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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  Why Can I Not Get Answers? - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By Mike Litteral - February 26 - 4:02 am

  I have purchased the above vehicle a 2016 Murano SL AWD. I have asked the dealer to explain how the AWD system works. But Nissan has also, not been able to explain to me how the system works. I have also asked them to recommend what brand of oil I can use for oil changes. Normally this is not a big deal; however the requirements to maintain the warranty are so tight I would like to know. According to the manual Nissan would like you to bring the vehicle to them. That is OK for Nissan and you IF YOU live in the same neighborhood. With the business traveling I do some times I am hours away from the nearest Nissan Dealer. To date Nissan has not given me a brand of full synthetic to use. The manual has a D I Y section that will only say it should meet these specifications. I prefer to use Mobile1 Products I just wanted Nissan to recommend a brand; other tan the Nissan Brand of motor oil.

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  peice of junk - 2000 Nissan Quest
  By mommydriver101 - February 25 - 10:00 am

  We have had this van for 2 years and used it only for vacations we have a lot of miles oin it but there are many problems! The hood and all over the car there are crows feet which means the paint is going to peel. there is a really loud rattleing sound in the back but nobody seems to know what is wrong. the trasmison kicks really hard when you floor it. the acceleration stinks. going up a hill it takes about 30 seconds to even get close to the speed. WE are Not very happy with this car. we have had to take it to the dealer alot to get many things repaired. the tv breaks very easly but works good when is not broken.

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  Disappointed - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By NoNissanForMe - February 17 - 10:10 pm

  I bought the Sentra 1.8 Special in April because I got married and needed a good gas mileage vehicle for my upcoming communte. So far, I am sorely disappointed with the car. I have had it in the shop now 5 times in 5 months. To me, I did not get my moneys worth at all. I traded a Ford for this vehicle and I am soon to be trading back into a Ford. The biggest problems that I have with the car are the lack of power (especially going uphill), the loose bumpers, and the loud exhaust, and the gripping brakes and roaring rear axle. I thought I was getting a good car, being my first import, but boy was I wrong. I am going back to my Ford ASAP!!!

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  Give me a Brake! Please. - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Kids Limo Service - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Four months of driving and the front end shakes violently when you apply the brakes. Nissan says it is safe. As a mom, I say if it shakes dont drive it. Repair parts are in short supply. I love the room in this SUV. Great for a large family and all the required sports and school gear. Nissan is having trouble with the roof supports and some electrical systems as well. If your DVD system vibrates take it in before it falls off on to your kids. I am betting on this being a great vehicle in the long run. We should have waited for year two, so Nissan could work the bugs out.

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  Oil Burner - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Ryan - February 9 - 4:06 pm

  If youre a real enthusiast and bought a manual, youre probably wondering why your new car is burning oil. Dont ask nissan because they do not know either. The seats are uncomfortable and the transmission makes a lot of rattling noises. I have owned many Nissans and so wanted this, my Z, but this car has left an awful impression on me and would not buy another Z.

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  Disappointed - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Billiard - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I purchased another Nissan soley due to my previous XE-6 extended cab had no problems in the 9 years I drove it other than an $14 relay I replaced in the ignition system. Ive had this one for 2 years and have already had too many problems. After only 3 months, my belts came off while driving due to a failure of the part that keeps the tension in the belts. This year, the regulators in both the front windows had to be replaced when my windows would not roll up. A piece on the wind shield for the luggage rack broke and the whole assembly had to be replaced. And now, by CD player will not accept CDs.

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  disappointment - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By i hate nissan now - January 27 - 10:00 am

  this car got really good reviews, went out and bought it... big mistake. always got crappy mileage about 12mpg mixed driving. im not kidding, i even tried driving like i was afraid of the gas pedal, not much help. finally at 7k service engine soon light comes on. what the heck. forget this car, get an accord or a camry. i noticed something peculiar at the service center. it has both a nissan and toyota service department. nissans were rolling in by the dozens, didnt see a single car pull up to the toyota service

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  Never another nissan - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By donenissan - January 26 - 10:00 am

  loved it until the ecu/ecm starts acting then mileage goes all over and the dealer starts licking his lips you soon learn to say it over and over never another Nissan.

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  Watch your Nissan Sentra - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Ruscle - January 26 - 4:26 am

  We have had our Sentra for about 2 years Cant keep tires on the back of it It wears out a set every 20000 miles Put a new set on at 36000miles and it messed them up in less than 6000 miles Took it to the dealer and they said the rear end was out of alignment but there was nothing they could do about it Called Nissan and they said there was not a problem with the car There is information all over the internet telling about the problem and how to fix it but Nissan keeps saying there is not a problem and to just change my tires every 6000 miles Would not own another Nissan ever!!!

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  SO-SO - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Paul - January 24 - 3:23 am

  Bought a 2010 S AWD with 360 package at the end of February...just hit 2500 miles. The negatives: the engine revs a bit when you first start the car, and seems to be working awfully hard at lower speeds when youre accelerating (up over 3000rpm). It settles down once you reach freeway speeds and cruises quite comfortably at 75. Acceleration is lacking. I always feel like Im pushing it to get it to respond, especially city driving. Im 61" and the drivers seat rides a little high...not adjustable. The material on the seats doesnt look like its going to wear very well...already ballooning in places. Positives: Its great in the snow, looks nice and didnt cost nearly as much as a Murano!