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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  Good car - only minor problems - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By schwnj - April 25 - 3:26 am

  Ive been driving my black Sentra SE since it was new, and have just over 50,000 on it now. Like many of the other reviewers, Ive had to replace my brakes and tires. Ive had two window regulators go out on me (both under warranty), and my sun visor mirror covers cracked off long ago. The paint on the bumper and mirrors is starting to fade after five years in the 110-degree Phoenix sun (but I wax it regularly to keep fading to a minimum). But all of those things are minor. The car has always started, it performs like it did in 2001, it handles well, the engine is built like a tank and all electrical and mechanical systems are fully working. Treat this car well and it will treat you well.

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  2001 Pathfinder Satisfactory. - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By IN Pathfinder Owner - April 24 - 10:33 pm

  This is my third Pathfinder. The first - a 1996 was very nice, but alittle plain in interior aspects for the purchase price. The next, a 2000 was better in that aspect; but after a traffic accident which totaled it, a 2001 Pathfinder was bought to replace it. Except for the weak bumper system, the SUV, in my opinion, is more elegant than most others & handles pretty well in most weather; need to watch for ice etc. since the SUV is larger, I find that it wants to slide more easily. Gas mileage needs to be worked with; about 15 miles per gallon highway. Interior noise can be high - something that I would think would be better in a vehicle like this; wind & tire/road noise especially.

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  Great features, great value, great car - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Matt - April 24 - 10:36 am

  The 2.5S with convenience plus package gives all the "must have" features at a reasonable price. Great bang for the buck. The CVT engine is very smooth. Mileage is great, 28-30 mpg so far with mostly city driving, yet the car has plenty of pickup to accelerate onto the highway with ease. Keyless entry without having to take the key fob out of your pocket and push button start is great novelty feature that comes in very handy. Both front and back seats are very roomy on inside, seats are very comfortable. Could not be happier with our new Altima!

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  Finally not a cookie-cutter body type - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By msbeanz - April 24 - 6:14 am

  Love at first test drive, love the quick throttle repsonse, never drove a car that was actually fun to drive ! this makes me excited for my daily 52 mile round trip to work. I sold my 06 Mazda 3i to get this Juke SV & it was the best sale I have ever made ! very smooth ride, quiet & the MPG is awesome ! similar size gas tank compared to my Mazda 3 & I seem to be using less gas in the Juke, so I have to wonder, all you reviews that said it gets horrible MPG do you never take it off the sport mode & drive like a maniac ? I love how the bullfrog body is like no other manufacturers out there, & it fits all my needs as a 4-dr since I plan on having kids somedays. motorcycle-like interior is cool!

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  Love/ Hate Relationship - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By keb - April 23 - 11:06 pm

  I have been a Nissan fan since I can remember. However, I am sad to say that this is my last Nissan. I have had nothing but problems with this 03 Altima. I must admit that it is fun and peppy to drive (manual) but that is where it ends. I have had numerous issues with it starting in all types of weather. It has been in the shop 7 times for this issue. Also, the entire sub-frame corroded and had to be replaced. There has been all sorts of loose bolt noises ever since. Lets not forget the "rocking seat," constant squeaks, rattles and shimmy. Theres lots of outside noise (even with new tires). I just dont feel safe driving it. Finally, its extremely easy to be broken into. Hope this helps!

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  10 years of fun and reliability - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Maxxed-In - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I put 75k miles on my Max in the first 3 years, no probs other than ignition coils. 28k miles in the next SIX years, only prob has been an O2 sensor (front $$$). This Max has simply been EXTREMELY reliable and FUN (I wont say how fun). This was the last Max made in Japan, I cant speak for US made models.

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  So far, so good - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Bill T - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Cube for nearly a year. Highway mileage is around 32 mpg and city is around 26. It handles well for a small car. Ive made one long trip of 2300 miles and everything went fine. Im a big guy and the room inside this car is amazing for its size.

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  Im Happy With It - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By jonsiros - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I chose the Sentra over the Corolla because I felt it had more personality. Unfortunately, it doent pack the same kind of build quality the Corolla has. The CVT, I feel, kind of robs the car of performance. Its a bit slow from a dead stop, but once your off its smooth and quick. The steering shakes a bit when slowing down from high speeds. Interior is well laid out, but the materials are cheap and wears out quickly. The trunk is huge. Gas mileage is excellent. Id still recommend this car for someone who wants an economical car.

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  Great deal! - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By Kathy - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I just picked up my new sentra sr and I am so excited. We already have a 2007 and have been very happy with it. Great ride, style,and deal. I got it out the door at $15,400 after dealing with several dealerships. I am looking forward to driving a new car and having low up keep costs.

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  Nissan on top again - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By bscanlan - April 23 - 7:06 am

  The Versa is a well desinged, well built and most importantly well though out vehicle. Nissan has done it again. The car drives beautifully gets great gas mileage and makes you feel as though you are in a luxury car, not an econobox. I heavily researched toe Yaris and Fit, Civic and Corolla. The Versa was the best overall choice, and oh yeah...the best price apple to apples. Dont hesitate.