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:

• 

  NEVER!!!..Ever, Ever, Ever buy!!! - 2008 Nissan Quest
  By Jeff - October 22 - 4:38 pm

  I concurr with everyone who has had problem with this Van: interior quality is Cheap- mirrors/visors easily break, AC zips sues, Driver & Passenger Windows stop working but the very rear vent Windows work..changed out motor, controller, fuses (inside & out) and still dont work; rear end went out, power steering pump went out, rattling, siding on interior seats started coming off. THIS VAN is HORRIBLE!!!! Do not buy, New or Used !!!!!!!

• 

  comments - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By titan se - October 22 - 11:13 am

  quiet comfortable ride, fun to drive, has had some small problems, brakes, elect. issues, love the truck, very responsive.

• 

  Loving it - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By dwsq - October 22 - 6:03 am

  Ok went to dealer today at 1130am and drove out with car at 3pm, went from a 99 Yukon to this, kept the Yukon by the way. WOW, this car is amazing, never owned a Z car, was concerned about the visibility with mirrors, no problem at all, was concerned about being to low, actually feels like I am riding very high and have great views all around. I got the 7 speed auto because with the paddles, my left foot can just provide bracing as I haul down the road. Put over 125 miles so far in one day on this car and tonight when I got it home after taking the wife to dinner and she drove, we sat in the garage and just admired a sexy car, this car is sexy fast.

• 

  Wonderful car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By 02Altima - October 22 - 12:36 am

  I bought this car in November of 2001 and now have 166k miles on it. Ive never once had a problem with it, mechanical or otherwise. Ive done all the routine maintenance and its been a dream. Just know that most people writing reviews are only doing so to complain. This is the best car Ive ever owned and at least 5 friends of mine have bough Nissans based on what theyve seen from my car. When the time comes for something new Im definitely buying Nissan again!

• 

  Smiling more and more every day. - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Jack - October 21 - 4:30 pm

  This car replaces a 2004 Mercedes e320. The maxima is so responsive and silky smooth. Im blown away. I didnt think it could get better than the Benz. I was concerned with the cvt in the beginning. I have grown to love it. Typical driving give you silky smooth acceleration. Put the gear selector in the s mode and step on the gas and you get lightning fast acceleration and all the shift points that youre accustomed to. I opted for the premium package over the sport package and also got the technology package. This car does not disappoint. I literally smile more and more every day.

• 

  Great at first but then a disappointed - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By DD9 - October 20 - 5:46 pm

  I went from owning an IS300 to something more reliable in the winter. The Xterra was my favorite compared to the 4runner. Right after the 60,000 mile warranty expired, problems, serious problems that should not occur on a relatively new vehicle. between 60k and 7ok miles shaking in the seat, took it to the mechanic and he said U joints, front and rear. After the initial replacement, more issues with rear wheel bearing, more random vibrating. 77k the heater/ac resistor went. $140 for that plus install, Livid at this point. Went to Nissan, no dice, telling me to go and pay for Nissan tech to diagnose. Terrible customer service from Nissan N. America. 3 weeks gone by, Mike has not called.

• 

  Coolant leaking into transmission fluid - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By clausl - October 20 - 9:34 am

  This is a known issue with Nissan 2005 and 2006 vehicles. (Currently the subject of a class action lawsuit.) Coolant leaking into Transmission destroys transmission, computer controlling transmission and radiator. Average cost for fix is ~$7,500 warranty extension offered by Nissan doesnt cover many drivers as the issue seems to often extend beyond the extended warranty of 8yrs / 130,000km. Some vehicles are not covered despite being within these two parameters. Nissan refuses to say why some vehicles of that year/type are excluded.

• 

  I love my Versa, and my daughter does too - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Red - October 20 - 6:00 am

  I was hoping for 36 mpg, but I consistently get 33-34. I cant complain. The defroster leaves something to be desired and the air conditioning doesnt cool the back seats well. Otherwise; it is fun to drive, peppy, easy on the eyes both inside and out,and good in the snow. When this car wears out I will get another.

• 

  great truck! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By tony - October 20 - 4:53 am

  after a lot of research and test drives i went with an 05 pathfinder. after 1 yr and 12k miles i know i made the right choice!! Ive had NO problems at all!! Plenty of power, great in the snow, nice stereo(get the Bose!!) fun to drive, overall a great truck!!!

• 

  My car - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By sugarmama3 - October 20 - 3:15 am

  Im very please with my 2009 cube. I have had it 2 months and still very happy. Its very roomy for me and my family. I have gotten so mannnnnnnny compliments on this car! excellent on gas , easy to keep clean. so if theres anyone wondering what this vehicle is like. I will glad to tell you. It is GREAT!