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:

• 

  Like it so far! - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Tabbykat76 - November 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive had a Mazda Protege, a Plymouth Neon, and an older Honda Accord. I like it as much as my Mazda that was wrecked. But honestly I would say nothing beats a honda BUT then again for the price a Nissan is a great deal! I got my 2001 w/31500miles for $8000. I guess it helps to buy it at the end of the sales quarter 15 mins till close with a screaming kids in tow with this info from Edmunds in hand. Anyhow highly recommend!

• 

  LONG TIME PARTS - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Lazarus - November 5 - 10:00 am

  We waited over 2 months for a part to be delivered from who knows where (JAPAN? It was a simple AC line! I am furious! RUINED our vacation plans - had to take two vehicles for our large family!

• 

  Least reliable vehicle Ive ever owned - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Tony - November 5 - 8:16 am

  My wife and I have owned 12 vehicles in the last 7 years; this truck has been in the shop more times in the last year than all the others combined. Items replaced: fuel gauge, all belts, window regulator, and as of today, fuel pump. We will not buy another Nissan product. Also, if you have 2 car seats, one being rear facing, forget about being comfortable if your over 56". We will be selling this vehicle soon.

• 

  Titan monster - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By burdman - November 4 - 2:16 am

  All said, its the best full size truck buy out there. Plenty of power, good handling when towing. Do your homework though there are a couple of others that give it a run when shopping. I recommend the spray in bedliner instead of the plastic liner.

• 

  Accord to Altima - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Pattiee - November 3 - 10:30 pm

  Overall a nice car. A bit disappointed in the gas mileage, as Im only averaging 27. The hardest part is the lack of initial pickup, compared to my Accord, its pretty bad and my Accord was a 4 cyl too. The other biggest complaint is the seat belt. It is too low on the frame and impedes across the shoulder too much.

• 

  2005 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab RWD SE MT - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By BigTaka - November 2 - 10:56 pm

  I bought my used truck 4 years ago for work with 15K miles already on it. I have put 60K additional miles on and have had no mechanical issues. I do get a chirping sound from the air vents after I turn the ignition off and the dealership cant figure out the issue. Ive only changed the belts, done regular maintenance and am due to have the breaks changed for the first time. The gas mileage is less than desirable as I average 18-19mpg whether I am in the city or driving long distances on the highway. The rear seat is not the most comfortable as it sits straight up and does not offer much leg room. The power is decent and it has functioned fine when towing.

• 

  A Great Vehicle! - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By lap - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Have had my Xterra 14 months now and it is doing great! I keep hearing people complain about gas mileage-but I get 20 mpg with the V6 and 5spd manual,which is excellent for a veh with high ground clearance,full steel frame,steel skid plates,true roof rack and 16" wheels & tires!

• 

  yt - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By ghkj - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car. Highly recommended.

• 

  2008 Nissan Pathfinder - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By ANTHONY - November 2 - 1:20 am

  This vehicle is very nice, but the windows when brought down a little while driving makes a lot of rattling noise/sound which is very disgusting. I cannot even open mines. When I told the dealer, they said never heard of the problem and cannot do anything. Just had a recall for the clock, giving wrong time every now and then. Also the power seats are always being touched every time I enter or on the way out of the vehicle causing the seats to be re-set every time.

• 

  ripped off - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By ripped off - October 31 - 5:06 pm

  I had my murano for four years now and I had it. I considered all the problems it cost me...alternator, replaced battery TWICE, replaced door locks, replaced gas door, NOW they are telling me that I need to replace my engine mount because its cracked. I drive my cars cautiously, and I need something reliable. Did I add that it left me stranded TWICE and I had to call for help. Thats when I had the alternator changed. Now that I have a family, I cannot be wasting my extra cash on repairs/replacement. I will NEVER purchase another Nissan. This will be my first and last.