I had no braking power, while I was on the highway. There was a grinding noise and a buzzing sound. Luckily, I made it to a service station and had it checked out. They called me today saying it was fine now but are suggesting I replace the front and rear rotors and pads plus changing the brake fluid that could cost up to $1500, luckily the warranty covers it for now. After further research, they found out it not a mechanical issue, but its the a computer issue that Nissan needs to address. Called up Nissan Consumer affairs, and they keep saying the same thing- We are looking at this, regional specialist will call you etc etc. Oh, and one another fun fact- 12 Mpg is the most you can get, this is after i tested it on the highway at 60 miles with 1500 RPM. Good luck with finding those magical numbers 15 & 19 MPG!!!

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  ENGINE BLOWN AT 88,000 MILES! - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By PJB in San Diego - June 6 - 10:10 am

  Found out yesterday that the vehicle love of my life has dying engine and blown front and rear exhaust manifolds.....estimate for repairs....$13,000! Engine had less than 1/2 quart of oil after 3300 miles since last oil change. Sick to my stomach. Ive loved everything about this SUV and have taken impeccable care of it - mechanically, interior, exterior. Just last week had 2 different friends ask me if I got a new car!