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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  Way fun to drive - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By cablainer - October 6 - 8:03 pm

  I bought this car used with 50k miles and was in mint condition. The dealer had to replace the passenger window motor before I took it home. I have driven for a year as my daily driver and have taken trips like LA to Vegas and San Diego. This car is awesome. Superior handling, Has major guns and is FAST! Always gets looks and positive comments wherever I go and it over 4 years old. Its flashy but not vulger. I use synthetic oil and change it every 3 months. I have NEVER had to add ANY oil ever! It just doesnt got through it. i have had Zero problems at all. Extremly reliable car. Comfort short trips OK., Long trips not so much. Little storage and tiny trunk are my only complaints.

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  CVT failed for us too! Never buy Nissan! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By darehauf - October 6 - 7:31 pm

  We bought our 2008 Nissan Rogue SL new at the dealership and the transmission failed at 50K miles. It was replaced under warranty. Since then, our warranty has expired (130K miles now). Now, the new CVT has also failed and we have to pay out of pocket to fix it. The drive shaft also failed as did the A/C compressor. Weve put over $5K into this car in repairs since hitting 120K miles. Save yourself the money and frustration and dont buy this car or any Nissan for that matter. If you already own one, sell it before you lose all your money. This thing is a piece of junk with a warranty that conveniently expires shortly before the CVT fails for good. Argh.

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  SOOOO UPSET ABOUT THIS TRUCK! - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By SeverelyDisappointed - October 6 - 11:16 am

  I fully researched this truck before buying. Had given a glowing review before-now take it all back. Had it for 2.5 years, now the cam seal is leaking oil on exhaust manifold. Has totally shaken my faith in the truck. As soon as its fixed-selling totally. Bought this truck for the rugged off road looks and sport utility features. Now its just a sexy piece of crap. I really liked driving it-the 6 speed manual is great, and the horsepower was outstanding, until it started leaking like a sieve. My kids and I were really upset over having to give it up. After this experience, I will neever buy a Nissan again! Ive had used cars that lasted longer than this!

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  Squeaky Brakes since i purchased 2015 Nissan Altim - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Zina - October 6 - 9:46 am

  The brakes seem to be an issue with this vehicle. I took it to Nissan and they said it was dirt, so they cleaned it and that was early on before my car even reached 15,000 miles. Now at 30,000 miles the brakes continually squeal when Im about to stop, when I reverse and its a constant sound. Again, Nissan said my brakes passed inspection and no need to change anything but they havent done anything to fix the noise. Now its more annoying then ever, the car is fairly new and its embarrassing that I can be heard backing out of my parking space or when Im at a drive thru and need to apply the brakes. After reading the reviews, I think I will attempt to take it to a mechanic and hopefully they can figure it out.

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  nice car - 1996 Nissan Altima
  By pounds - October 6 - 2:00 am

  I feel that altima is reliable.

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  Sweet Ride for the Cash - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Bob in the bar - October 6 - 2:00 am

  This car is not a BMW, but its a great car for the money. If you want reliability, fun, good fuel economy in a affordable and functionaly car, this is the one!

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  Nice Car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Piper1982 - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Yeah I had a ford explorer before this, and was gonna get another truck. This car tho...is big enough to carry most everthing i move around...the 6sp is fun but rough in constant traffic. The gas milegage over having the truck is fantastic...fun car to drive, and gets good looks.

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  Nice Car! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By pdonath - October 6 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for 7 months and I drive it about 30 hours plus a week for work. I have had no trouble and love it.

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  No regrets with my 2002 Altima SE - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By tmcaridi - October 6 - 2:00 am

  My Altima has over 17,000 miles now and I enjoy it driving it as much as when I first got it. Living in the suburbs of a major city with plenty of winding roads through the country-side makes this vehicle a pure pleasure to drive. It has great performance, excellent handling and is still gets a lot of looks. The 5-speed manual is the way to go if youre a driving enthusiast.

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  A perfect "10" - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Ed - October 5 - 11:36 pm

  Extremely comfortable with crisp handling. The comfort of a touring sedan with all wheel drive. This SUV is a pleasure to drive. The navigation system is easy to use and youll never get lost again. I look forward to driving it every day.