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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  Constant Transmission problems from day 1 - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Bill N - August 10 - 5:45 pm

  I own a 200- Nissan Altima that I had pretty good luck with that my kids drive so when the time came I bought a brand new 2013 Nissan Altima again with the 3.5 liter engine. Almost from the beginning I would get a shudder in the car around 2000 RPMs when the car downshifted. When you press on the gas it goes away. If you come around a corner at 10-15 miles/hour and step on the gas the car downshifts and will shake all the way down the street until you step on the gas. The dealer replaced the transmission and it was fine for about 2 months. One day I turned a corner and went up a slight incline and it started again. I took it back to the dealer and they reprogrammed it which did nothing. Each time I bring it in they cannot get it to do it and say there is nothing wrong. After a long day of driving it will do it repeatedly and violently. The car only has 20,000 miles on it at this point and I dont have time to run 45 minutes away to a dealer every time it is shaking. It is very frustrating that Nissan acts like this is not a systemic issue when on line the complaints are consistent and frequent. I have filled out 3 surveys from Nissan asking to be contacted and never heard back. I like everything else about this car but if the transmission does not work correctly, the car is junk. After 2 Nissans I will never buy another one. Not sure what the issue is with this company, but making quality cars is no longer a priority.

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  Will never buy a Nissan again! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Outraged - July 30 - 10:00 am

  The transmission went in this car with less then 3,000 miles on it and left me stranded on vacation. I wanted a new transmission they said no it had to be repaired. The car now gets 13 miles to the gallon city and about 20 on a trip compaired to 22 and 30 prior to this happening. I spoke to both the dealer and Nissan and they both pointed the finger at the other and were willing to do nothing about it. Worst customer service I ever dealt with. Save your money!

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  Beware! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Nathan - July 12 - 9:03 am

  When test driving this car I thought it was peppy and cornered very well. After having it for 3 months I had to replace the camshaft sensors, ignition coil, and spark plugs. A month later I was told my catalytic converter was shot. Now that Ive owned it for ten months i need to have the tie rods and power steering pump fixed. DO NOT BUY THIS P.O.S.!

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  Murano - proof positive the Japs can make crap too. - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By glastonbury - June 30 - 2:27 am

  I dont even know where to begin with my Murano, from the fuel dampeners, to the seals, to the intake manifold, to the throttle control plate. WTF, a dirty throttle control plate in a Murano will leave you dead and stranded. NEVER NEVER NEVER would a honda have these problems. CONSUMER REPORTS I am convinced has been rigged and bribed for recommending the MURANO, the biggest repair headache of all time.

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  More than its worth.. - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Jerlyn Goodwin - June 19 - 2:00 am

  The car was bought manily for my use. I use a mobility scooter and my sister thought it would be heathful. She pretty much bought the first car she saw on the first day we went looking. I was not in favor of the buy. First the car was to big and clumbsy. It is diffcult to drive I cannot get comfrtable in it and for such a large mini/van it seems small inside. I have arthriris and let just say Im glad when the ride is over. I had a rear- in accident with a ford pick-up. Oct 13. We didnt get the car back until Nov.22. That is a bit long. I hit him going less then 15 mph. I admit the car stops traffic but there is no way I can recommend it.

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  JUNK - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By JUNK - May 31 - 11:26 am

  Sorry I bought this 2010 Rouge.From the day I drove it home. The car vibrates & the steering wheel shakes. Took it back 6 times. They do not know what is wrong with it. I test drove other rouge. And it does not shake or vibrate. I believe it is the transmission. The repair shop does not think it is transmission. Deep down they know it is the transmission. I am suppose to be fully covered. Never buy a car from Nissan of Queens. They are thieves. Whom rip off the customers and over charge you. Buyer Beware!!!!!! I want my car fixed. And the dummies cannot figure out whats wrong with it.

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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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  Nissan Frontier - cant find model I want. - 2014 Nissan Frontier
  By Roxanne Macias - May 5 - 12:51 am

  Hard to find the Pro4x in a full extra cab, especially in any color other than white/black/silver... So never found one. Looking in Southern Oregon now.

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  2015 in shop again!!! - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Tim - April 3 - 2:37 am

  My 2015 Altima is in the shop for the 5th time for the same reason since I bought it. The 4th time I had it in for a recall fix for the same problem and yet it is in the shop for a 5th time.

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  Not worth the money - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By jk - March 6 - 6:03 am

  This is the worst truck I have ever owned the gas mileage is really bad 8 miles to the gallon I have had it in the shop 10 times for leaks transmission trouble power window trouble and engine trouble