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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  Nissan LE 4X4 4 door - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Zivko - August 25 - 3:43 am

  Most people rate their trucks a few days after they buy them. I have had this truck for several months and overall it is a very poorly manufactured/designed vehicle. Rattles everywhere, windows do not come down when it gets cold, door wont close when it gets cold. Engine noise at idle. I have had almost all manufacturers of truck and this is the worst by far. Not all Japanese cars are the same. Toyota, Honda are great, Nissan is not.

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  Very disappointed - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By jtolleson - August 24 - 1:50 am

  Ive had my Altima seven months now, and have had way too many trips to the dealership for a new car. That is why I buy new -- to avoid dealing with problems! There are a lot of things I love about the car. But theres also a lot I hate about the car, especially the whine from the power steering pump (I complained so much that Nissan replaced the steering pump, but the new pump makes the exact same noises). That constant noise at low speeds drives me crazy. Ive also had it in several times because of rattles from the moon roof and bolts needing to be tightened, and the passenger airbag sensor not working.

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  Warning: Do not buy this car for now - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By lothario - August 21 - 11:36 am

  My tires are feathering on the insides after Nissan did re-alignment several times and it still prematurely wore out. The car drifts to the right immediately when i drove my car the 1st week i got it. There are structural problems of suspension ,expect a loud roar from your tires. Nissan only will prorate your tire eventhough the warranty is still valid. Poor customer service, lack of respect for customers. 3rd gear grind had to get transmission replaced, headlights condensate on the inside which dealer wont fix.

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  Sentra quality down - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Michael - August 18 - 10:03 am

  This engine was leaking antifreeze in the engine. We needed a new headgasket.It was covered under warranty but we had to fight to get the Nissan dealer to fix it. The engine has suffered damage from the coolant leak. It takes longer than usual to start. Also during an oil change, the dealer tech noticed we were losing alot of oil through the crankshaft oil seal. also replaced during warranty. This with a car with only 18k miles at the time. I would avoid this car with the 1.8 L engine. Ive talked with others who own this car/engine. they had the same problems! Sentras are made in Mexico. buyer beware.

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  Paint Defects - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By skreamz - August 14 - 5:13 pm

  bought a certified used 2012 Nissan Altimawith only 7.000 miles from Montrose Nissan in Hermitage, Pennsylvania in Sept 2012. I noticed in March 2013 that my trunk lid on my car had defects in the clear coat. After closer examination They were real small specs in the clear coat that were starting to peel. Several trips to the dealership and endless phone calls to Nissan Consumer Affairs and still no result. The service department at this dealership is very slow when it comes to this issue. Nissan has very very poor service when it comes to warranty issues. Save your money and go buy either a Honda or a Toyota. This is the last time I ever buy a Nissan. Nissan you blew it.

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  Poor engine choice by Nissan - 2014 Nissan Sentra
  By donp9 - August 12 - 6:24 pm

  Purchased this car about a month ago. Had only driven 200 kilometers when I noticed a loud noise and vibration from the transmission. Turns out it needed a new torque converter. Replaced by the dealer however I still notice the vibrations others have mentioned (juddering stuttering) especially in normal mode when driving at 20 to 80 kilometers an hour. Most annoying as is the constant buzz at any speed. I only drive in sport mode now as it reduces the vibrations due to the engine revving higher. The problem is that the car is underpowered. They should have left the 2.0L My 2008 Sentra has no vibrations whatsoever at any speed with the 2.0L. Piece of junk - avoid buying this car!!!

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  2004 Maxima transmission problems - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By thecuda - August 10 - 6:36 pm

  I have a 2004 Nissan Maxima with the serious transmission problems, driverÂ’s side window motor and one motor used to control the driver side power seat is out. We have been owners of Nissans for more than 22 years. At one time all of my childrenÂ’s (3) has a Nissan. We will switch to another brand and never own a Maxima again. My daughter had the same problem with her 2004 Murano.

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  Nissan Rogue 2016 problem with suspension - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Roidy Viquillon Gomez - August 8 - 10:22 am

  some of this models comes with manufacturer problems. After 1 week bought it, it start to crackle noise when turn the wheels, right or left side. After first attempt to reparation, passed 7 weeks start again the same noise problem. Nissan corporation do not have a right solution now, they say the engineering are still working for a real solution. I mean, this models comes with suspension issues. Im frustrated.

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  Poor performance, expensive repairs - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By notsopathfinder - August 6 - 10:43 pm

  Bought this vehicle used with 98,000. Good for first six months, after that, it got real expensive. Replaced both front struts/shocks twice in the same year, persistant belt noise. Rear suspension was crap. Seriously lacking power, even with the standard transmission. Repairs extremely expensive compared to my last vehicle, a Chevy. Wanted $350 just for one headlight, part only, that consistantly had water leaking in and blowing the bulb. Dealer service was horrible, bad enough that they went out of business. Above problems were from normal everyday road driving, no offroad, harsh use. Went back to Chevy because at least I can repair it at about 1/4 the cost of foreign autos.

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  Bought it for the MPG, very disappointed - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By erichards - August 6 - 2:36 am

  I traded in a very nice, fully equipped 2007 Altima 3.5 SE for the 2013 2.5 SV because the poor fuel mileage of the 3.5 - I was averaging 21-22 in my daily commute (125 miles round trip) - and thought the new 2.5 and its 27/38 rating would save enough on gas to justify the new car payment. I was wrong; so far I have only been able to average 26-27 mpg in driving that is about 50/50 highway/city. Otherwise in its first 3k miles the car has been otherwise just ok; the seats are more comfortable than the old one, but the whole "zero-gravity" thing is a bit of over-hype. The ride is softer, which is nice for commuting, but it gives up some of the sportyness that the SE offered to get that ride.