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:

• 

  It works for me. - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Mike - June 18 - 3:06 pm

  Had this truck one month, (900 miles). I like it better every time I drive it. The seats take some getting used to. The ride is a little bumpy in town, but great on the highway. I dont care much for the tool box/basket behind the drivers seat, or the jump seats. The main issue is fuel mileage. So far I am getting 16 mpg, combined driving. I gave up a Ford Ranger I had for 12 years that performed very well. This truck has more power and is very quiet on the highway. So far not a single issue to report.

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  this car is the bomb - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By SSJVegeta - June 18 - 12:50 pm

  this car is the bomb

• 

  Not So Ultimate Altima! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Vincent - June 18 - 10:22 am

  This vehicle broke down two days out of the dealership with on 175 miles on it. Apparently there was a faulty sensor issue. The mpg meter will not register but, at last I could see its estimates I was getting about 1-12 mpg. I then started smelling antifreeze leaking but the dealer could not find the leak. It was the top rail of the radiator seeping and, I had to pay twice to replace it out of warranty. The turning radius is very poor and, you cannot see the steering wheels controls at night. During the day you cannot see the Bose radio controls about high noon as the sun prevents it. Ive replaced both steering arms, rear bearings, fixed a leak at the firewall causing water to come into the passenger side floor and, replaced the struts all this was around 90,000 miles. My car now is shutting off at will with codes P1283, PO726, PO797 and, the transmission will not go into fifth gear though serviced at 30,000 intervals. I am now at 127,000 miles and just replaced leaking defective valve covers(causing the oil to reach the plugs) $600.00. I just tuned it up and replaced the fuel injectors $786.00, just replaced the crank & cam shaft sensors, fuel air ratio valve, mass air flow sensor,(2) o2 sensors, all the ignition coils pack $1,400.00 and, I still have not got the car running as as stated it shuts off at will. I will NEVER own another Nissan as when they started making them in the USA, something is definitely wrong. They were excellent cars when made in Japan as I was with them since they were Datsuns.

• 

  Great College Car for My Son - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By mike - June 18 - 8:20 am

  For the price this car can not be beat. Especially considering the favorable financing. THe first car my son looked at and after looking at several other we came back to buy. Safety features were a big selling point to his mother.

• 

  far better than anticipated - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By ion - June 18 - 2:00 am

  88,000 miles and nary a problem. I love the handling, the speed the growl of the motor. I have outmaneuvered many more powerful and supposedly better handling vehicles with the expectant higher price tag all over the Rockies and the Sierras, as ell as PCH up to Frisco. I have 205s but will change them back to 195s as the difference is only minimal.

• 

  Sound, fun car for the price! - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Balaji - June 17 - 6:03 pm

  Bought this car used with low miles almost 2 years ago. Its been reliable and fun to drive. Good pickup for a 4 cylinder! But fuel mileage is poor for a compact. I get between 25-30mpg at best. The build quality and comfort could do with a little improvement. Overall, Im very satisfied with it.

• 

  good car for the price - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By UR - June 17 - 3:00 pm

  I bought this car couple of months ago, so far it is giving me very good mileage like 29 city and 35 highway. I checked it so many times. I always keep my air filter clean. Interior is kind of plastic looking but it has a style. rear seats dont have good leg room. Irealy like the hight of the car it is much better. I drive 90 miles/day and loving the gas mileage. If you are looking for the powerful car it is not for you, it is only for stop and go kind of car. If you like to do work on your car it is the best car, every thing is right in front of your eyes, even the oil filter any one can change the oil filter.

• 

  ok - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By thomas bond - June 17 - 7:11 am

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  Bad Resale - Buy it if you want to keep it - 2012 Nissan Maxima
  By don_83 - June 17 - 5:44 am

  I was considering a TSX, TL , Passat V6 and maxima and walked out of the door with $30k for an SV. I thought it was a good deal. I guess not. The car that stickered for $37k is now worth $24k miles with 10k miles on the clock. Its a good car if you want to commute and keep for a while as the car is very reliable, interior materials are above average. CVT is not really responsive until in Ds mode. Seats are good for long drives and offer plenty of room. you get a lot of standard features for $30k . Considering base 3 series and A4 are smaller and slower. Steering feel is very good and precise. spend a little more and get a base TL , better in every way .

• 

  Very Nice truck - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By Jay - June 16 - 7:03 pm

  Bought this truck after selling my 02 Frontier. I live on a small island where gas costs nearly $4.00 a gallon, so I didnt really need a 6 cylinder. I drove this truck and had to have it. Nice tight suspension, more than enough power, unbelievably quiet for a truck, plenty of room in the back seat, great tie down tracks for my windsurfing equipment, boat gear, surfboard etc., just wash it out when done with the bed liner. Im thinking Ill keep this one for a long time. Nice work Nissan! Jay