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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  Cheap Materials - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By pinoybboy2004 - July 22 - 12:44 am

  Broken Springs Besides the fact that I overpaid for a whopping 3 year warranty the effort of Nissan to rectify any portion of this incident is non existent. It is sickening to think when I am driving that such a poor quality product is considered acceptable by Nissan. There are several complaints on forums and other consumer websites reporting this same safety issue with Versa springs sheering off completely. Dont let your family drive a Versa.

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  Great if you get a great price on it. - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Thatguy1 - July 21 - 12:34 pm

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  Great Buy - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By CT - July 20 - 11:46 pm

  I bought my Maxima GXE used in 03 with 29K miles, and it was the best used car decision I ever made. It is now at 152K miles and still going strong. It has never needed a major repair. I change the oil myself every 3K miles with Pennzoil 5w-30. Repairs includes: CV boot replacements X 2, two O2 sensors, Brakes Pads front & back X 2. I replaced the radio with Sony deck with CD and Ipod wiring located in glove box, installed remote staring and door open unlock system, new speakers front and rear, Chrome wheels and had front bumper, hood and front quarter panels repainted.

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  Worst money I ever spent - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By pwomack10 - July 20 - 6:20 pm

  I have a 2007 Titan LE. Good looking truck and that is about all the good I have to say about it. 13 MPG, uncomfortable, and a vibration I cannot get rid of. I even traded the Goodyear SR-A tires with less then 1000 miles to Michelins in hope that would fix the problem. Another $990.00 spent on a vehicle that I wish I had never purchased. I have driven trucks all of my life, this is the eigth pick-up I have owned, the only new one and by far the most disappointing.

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  great truck - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By shazdaddy - July 20 - 10:00 am

  had to downsize rom dodge ram..miss the horsepower but overall very happy with truck...fells bigger than it is

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  excellent car - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Kyaker - July 20 - 10:00 am

  This car is my wifes daily driver and was purchased new for her job which was 80+% of the time in the car. I wanted her to drive a vehicle that had power and was safe verses most other cars if she was ever in an accident. Now she is a stay at home mom and I am getting her a new car, I was thinking that she would want a mini van etc. She wanted another Maxima. Nuff said...

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  Great Car - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Elton John - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Same quality as a Corolla or Honda Civic, but less expensive. Ive owned my car for 20 mths and Ive driven it 21000 miles and I havent had one problem with it. It has many great features such as compact disc, auto, air it has enough zip to get you where you need to go safely and comfortably. The best thing about the car is its affordability. I paid $12,300.00 total out the door for my brand new Sentra. I cant say enough good things about the car!

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  Great SUV - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By kevkelly - July 20 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I did extensive research online for reliability data, value, etc for the best used SUV. We narrowed our choices down to the Pathfinder (orQX4), the Highlander, and the MDX. After driving all of these vehicles, we decided the Pathfinder was by far the best deal. We couldnt be happier. The vehicle drives great and has fantastic acceleration. The navigation system has reliably taken us straight to each requested destination, and the entertainment system keeps my 2 year old happy (he now insists we take this vehicle everywhere). This is the 5th Nissan Ive owned, so I know reliability will be outstanding.

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  Good Enough to Buy it Twice - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By 03SpecV - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my second 03 Spec V yesterday. I had my first one for about 4 months and was rearended, and 2 weeks later before I got the damage fixed, a 16 yr old pulled out in front of me totalling the car. I put 7,000 miles on it in that short time. After shopping around again, I could not bring myself to buy the ugly 04 Spec (Nissans design team shouldnt have messed with the front of the car). Even though I paid $1200 more than my first one, I still bought another (RF stereo included this time). I have all options on the new one except the "safety" package(ABS, side airbags) and still paid under $17500 including shipping costs.

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  Excellent SUV - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Ken Anderson - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Very good SUV, if your looking for outdoor fun, with plenty of power coming from the supercharged versions. Have had no problems with this vehicle at all. Gas consumption is a little heavy though, so expect it if youre going to buy. Extremely comfortable interior and ride, given the fact that it is built on a truck platform. Good Purchase for those looking for a serious SUV.