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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  I wouldnt buy another one - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By rivergirl - December 7 - 5:10 pm

  So far my truck has had to have a new computer, I have had transmission problems, it has gotten locked in park and the solenoid that releases the gear shift was malfunctioning, The air conditioning drain was draining into the front passenger floor and all of my carpeting had to be replaced due to mold. Purchase price was 29,600 and trade in is 15,000 in just over a year. I am afraid to drive this vehicle too far from home due to its history of leaving me stranded. The mileage on my truck as it sits in the shop today is 18,500.

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  Bad engine - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Marina - December 6 - 10:00 am

  Many problems with the engine. It will stop in the middle of a highway with no power. Unsafe if problem is not corrected on time. 3 times for repair and only 11 months old.

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  Titan doesnt live up to its name - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Adam - December 2 - 8:20 pm

  We purchased the truck new in 05. Currently we have 52,000 miles on it. The truck has plenty of power with the trade off being mileage. We see an average of just over twelve. We have gotten 18 on premium and 8 on E85. The truck has been plagued with both minor and major problems. Minor being tire pressure sensors leaking or needing recalibration and back up sensors. Major being brakes, replaced front differential which took Nissan 2weeks, Fuel tank pressure sensor, and a fuel mixture sensor. Overall it is an O.K. truck but for real work I would prefer a Ford or Chevy. It is a sweet ride coming off the lot and in town but that is as far as you can take it.

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  Noisy: I want my money back - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By jtttmaag - November 30 - 12:46 pm

  I am a big person, 68", 265 pounds and the interior provides adequate room. The seats are extremely comfortable. I bought the Krom with Blue Tooth, however the interior noise at 60+ mph makes it difficult to hear and to be heard. The noise is so loud it sounds like my windows are down. I no longer use the Blue Tooth. Mileage has been around 30-31 on the highway, a little less around town. The car is gutless so do not expect it to be snappy.

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  Not worth the money - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By ubie - November 28 - 10:00 am

  If the Altima truly wants to compete with the Accord and the Camry, then Nissan has to stop adding on all the extras, that already come with on the Accord and Camry. I love the engine and the color but thats about it. The BOSE system that came in most of the pewter colored cars that had the other features I wanted is definitely not worth the extra $800. I paid for it.

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  Not so good - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Tazmania - November 13 - 10:00 am

  Ill admit, I love the body design. After driving for about 3 months. The comfort & the details is failing to impress me. 1. No power passenger seat 2. Outdated dail type controls 3. Cant read the clock and radio display when bright sunny day 4. No day time running lights 5. Weak and lousy sound quality for a BOSE system 6. Still uses metal rod prop to keep the hood open 7. Climate / heat system keeps the front window foggy if the A/C is not on 8. Leather seats quality are worse than that of a cheap domestic vehicle 9. The horn sounding, when you activate the security system drives me nuts 10. NO resale value!

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  Watch out for low quality - 2007 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Ken - November 10 - 10:13 pm

  We bought our Pathfinder for the same reasons as all the other buyers here. Maybe we just got a lemon. Anyway, when you have 14 different things go wrong that must each be fixed by the dealer, you get pretty tired of bringing the car in for repairs -- tired enough to make you wish you bought something else.

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  Transmission Nightmare - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Patrick - November 9 - 2:40 pm

  Less than 65000 miles already have had one transmission replaced, two stock tires blow out, back interior shelf replaced, all 4 warped rotors replaced, front grill replaced, timing chain replaced, Air conditioning system needs to be replaced but not willing to pay 1300 dollars to do it. I am now replacing my 2nd transmission due to a defect acknowledged my nissan but not covered because out of 12000 mile part and 60000 mile powertrain warranty. I do not recommend this vehicle to anyone. This is my 2nd and last nissan vehicle I will ever purchase. Nissan consumer afairs and customer support group have yet to be helpful in this matter.

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  big disappointment - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By ifhorseswerewishes - November 8 - 8:30 am

  I expected much better gas mileage, the best gas mileage I have ever gotten is 28 and that is on highway. Its noisy and bouncy, not a very good ride. I had an Aveo that I enjoyed a lot more and paid $10000 less for. Did I ever goof! This car doesnt have much storage space in the back/trunk and the seat does not fold flat

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  Cool as a black cat! - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By David Baker - November 8 - 1:07 am

  Dirties & shows nicks & scratches easily though otherwise a slightly above avg car I feel, say 3.5/5.