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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  The last Nissan I will ever own. - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By jalaniz4116 - May 8 - 3:11 am

  I bought my Nissan Altima new, and it has been a big burden. I had the car for a month when the transmission went out. I wish I was joking. The dealership took care of the problem pretty promptly. The Cam-shaft sensors went out, so the car would just stop on me at a low rates of speed. As one could imagine, it was not very safe due to that reason. I have had to replace 3 alternators. 3 of them!!!!!! I have had to replace all the motor mounts & the breaks way too often. After a year, I never felt safe in taking the Altima out of town.

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  dollar-ed out - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By carikeli81 - May 7 - 10:53 pm

  I do love this truck but would love it more if I hadnt had so many issues...At 26,000 miles we had to fix the tension belt and just again at 59,000 miles! The fuel sensor failed and had to be replaced at 50,000. My tire pressure light will not go off even though it has been to the dealer no 4 times and now my air bag light is flashing and they said my extended warranty will not cover anything on it if they find something wrong with the airbag!? which I dont understand and is ridiculous to me. My husband informed me he will sell it if it continues to have issues! I always thought Nissans were well made vehicles guess I was wrong?

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  king of the wild - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Nissan - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Great small truck. I would stick with a 6cy model. Nissan has bulit this truck to run forever.

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  Reliable - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By 99-Vette - May 7 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Maxima that Ive owned. This one has everything except leather. I bought it used with 27k miles and now have about 70k miles on it. If you are looking for reliability, look no further. The only complaint that I really have is the poor quality of brakes and rotors. The handeling could be improved a little too. It doesnt drive as smooth as I would have thought.

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  Great Car - Could have been better; - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Newsha Makooi - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I love the car, but the fog light design is very poor. Also, after 32000 miles, the interior has developed a lot of road-noise. Sounds like little parts have come loose and rattle too much. I hate that. However, the BOSE system will cover any noise/road-noise that you might otherwise hear. Also, the OEM tires are useless. I had to replace all 4 at 22,500 miles.

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  fun and rommie at a resonable cost - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By tuller - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I test drove may cars (accord, acura,passat) and found this was by far the best car for the dollar. I first drove the 4 cyl. version and really liked it, but then I decided to venture out and try the 6 cyl. version and I fell in love, I had to have it. After 1 month I still cannot be Happier about my decision

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  Best Looking SUV on the Road - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By MaryandJim - May 7 - 2:00 am

  We previously owned a Lexus RX300,which we loved, so when looking for a new vehicle,it had to be great. We looked at an Infinti FX35, compared it to the Nissan Murano, and we were sold on the Murano! We have been stopped by people almost every time we drive it! It is by far the best looking SUV on the road.

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  Will Never Again Buy A Nissan - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Lisa Swafford - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Since purchase (Oct 4, 2003--new) the dealer has had the vehicle more than I have. The transmission has failed (had to be completely replaced) and it is now back at the dealer for "drive shaft problems." I cant begin to tell you how unhappy and dissatisfied I am.

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  I love my frog - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Froggy - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Since purchasing my Murano I have enjoyed driving it much more than my Suburban. It is comfortable and I enjoy not having to feel the shifting.

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  WOW!!! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Picky SUV Shopper - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Was shopping for SUV from Honda and Toyota when we came across with the new Quest at a local dealership. Looks alone inside and out is already outstanding, but you dont buy cars for looks alone. After test driving it, there was no question about buying it. Comfort, technology, design, entertainment features, and power are all excellent deciding factor.