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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  Bad Transmission - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Dave - December 20 - 3:03 am

  I really like this car however the CVT transmission has a flaw. It sometimes will not take off from a stop and the main problem with that is it just happens no warning signs or anything. Could be very dangerous if you pull out in traffic expecting your car to move and it decides not to! Car is at the dealership now with them trying to figure what is wrong. This car scares me and I only hope Nissan can assure me they have it fixed! It seems that this is a problem Nissan has had with the CVT for a while. I would not buy one until Nissan can prove the problem has been solved!

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  Impressed 2nd Altima Owner - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Tony in Seattle - December 20 - 2:20 am

  Got the 2.5 CVT with SL package a month ago and I cant help but smile everytime I drive it. The 2.5L engine is powerful and torquey for a 4 cyl and the CVT is smooth as silk. We love the leather, dual climate control, power seats, stereo and all the options you would find in lux cars, not to mention the styling! Nissans power train is reliable and innovative. We expect to enjoy this car for years to come. (Still have our 94 Altima. After 200K and 13+ years, the engine still runs like a champ!)

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  2004 nissan murano - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By kristine - December 19 - 9:46 pm

  ive had my murano for almost a year now i was so excited i loved it so much until my speakers started going in and out, the passenger seatbelt got stuck closed, my alternator went, and my engine light went on again for the 3rd time last night at least it didnt leave me on rt 95 again the navigation sends me to wrong addresses the dealer told me nissans hold value but i got it appraised its in perfect condition, fully loaded and it was only worth 21,000 and that was 6mon after i got it. To top it all off ive been to 7 diff nissan dealerships for work and maintenance on it and at everyone the pple are rude and disrespectful my car also has electrical problems that were diagnosed in nj i waited 3mon

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  2011 Sentra SR CVT 50K miles - 2011 Nissan Sentra
  By rook119 - December 19 - 7:50 am

  My gf and I bought this car for her. She had originally bought a 2011 Corolla (mother of god that was an awful hateful machine) but someone totalled it (thankfully). So instead we got this. It was inexpensive (17.5K loaded) and didnt look as appliance-y as say a civic or corolla. Its nothing great but it does it job, its relatively reliable, has a good resale value, looks pretty good and has an insane amount of space. Just dont be fooled by those 27/34mpg numbers because you are getting far less. Verdict: The car does its job. Id say because of the high resale value you are better off just buying a new Sentra if you find yourself wanting one though.

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  good choice - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By SP60 - December 19 - 6:56 am

  i traded in an F-150 for my titan. many options on my titan were not even available on the 150. this truck has excellent power for towing an 8300 lb boat. great stereo system and tons of room in the back seat. best truck i have owned!

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  i should of kept my edge - 2012 Nissan Xterra
  By narcissa1 - December 19 - 12:41 am

  i wanted a four wheel drive to get around iowas back roads during the winter with all the room of an suv could offer more then my 08 edge. i like my exterra except the fact that when im on the roads on windy days i seem to blow as much as semis do cause of the height of the truck. i was thought i could get over not being able to get powered seats, navigation in the dash, or tvs in the head rests but i cant. for the final price of all the options i could get added i wish they would of allowed or gave the choice of those three other options. im suprised nissan wouldnt give you that unless you want a murano, just really bummed over limited options

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  A great little car! - 1998 Nissan Sentra
  By Tavel - December 18 - 10:00 am

  We just bought this car, but were quite impressed with it. I own a 92 sentra SE-R, and this is just an addition to the family. First impressions at the dealer were a bit iffy, but once home we changed the air filter and oil and the car came to life! It doesnt stack up to my SE-R in performance by any means, but it is far more economical and much more comfortable. This is a perfect commuter and road trip vehicle, it is economical and comfortable, this car is still fun to drive, and feels just like my coupe.

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  Nissan Altima - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By stomur - December 18 - 10:00 am

  I never thought I would own any car made by any company other than Chevrolet until I bought a Chevy Malibu. We had nothing but problems from the get go. We have had a wonderful experience with our Altima. I for one am thrilled my husband convinced me that I needed a new car. I LOVE MY ALTIMA

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  excellent suv - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By dazman - December 18 - 10:00 am

  fun to drive suv

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  Murano softness - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Jusa - December 18 - 10:00 am

  Excellent driving experience. I tested all luxury SUVs the Murano provides the best driving experience.