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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  Couldnt ask for more - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Andy - December 19 - 8:13 pm

  I bought this car sight unseen using an online auction. I did a lot of research. I was pleased with it when I went to pick it up and have remained so even after three years. It originally had 68,000 miles and now has 116,000. The only problems have been: 1) one coil pack went bad, and I replaced it myself (about $45) 2) the automatic temp a/c wants to cool even when it is cool outside. You can still get heat if you run it up to 85. If the temp is cold outside, it works normally. 3) Ive had to replace both c.v. joints because of boot failure. Both were after 100,000 miles, so I kind of expected that. The joints were not making any noise, but the technician suggested replacement anyway.

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  Good Trooper - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By northwest - December 18 - 4:56 pm

  Given as a gift after graduation, 65000 miles. Thanks aunty, some parts were modified for more power and sound, in turn most stock problems never happened. Runs like a champ with mobile 1 syn every 4000miles. Ngk sparkys & wires. I still get 22-25 city, 37+ highway. No prob w/engine yet. I have good mechanics:). 144300 miles strong.

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  You chose a Good car at a Great price - 2016 Nissan Versa
  By Richard Groh - December 17 - 4:49 am

  "You get what you pay for" is certainly true with the Nissan Versa. When you buy basically the lowest price car sold in the US, you are not expecting luxury or high quality in every component or system of the car. But you DO get what you pay for! You get a good, reliable car at a great price! One annoying negative for me: I knew the car did not have power locks or power windows, but only the drivers door has a lock for the key --- if you return to the car on the passenger side , you have to walk all the way around the car to unlock it, get in, then unlock the passenger door if you want or need to open it.

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  4 Stars to 2 Stars - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By kartdad805 - December 16 - 11:52 pm

  After 2 years of owning my 2006 Pathfinder, I had nothing but good things to say. After 4-5 years of owing...it is another story. After the reliability of my parents Datsun/Nissan products, I figured I would see 250,000 trouble free miles. In the last 12 months, I have spent over $5K replacing two cat converters, u-joints, shocks, ECU relay. Today, check engine light is on again! I am afraid of the ticking time bomb of the transmission I read about. Carlos Goshen may have "saved" Nissan...but as with many short-term thinking cost cuttiing "businessmen", it is at the sacrifice of Nissans reputation of quality products. This will likely be the last Nissan product I ever buy! RIP Nissan

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  Good truck, but not all expected - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By storm2rain4 - December 16 - 4:26 pm

  As most people, I do spend some time on the highway, but as a forester, this truck sees substantial 4-wheel drive time. This ranges from 6-18" of "old- growth" dust on most of our haul roads in August to driving on 12-24" of fresh snow in December. After driving about 7,000 miles, this truck is getting between 12-16 mpg, but I consider that pretty fair after 3/4-ton GMC & Ford 4x4s getting between 10-13 mpg. Truck has plenty of power, but a transmission that shifts down two gears at the slightest nod to want to pass someone on the highway ...trying to get used to this! Annoying factors include windshield wiper proximity to wheel, powertrain hum at 55+, poor A/C controls and poor 4x4 tires.

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  This is any easy fix - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By critical2 - December 16 - 9:42 am

  Guys this problem is easy to fix. I have a 2006 maxima and had the same problems with the tranny as everyone else here described. All you have to do is change your 3 linear solenoids in your valve body to so new after market ones made by a company called Rostra. it cost $240.00 for the parts and roughly 300 for labor. My are runs perfectly, just like new and thats all I did. You will be very satisfied with the results. Best,

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  Pathfinder = Reliable - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Ricky C - December 15 - 10:33 pm

  I bought my pathfinder with 28,000 miles on it and I have never ever had a problem with it. I love the interior, exterior and the way it handles. Small enough to fit into tight spots but big enough to get a true SUV feel. Gas is decent, I have a short so I dont get hit as much.

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  A Great Value - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By laverrone - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Although its not quite as nice as my 93 Acura Legend LS, it is a great car for the money. The engine is strong, the car is built well, drives well and is extremely reliable. Confortable enough for 405 adults. You get what you pay for. This years Maxima will never compete with other higher end luxury/sport sedans, but comes very close. If you dont want to spend a lot of money on a BMW, Acura or Infinity, this is a great car.

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  2001 Nissan Fontier 2x4 reg cab - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By Newton1234567 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I have been impressed with this pickup. The only problem is that the rubber seals around the plastic fender flares are comming unglued. I hope its covered by the warranty. I have drived a few 8hour days and its pretty comfortable for a reg cab bench seat.

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  2005 Altima not as good as they say - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Altima JCM - December 14 - 11:03 pm

  The car is fast for a 4 cyl but the AC compressor comes on when you press the fan button to recirculate which kills the performance a little and greatly affects gas mileage negatively. Nissan does not see it as a problem even though you cant shut the AC compressor off unless you shut off the ignition. The AC vents not well designed have limited adjustments. The floor boards are very weak and rattle at times. The chrome shift-plate tends to shine the sun in your face. The stock radio is very cheap and has poor reception. The front nose is hard to see when parking. Fun to drive but Nissan saved a lot on cutting corner. Poor gas milage but a cute car your choice to buy.