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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  Satisfied Customer and Repeat buyer - 1999 Nissan Quest
  By Mary - March 18 - 10:00 am

  My experience was good. The van was very comfortable and reliable. Also, the 99 SE Quest was a first year model, so it was fun being one of the first out on the road. The problems I experienced were not out of the norm for a first year model and Nissan dealers were very good about resolving any issues I had. As a matter a fact, I just turned in my 99 SE Quest lease (Convenience & Leather package) for another one. Im now leasing a 2002 SE Quest lease (Comfort/Convience, Auto Diming mirror and Protection Package. Ill be back to report on that one too.

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  Maxima #3 - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Tom Hudson - March 18 - 10:00 am

  This is our 3rd Maxima and 2nd SE model. The styling is still fresh and actually looks better than the 2002 model. Ride comfort is wonderful, even on 1-driver 800+ mile trips. Exterior paint is almost like new. Power to spare but only when you ask for it. California emissions testing always shows this car to be at less than 5% of allowables. Service techs have trouble believing the numbers from a 7 yr old car. Good arrangement and room up front. Quite ample rear leg room for non-giants. If Nissan keeps making them, well continue to buy Maximas.

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  Review Of Nissan 2002 - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By ken 2002 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Nissan Is not easy to deal with problems. I would avoid buying a Nissan. Try calling Nissan in Glen Dale Calf for help you will get the jerk around.

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  Good job for a first year - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By 1943211 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  The car has a few minor issues, but that is to be expected from a car in its first year of production. Overall it is a very good driving experience

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  Transmission and Jerking and Cut off - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By sallyryser - March 18 - 3:13 am

  I purchased a 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 1 year and 2 months ago and I have 86,000 miles on it as of today. I took it to the dealership and told them what was happening and they said oh your not under warranty and the mechanic said it did not engage for him. So, with that being said I spoke to management to make them aware of the issue and I recorded what the problem was doing. They offered me a rental and a trade in value which would make my payments higher. They should fix the problem and make the customers happy.

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  big disappointment - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By loyal nissan owner - March 18 - 2:26 am

  traded my 02 suburban for 06 armada- big mistake-since 1st day armada vibrated @ 55 mph-"dealer fixed problem" then vibrates @ 80 mph dealer refuse to fix problem-"nothing wrong w/ car", so far had to replace window regulator X2-waiting for 2 more to be replace, had to fix air bag warning system @ 500 miles. going back to dealer to have a/c and front brakes service - (dual climate not working and not cooling during very warm days after 45 min of driving, and @ 7k mi front brakes making a lot o noise) Also car feels unstable on I-10 - wanders a lot even after 4 wheel alignment current cars-05 nissan altima, 78 nissan 280z, 90 nissan 300zx (2+2 & 2+0) previous car 79 280zx, 01 xterra, 90 sentra

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  Killer Truck - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Hucker Jon - March 17 - 11:53 pm

  Did my homework on this truck. I was considering the Tacoma but when it came down to it, the Frontier was a much better value than the Toyota. You get more bang for your buck, more available options, and a better selection of exterior paint. I got the storm gray with charcoal cloth interior. This truck is a beauty, much better looking than the Tacoma! The Utili-track channel system and factory applied bedliner are much nicer and sturdier than the Tacomas as well. Toyota has cheap plastic tiedown cleats while Nissans are aluminum and has five channels in bed. The powertrain is real smooth and powerful and the interior is smart and comfy. Great truck for adventure sports guys!

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  Deceptive 2.5S Options on "Build Your Own" Nissan Site - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By bobynand - March 17 - 10:03 pm

  The Nissan "Build Your Own" site makes the 2.5S options tempting and I opted for these options. OMITTED from the 2.5S options was the overly harsh Sport Suspension. I am embarking on a very unhappy three year lease. Traded a 2011 Toyota Camry LE that drove like a luxury car, now when I run over a dime in the road I feel it.

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  Nice Ride - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By geesaint - March 17 - 12:13 pm

  I looked at the new Hyundai Sonata first, but it felt like a cork bobbing in the water at speeds over 45 miles an hour. I also considered a new Jetta and a new Mazda 6. Without a doubt, the Altima 2.5 with the SL package offered the most bang for the buck, and it a pleasure to drive. The black leather interior is awesome, as is the Bose 8 speaker stereo.

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  Most Uncomfortable seats ever - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Mario - March 17 - 11:26 am

  I have a 2008 Altima SE V6 and this is by far the most uncomfortable seats I have ever had. I downsized from a 2007 Infiniti M35 those seats were OK. Before I bought the Altima I had read several posts in Edmunds about uncomfortable seats on long drives and I should have listened better. It only takes 5 minutes and my back starts hurting. I do have back problems but this pain is different. It feels like there is no support in some areas especially left side. I have bought padded lumbar cushions but it did not help much. I would invest in custom seats if it would help but if not I am going take loss and get another car but what car in this class has superior comfort?