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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  Bad Rear Struts - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By frank - March 14 - 9:50 pm

  We bought this car for a teenaged daughter, it had a very rough first sixty thousand miles. The woman who owned it hit everything in her way. We bought her cheap, replaced 3 bent wheels, a bent back axle, light body work, lots was already done. I replaced an alternator at 98 thousand, and just replaced my third set of rear struts also replacing the springs this time. Hopefully to change my luck. The car runs nice for what it is.

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  First one a lemon - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By 5194556927 - March 14 - 6:47 pm

  Purchased new 2014. Problem with drain hose in roof missing. Interior full of water. Problems with electrical. In for repair to many times to count. Put in complaint to Nissan and no help. It was the dealer that eventually put me into a brand new 2015 because car could not be repaired.I fought with Nissan for over a year with little results. They did offer me an extended warranty which I refused. The repair was well over $10,000.00 so they would have been better off to have exchanged the car long ago. Nissan will not admit to any faults. They will try to repair your car until warranty runs out and you are on your own. Lets hope the 2015 is not a lemon.

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  Great car with a few improvements needed - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By tmac - March 14 - 6:40 pm

  Researched everything in its class. Liked the sports car handling of the Accords, luxurious and quiet ride of Camry, but the Altima was a combination of both. Biggest trunk for my work stuff, most comfortable driving position (armrests, steering wheel position awesome). Drivers legroom amazing. SL/Connection package great! CVT very odd but it works well. Pushbutton start is really cool. Only things need to be addressed are better rim/tire sizes. "T" rated 60 series tire gives great ride but mushy handling. Should come with "H" rating. Steering feedback is way to light, car wonders a little a speed. Trunk hinges are for cheap domestic cars not imports. Im very picky and very happy.

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  Best car I have owned - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Mikes - March 14 - 10:00 am

  This was my first Nissan, had a couple of Acuras, both good cars but the Max has been very reliable. The car looks good after 162,000 miles, drivers seat shows some wear, but overall, car has been good. Alternator was replaced at 90,000 and then I was reimbursed the $700 since it was a later recall item. One minor oil leak now, about $200 to fix. Car has been hard on tires and/or alignment, or is it me pushing it......great car on the Interstate

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  EXCELLENT CAR!!! - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Pinkyknaw - March 14 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I have had 3 cars in the past and this is by far the best one weve had. Its comfortable, the rides smooth, its the perfect size for my family. Its just great.

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  Badly made, worse service - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By NSANH8TER - March 14 - 10:00 am

  Be wary when you read these positive reviews that most of these people have not put many miles on their car. I have enough miles on my car to see it slowly unravel and to experience the lack of support and shadiness from Nissan service. The deterioration of the suspension and ride was astounding. Nissan service refused to fix it under warranty and then tried to swindle me into making other unnecessary repairs. So unless you plan on spending $$ on aftermarket adjustments steer clear of Nissan. FYI: The Sentra/SE-R is assembled in Mexico. Also Nissan is not the company it used to be since it was taken over by the french owned Renault.

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  The - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By EYALYLU - March 14 - 10:00 am

  Fun Fun Fun...what a ride. When it was time to replace our Chevy Suburban we pondered maybe a mid size suv will do,my wife insisted on an suv, ..."im not a minivan mom" she said,i asked her to drive it and give it a chance,5 min into the test drive she turned to me and said.."howcome weve never test drove a minivan"? as i was waiting for a no no she said "I LIKE IT A LOT", Haleluyah.The reasons for choosing the Quest over the Odyssey or Sienna are many but mainly the bold styling(looks alot like an suv),the interior looks like an airplane,and the room in second to none.

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  great - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By brent123456 - March 14 - 10:00 am

  best car ive driven for the price i paid . well done nisaan

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  lemon car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By stephanie mathis - March 14 - 10:00 am

  pretty,good road handling.have had my car back as many months as had it.bad vibration in steering wheel.brakes grab.alignment problems.seat belts replaced,sunroof stuck open,not starting,tires cupping out,sunvisor problems,noise in front dash,air conditioner vent coming loose,3 sets of tires,realignment 3 times,continue to have vibrationing,shking steering wheel,grabbing brakes.my car is a very stressful car.bought car for safety and problem free car.would not recommend because nissan did not back car up like i feel they should.had to turn car into better business bureau.these are a few of the problems i have had with my car.

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  Great Truck With Great Fuel Economy Too! - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Bubba - March 14 - 6:56 am

  I test drove the Tacoma before trying out the Frontier. I had no intention of purchasing a four banger, but after giving both the Tacoma and Frontier 4 cyls a shot, I wasnt let down at all. I like both trucks, but I picked up the Frontier for a couple of thousand less than a comparable Tacoma. Currently averaging 22+ MPG with mixed city/hiway driving and a lot of up and down RPM fluctuation while it is still in the break-in period.