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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  SAFE car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By R L - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Great car inside and out. Unfortunately, it was totalled because a semi, my Altima,and cement wall. The car is total loss, but I survived without a scratch! I highly recommend this vehicle for the safety features and all crupple zones worked as advertised!! I am currently searching for a new and improved 2003. Thank you NISSAN!

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  Love my Rogue! - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By crd1029 - March 13 - 1:20 am

  I purchased a 2012 Subaru Outback three months ago. Though I had read some reviews about the numb steering, I figured Id test-drive it. The ride and quietness of the car was amazing! The interior was of high quality. It was very roomy and the exterior handsome. But the steering! WOW!! The wheel feels like it weighs 20 lbs. It is numb and unresponsive. It wasnt until I drove it on the highway that I realized how awful the steering really was. The car wanders all over the road and the center of gravity keeps shifting left and right. Scary! After 2500 miles, I traded it in on a 2012 Rogue. LOVE IT!! It has more pep, steers great, is quiet, attractive, and fun to drive. Thank you Nissan!!!!

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  another failed nissian - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Brenda - March 13 - 12:10 am

  just got it a month ago today..and already having problems w/ it. we returned a murano because of all the problems w/ that. and once again back to the shop. powersteering is completely gone and the steering wheel is making a clicking noise at not even 2000 miles.

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  This is a great car - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Shanda Northup - March 12 - 8:10 pm

  I really love this car. My kids are very comfortable and love showing it off to their friends. I would definitely buy another Quest after this one because it is such a great car.

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  Benchmark worthy - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By jrs - March 12 - 2:53 pm

  It is no wonder the new silverado and tundra have been given monster torque and hp, because in 04 nissan set a new benchmark for power and performance in its debut truck. Interior build is the only drawback. A few things are going to be a little off, wear poorly (my visors sag, and the paint comes off with wear on the door handle). Putting the rubber to the road, you will feel like you are in a 90s chevy z-71... if that truck had a huge interior that doubles as your office on the road (i landscape for extra cash). Steering is tight, driving is fun, mileage is the same as the new f-150. I would buy this truck again every time, and it has better base features.

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  Outstanding vehicle for the price - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Heath - March 12 - 9:03 am

  Ive put 11,000 miles on my Xterra S model so far with no problems whatsoever. This car is absolutely amazing in almost every aspect. The look and stance of it is obviously rugged and powerful, and the inside lends itself to functionality and practicality quite well. If youve got a lot of stuff to take with you, this is the SUV for you. Fantastic perfomance on and off road - Ive taken it four-wheeling in some pretty intense mud multiple times and it doesnt come close to losing traction. Gas mileage is disappointing, with my very best so far 18 mpg on the highway. Plastic material can seem a bit on the cheap side, especially the insides of the doors and the dash. Overall, though, a great buy.

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  2 "Rouge" Transmissions @ 145,500 miles - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By bp35209@gmail.com - March 12 - 4:59 am

  I have had two transmissions put in and the car is at 145,000 miles and it needs a 3rd one. Nissan is not going to replace. All they tell me it is out of warranty. The 2nd Transmission was put in December 2014 with 90,000 miles. Previous years have the same issues with the transmission and Nissan will not own up to the problem with them being made by hand and there is a human error when building the transmission. I even told them I would pay for the labor if they payed for the transmission. But they are not changing there mind. I am about to go drop the car off in Franklin, TN at there office with a TV Crew with me. Then they may do something when media gets involved.

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  Problem-free - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By BWheel - March 10 - 6:56 pm

  Owned this vehicle (GXE w/ cruise control package) from 2001-2008 and through 180K miles only recently showed problems (oil leakage). Prior to that, only repairs needed were for leaking AC (2 times), blocked radiator and oil leak. None of these occurred within the first 100K miles. Car provided 30 mpg this year. For the price, great car.

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  Most reliable vehicle we have ever owned - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By amd6577 - March 10 - 5:27 pm

  Bought this 2001 Frontier XE brand new in fall 2000. It has never been our primary vehicle, but has been driven almost daily since weve had it, and has made its fair share of several-hour trips. I cannot adequately describe how reliable and drama-free this truck has been. Our plan is to keep it forever!

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  My First Nissan - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By Gary - March 10 - 2:13 pm

  I really wanted a Cube for ease of entry and liked the "funky" look, but could not make a deal with my trade in and no cash back. The Sentra was suggested due to cash back and 0.0 APR. I was skeptical about it at first being a loyal Civic owner. I cannot fit in the 2010 Civic, the roof line is too low! Plus Honda pricing is getting to high! However this car has plenty room for a 6 foot 4 man. I dont have to hunch over to get in and plenty of head and leg room. Plenty of pick up with the CVT and quiet at highway speeds. Great vehicle and feels much larger from the inside. Basic transportation with an upscale feel. Perfect for this economy.