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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  My "Tuna Can" - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By LiaDesiree - March 4 - 7:33 pm

  Well, folks, traded in my Mercedes S Class to go green. Havent regretted it, yet. This car is stylish, has great pickup, and tons of features that my Merz didnt have (XM radio, backup camera). Bought car and immediately drove it to So. California. Found I was doing 85-90 mph and didnt know it. Still got 32 MPG without battery assistance. Looked at Camry also, but Altima won, hands down, for style, comfort and options. Nissan warranties their battery for 150K miles. Got all the bells and whistles on this baby: tech package, etc.

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  Buy one if you can find one! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Frontier freak - March 4 - 9:50 am

  I owned a 04 Frontier and traded in for the 05 2.5L/5-speed - well worth it. Bigger everything and still reliable, expect for some body squeaks. The truck never had any mentionable problems but routine main. & a battery (not counting two wrecks which it took like a champ) and its still running and hauling 1,000 lbs. well. I think the interior design and ergonomics are great for a king cab, and the bold exterior design sets it apart from the wimpier Tacoma and domestics. Would like to see a more stroked 4 (or inline 5?) base model - the 2.5 L does great for the weight of this sturdy truck, but acceleration and torque are issues. I hope to get the 4.0 next time.

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  Keep looking if you want Reliability - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By carbuyerone - March 3 - 8:25 am

  The issue is quality and reliability. Our time owning this vehicle was beleaguered with numerous mechanical problems, break-downs, recalls and quality issues. The vehicle had chronic fuel pump and fuel sender failures (Google and read owner blogs). This resulted in the fuel gauge not working or fuel pump failing altogether. Fuel pump issues left us stranded twice (towed to dealer both times). We replaced the sender and fuel pump 3 times while owning. We had ball bearing and CV issues in the front end. We had the car battery explode once, leaving my wife stranded (towed to dealer again). We had the transmission slip out of drive a few times and one time out of 4WD while pulling the boat out on a ramp. The ECM (electronic control module) had to be fix/replace twice. The sliding moon roof rode off its track, became jammed and had to be completely replaced. The back lift gate pistons failed to keep the back gate open. The cargo board liner came undone (I fixed myself), passenger cup holders broke off (poorly placed by design). Styling molding covers on the roof rack came off on the highway. The banding on the exhaust heat shields rusted away resulting in a metallic rattle between the exhaust pipes and heat shielding which require re-banding (I fixed myself). The underbody shows far too much rust development for a modern make, this made me concerned about the vehicles long term handling of underbody rust. 2nd row passenger AC/heat control buttons kept coming off. The paint chips and scratches easily. The interior plastics are soft, also scratch easily and the lighter tone plastics are hard to clean. The font bumper cover cracked and tore pushing through a snow drift.

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  Good value & options for the money! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By KC - March 3 - 7:50 am

  We average 24-25 MPG in mostly city driving, 26-27 on the interstate at approx 73 MPH!! Excellent! We test drove the RAV4 and CRV for comparison. The Rogue rides and drives better. The seats are more comfortable and the ride not as still as the others.

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  My New Armada - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By tsawife - March 3 - 6:26 am

  We love our new Armada!! We have only had it a few days but so far it is the most smooth, comfortable ride. I traded my Isuzu Ascender (which I loved by the way) and was a bit unsure that the Armada could live up to the expectations that I had. Once my husband and I, who are both very tall, sat in the middle and back seats, we were sold. It is so roomy and comfortable to ride in and to drive. It doesnt have the best gas mileage but luckily I work very close to home and all the room makes up for it. My 2 sons love that feature also, as they can each have their own row of seats with lots of room and they feel very safe riding in it. I hope we love it as much in 5 years as we do today!!

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  Just Great - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Franks - March 3 - 1:20 am

  This is a great car. A lot of interior room with great handling. I have problems with the heater blower. It makes a whistling sound and have not been able to get it replaced due to shortage in parts. Otherwise ZI love to drive it and take the car everywhere. Better fuel economy on the highway then in the city. Premium gas is a pain but is worth the extra dollars for the performance.

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  Juke makes you wanna puke - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By wessica007 - March 2 - 11:49 pm

  The juke is sadly not an economical car. Advertising at 27-32 mpg, I am mortified to get a 19-23mpg average. Buy a truck people! The sound system is horrid, no armrest, a flashlight would be better than the interior lighting. No trunk space. Nissan also does not back up their product. They falsly advertise, then say its your problem. I used to have an infinity fx35 with bose and leather and gave it up for this economical car.....NOT>>>>buyer beware!

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  SE-R Spec V - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By tyo789 - March 2 - 8:43 pm

  I just bought my Spec V two months ago. It was a good choice. I was actually looking at the eclipse or tiburon as my other choices. The Spec V just stood out to me. The car runs pretty good except for I need to get new brake rotors because the front ones are bent. I guess the last owner was driving the car recklessly. Other than that the car is in perfect shape.

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  1st month Versa S 5 speed - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By sbcar - March 2 - 7:09 pm

  We have had the car for a month, no problems. So far a great value. My wife is getting 41mpg driving to work each day at 2 lane highway speeds. 60+ mph. The car is quite large for a sub compact. Bought a center arm rest on EBAY and 2 vanity mirrors at Auto Zone, now we are set.

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  The MAX! by D.B. - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By D.B - March 2 - 10:00 am

  This car is a rocket! Very fun to drive. After driving 2001 4cyl accord its no wonder. Had to get the 2003. Have you seen the size of the butt on the 2004?? Cloth seating is very comfortable. Even base Stereo is impressive. Didnt like Nissans option packages. You cant choose single options like traction control & side Air bags without the whole shooting match. Cannot beat this car for the price!