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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  X-treem mommy mobile - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By rain_mckenna - October 14 - 9:53 pm

  i love this vehicle. my only problem is the looseness of the steering wheel. it did take some time getting used to, but it proved out well in our 600 mile drive to FLA for spring break.

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  2013 Sentra hits the mark. - 2013 Nissan Sentra
  By drewber - October 12 - 7:43 pm

  I own the 2013 Sentra SV model. I bought this car at the beginning of 2013. All I can say is that its an excellent vehicle for the price. The fuel economy is fantastic. I have to say though that I was quite surprised how this car performed compared to a Civic and Elantra which were the other vehicles I was considering at the time. The 2013 Sentra had the most space both in the trunk and interior for passengers compared to the other cars (amazing head room cause im 6ft tall. It also had the best features with different trims. Dont complain about mediocre acceleration or engine thrills, this aint a Ferrari or BMW. Its safe,efficient and roomy. The Trifecta for sub-compacts.

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  Love My "Z" - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Jewelryboy00 - October 12 - 7:23 am

  "Z" That says a lot based on the history. The car handles like a dream on tight mountain curves as well as the informal race track "I-64". The ride is a bit stiff as one would expect from a performance car. The sweet 3.5 litre V-6 cranks out smooth, even power. She is sleek in design and easy on the eyes with a wide stance and flaring fenders. My silverstone "Z" isnt vain even though she has a platinum name.

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  Reconsider before buying 6-spd manual - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By dont_buy_the_6-speed - October 10 - 6:13 pm

  I have owned this car for 10 months and it drove superb when I first purchased it, but the Edmunds.com editor was correct when he says that the 6-speed manual transmission should be avoided. In the winter, the gears began to grind, crunch, pop. I tried a dealer recommended synthetic oil and it helps slightly but even in the summer there is considerable gear grinding. Master clutch cylinder had silent recall; clutch pedal made reverberating "socket-wrench" sound until this was replaced. Nissan consumer affairs lacks technical knowledge and unhelpful and would not offer any suggestions to correct gear-grinding, it seems to be a common problem so please avoid 6-spd and go with the CVT

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  the max - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By jamaicanlovrboy - October 10 - 5:00 pm

  i jus recently bought my nissan maxima. i had a 89 bmw 325i before, and the maxima is cheaper to maintain. only problem i had so far is the rear calipers locked up on me. has a very responsive V6. this car has tons of dress-up, and performance parts. ive already changed my Y-pipe, intake and exhaust, lightweight flywheel, clutch, had my ECU flashed by JET, and oh man this baby moves. this car wont win a gas saver race, but i know i have fun buring the gas and hearing that 3.0 scream.

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  Really bummed... - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By HColeman - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Nissan-but my first brand new car. What a nightmare! Love the Murano itself, but I got a lemon! My car has less than 4,000 mi and has been in shop 5 times in last 6 weeks. Entire wiring harness was replaced last week. Trying to get issue resolved with Nissan, but a lot of red tape. Really hoping to get the new car I paid so much for soon because I have not enjoyed this car.

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  get a honda - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By gir420 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  for the most part the i happy with my altima. i have had it in for repairs 4 time in a year and a half. transmition and stalling problems. the trunk now leaks, the cup holder doesnt close, and the rear window doesnt roll up by itself(i need to wiggle it as i raise it). i am selling it soon.

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  The New SER - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Linda - October 9 - 7:30 am

  Great car...stylish, sleek with great performance. When owning a SER, you stand out alone as few others are on the road...which makes you special. Driving is easy, seating is comfortable, and the powerful engine can get you out of a crunch much quicker than one realizes. Its an eye catcher....as much so as any sports car.

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  great used SUV - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By bradfinken - October 7 - 6:16 am

  Ive noticed with my 2000 Pathfinder LE that when cold, it wont shift into overdrive until engine is warm. A little frustrating when most of my driving is highway. Fuel economy is 15 city and 17 hwy. When pulling, I get 14-15 depending on how fast I go. The comfort is outstanding, not trucky at all. Feels like a dream to sit in. Heated seats will light your backside on fire.

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  Love it! - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By LoveMyMaxima - October 6 - 12:13 am

  I bought this car from my mechanic last year when my 95 Camry became too expensive to repair. I was leary because the car had 243K miles on it; but my mechanic said it would most likely go to 300K. Im at 254K now and have had no problems at all. The car is so quiet that I sometimes think it has stalled. It has the original stereo, which I hate, and the interior could have been better maintined (I think the last owner always drove with the sun roof open..dust and dirt caught in places I cant seem to reach). I cannot complain about this car. Mechanically and speed-wise, I love it. It has been quite reliable.