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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  Great Mid-Size SUV - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By TBONE - April 5 - 10:56 am

  With a little over a year of ownership and some serious use, not a single problem. I tow a 4,700 lb camper just fine. I looked for a mid-size SUV that could handle my camper but still deliver decent mpg during most of its life without the camper. I am averaging 15-16 mpg around town and get 10 mpg when towing at highway speeds. Ive looked at getting a bigger camper and up-sizing in vehicles, but I just cant find another SUV that utilizes interior space a well as the Nissan. The fold flat 3rd row and thoughtful storage gives the Nissan more useful space than SUVs much larger. Overall it is a good blend of full-size capability with mid-size driving characteristics and fuel economy.

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  My 2003 Altima is a LEMON - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Bob Loblaw - April 5 - 7:43 am

  Knock in engine started at 10,000 km. complained several times...was told it was normal. Engine replaced @ 61,000 km A strange water rushing sound in the dash. Several trips to the garage to figure it out...now its back again. Struts were gone at 30,000 km. Dealer says they are ok. Ive been in sub- compacts that ride much better. Total Brake at less than 35,000 km. Dealer charged me $1000 to repair. Doors squeak - constantly greasing them. Right door buzzer switch fell off. The door latches freeze on cold mornings and door wont shut. need to wait for car to warm up to shut door. Steering seized up and had to have the steering knuckle replaced. Simply a LEMON

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  Poor user replaceable items. - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Davewave - April 5 - 5:43 am

  It is very well made, economical vehicle. However, if you are used to doing your own basic maintenance, like replacing rear stop lights or topping off brake fluid, it is a nightmare. Nissan does not supply an instruction manual on how to replace a tail light, and they are so deeply recessed into the plastic that it is very difficult to get at. Same for brake fluid. Nissans solution? Bring it in for a very expensive light bulb change. Same for brake fluid. These kind of items should easily be driver replaceable items. They are not, and I am NOT happy about this.

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  reliable - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By stewart - April 5 - 2:46 am

  u must buy the se 2.0, handles very well and fun to drive. this car is the most reliable car i ever had. i have 150,000 miles on it and didnt put more then 1000 dollars in it in 6 yrs

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  My New 2010 Sentra SL - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By Joey - April 5 - 1:10 am

  Great car! I have had lots of cars in this class including Corolla, Cavalier and Focus. This car by far seems to be more durable and fun to drive without all the loud road noise. Pricing in comparison to Honda and Toyota was much more affordable, Sentras also come with more options for less cash than their competitors. Nissan is offering 1,500 cash back and zero percent financing. Trust me you wont be disappointed I love my new car!

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  Would buy again - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Tom Thorn - April 4 - 11:43 pm

  Have put 5,000 miles on my Altima, no problems to date. Love the keyless ignition, comfortable, excellent performance for a 4 cylinder, mileage on highway has been in the 30 to 32 mpg range and looks great inside and out. Only complaint small trunk opening.

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  Disappointment compared to 1994 Altima - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By nissandriver9408 - April 4 - 4:40 pm

  I purchased this car in new 2004, after driving a 1994 Altima into the ground and loving every mile. This car has cost me quite a bit in maintenance (religious about that) and repairs, and I have a clutch waiting to go (drove 250K miles on last clutch so dont blame the driver). The interior is chintzy, the cup holder broke just out of warranty and will cost a mint to fix, the glove compartment barely opens, the list goes on with inconveniences. I will keep this car until it dies because it is relatively fun to drive & somewhat reliable. Yet, compared to the 1994 Altima it is a disappointment... the pretty boy of Altimas. Nissan cheaped on value to deliver a good looking car.

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  Love it! - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By Xterra Guy - April 3 - 10:53 am

  I just bought mine about a month ago, used with 28K on it. Its a fantastic SUV - very comfortable, great road manners, drives awesome. Seats are firm and comfortable, not a rattle in it at all.

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  I LOVE LOVE LOVE MY MURANO - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Roxie - April 3 - 3:03 am

  Ive owned this vehicle for 9 months now and I love it as much as I did when I first bought it. Love the updated body styling, the comfortable interior, the Bose stereo, the power and handling, and my newest passion is the enjoyment I get driving this in the snow. The AWD provides awesome traction and handling.

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  good, solid truck - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By chuckfromlongisland - April 2 - 6:40 pm

  Have my 2000 LE for three years now. Only repairs were recent, warped front rotors, one oxygen sensor, and an exhaust system from the catalytic converters back. Current mileage is 66,000