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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  Dont buy a CVT Nissan - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By bteeley - January 26 - 5:31 pm

  The car is fine. Its a bit loud, not very powerful. On one had compared to its peers the interior it is well built. The transmission failed a few years ago, the dealer replaced it under warranty with no issues. Now, about 60k miles later the transmission is failing again, it sounds like a truck, the issues are well documented and the dealer tells me it is normal. Refusing to do anything to resolve the issue. After owning the car for 4 years there are many other vehicles I would purchase over the Nissan Rogue. Initially, I really like what Nissan is about, ride quality, reliability, etc. But I will not purchase another one. Search the net for CVT reviews before you buy.

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  Ugly car - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By Kodak black - January 25 - 6:00 am

  My parents just suprised me with this car and I have a couple of complaints. It does not have an outlet where you can plug in your phone to play music. The car just looks really weird. Im a guy and Ive only seen girls drive this car which is kind of annoying. People always tell me that I drive a chick car.

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  Most reviews are BS... - 2014 Nissan Versa
  By jebediah - January 22 - 5:17 pm

  I havent found a single realistic review. Im going to try to give you one with this horribly short space. The cost, for what it is is good. Its one of the cheapest new cars you can own, great gas mileage and Nissan makes good quality cars. When actually driving. You have large blind spots. Looking out the windows including rear is very difficult due to the design of the seats specifically, along with the shape and size of the windows themselves. This is a safety hazard. Merging into traffic especially the highway, or anywhere will need you to be defensive and deliberate. Very touchy turning. If you are distracted for a few seconds you could easily go into another lane by accident.

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  NV 200 Not Enough for the Job - 2014 Nissan NV200
  By Mr. Font - January 21 - 6:15 am

  I purchased an NV 200 in 2014 for a small business we were establishing and needed a vehicle for the purchase of raw material and transportation. The vans engine appeared to be sufficient during test drive, but in reality it has a hard time hauling cargo. The acceleration is poor and can be unsafe at time. I have also experience tire wear. With 8000 miles the tires show significant tire wire. I have also learned the replacement tires are very expensive. In addition, I am experiencing paint issues for which Nissan does not want to be held accountable. It appears the van was touchup before I made the purchase. Still debating on this issue. Overall, the van does not have the engine power to haul cargo. It does provide for easy entry into the van, it is accessible and easy to get cargo in and out of the van. But lacks engine power.

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  350Z new car problems - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Kencap - January 8 - 11:53 pm

  I am dissapointed with my new Nissan 350Z, because the engine service light came on even before 100 miles. I brought it in for service, and my dealer told me that they have to order parts, it has been ten days, they dont have replacement part yet. Now the AT warning lights has started blinking, telling me to bring it for service to have the transmission checked. I bought a new car, so I can enjoy driving without without any worries, but it seems I got a LEMON

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  Nothing But Issues - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Sunshinej01 - January 3 - 3:56 pm

  I bought this car with 47000 miles and have had nothing but issues since. I first replaced the MAS, and have since replaced both front ball joints and axles, air conditioner clutch pulley, water pump, brakes, and still have many issues including water leaking in from mysterious places, sputtering upon cold start, and my cd player is also very sketchy. This was my dream car, but I now wish that I had never purchased it. I would have never dreamed that Id have put over $2500 into repairs in two years while still being under 90000 miles.

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  More Problems...Poor Build Quality - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By ahb36 - January 2 - 8:21 am

  We purchased a new 2013 Pathfinder Platinum AWD. 3rd gen CVT. You would think Nissan would have figured it out by now...NOT!!! By the time we had driven 4000km the car had been in the shop twice to reprogram the transmission. By 6000 km, in the shop two more times, but with a new transmission. Within 500 km after the new transmission was installed, the same drivetrain vibration. Nissan Canada says "Its a good car...well fix it" We said you have wasted too many hours running a vehicle back and forth from the shop. We lost 10k on trade in, and bought a 2013 Lexus RX350 F Sport. Wish we had bought the Lexus in the first place!!