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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  New 2012 Sv/SL Package owner - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By dshkrab - November 3 - 9:16 pm

  Just picked up my Rogue on 11/11/11 $299 a Mo 0 down (tax in price) its possible but dealer wont be happy! First impressions are very positive. Some minor Grips (no dual climate control, no rear A/C vents, Older fashioned shifter, no TripTronic, no Android support via USB and single disc vs multi). The grips are minor. The drive is excelent. Behaves well on the road, parks nice due to 360 cameras (super cool feature, absolute must for city parking -> Brooklyn NY for me). Comfortable front and back, even when seats are retracted (first and only Japanese car that my parents enjoy -owners of a Buick & Chrysler). Would be nice if more things could be customized, but a fun to drive!

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  Why did I buy this? - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Jessica - November 3 - 7:23 pm

  Plain and simple, I do not like this car. Stereo speakers rattle like crazy. Random banging noises coming from all around the car when driving. Tires are crap and the car drifts and sways on the highway. Wind noise on highway is awful, I feel like Im flying a plane. There is a big dent on my trunk for no reason that I know of, and thats probably because the trunk is made of complete tin and any little thing will dent it. CVT jerks and sounds funny especially its the tiniest bit cold out. Interior side piece of the dash is warped and coming off. Dealer doesnt fix issues like theyre supposed to. Sometimes I wish it would get totaled out so I could get a different car. Save yourself. RUN!

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  2ND Altima - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Lil J - November 3 - 4:16 pm

  I LOVE MY 07 ALTIMA. I previously owned a 2002 Altima 3.5SE and I loved it. I was sad to let it go, but I will soon forget about it. My 07 tops the cake. I love the Look and Performance. When I took the test drive, I knew I wanted this car. I love the curves of it. I have the Technology package with the bluetooth. Love it. I also love the 270 hp that it produces. Im so happy I didnt get a Maxima. Car looks good at night. Love the Xenon headlights. My car gets about 20 mpg city and about 25 highway. I would recommend this car to anyone. Loves the way it feels on the road. Hugs a corner like a rail. LOVE MY 07.

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  Very nice minivan - 2008 Nissan Quest
  By leeman391 - November 2 - 7:10 pm

  Previous van was a Mercury Villager which I liked very much, and so wanted to buy the Quest. However I didnt like the center Instrumentation so when it was updated to the left side I was very pleased and started looking to buy one. The van is the nicest looking minivan and has a well laid out interior design and trim. It drives very car like and it is easy to exceed the speed limit.

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  Problems with Maxima 01 - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Joseph - November 2 - 8:03 am

  Have Nissan Maxima 2001 Had to replace the following: Exhaust system Catalytic converter CV joint ABS Tires etc

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  2nd Pathfinder - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Bass-o-matic - November 2 - 1:50 am

  This is my second pathfinder. We have owned it for about three weeks, so my review will not reflect long term reliability. However, I know that these things will last. I have several friends that have well over 200k on their older Pathfinders. I sold my 93 with 200k on the odo and would not have hesitated to drive it across the US. I hooked a trailer on my old one and drove it across the US with 155k on the odo. But this is a review about a 2003, so what do I think- Great build quality, equal or better than the Lexus RX300 we traded in. Great power (the 93 could barley get out of its own way). Noisy when cold- belts, and valve clatter, better when warm. Great off road capability.

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  Nissan Sentra 2006 - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By destiny9099 - November 1 - 7:51 pm

  I bought my Sentra 1.8 about a year ago, bought at 58k miles and now at 70k, starting to notice hard start up and a drop in gas mileage. On ave I was getting 30mi to a gallon and now about 25-28mi to a gallon. Now going on the hunt to figure out if the fuel pump that everyone seems to be having issue with is the problem or something else. Going to start cheap and work my way to pump. Mechanic friend thinking it could be fuel filter or air/fuel sensor. So going to check those first then do pump. Hope this will be the end to my problems for awhile. The only other problem is with my six cd changer likes to skip and not play cds even ones that are new. but that is least my worries.

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  THIS IS IT!!! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Toney - November 1 - 4:06 am

  I have driven a Toyota since 1984, and assumed that I would always remain Toyota loyal. My son kept talking about this new Altima, so i went on the internet and did my homework. I found out that the Altima beat out the Avalon on everything but weight (it was almost 300 pounds heaver). So off I went to see what all the fuss was about. From the moment I test drove the car, I was in love!! This car has as much room as my 1996 Avalon had, but with all the bells and whistles. All I can say is please start a savings account, because youre going to need it. On my first day out, I looked down at the odometer, and I was doing a smooth 80 mph! All I can say is go for it.

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  Owner - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By SteveVermont - October 31 - 11:10 pm

  I like the way it ride, quite and smooth. The shifting is like riding a electric car with smooth shifting. Have driven over the mountains roads without any problems.

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  Think Twice Before You Buy - 2009 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Ken S - October 31 - 9:00 pm

  I respectfully disagree with the "professional" reviews compliment of the ergonomics. Try sitting in the drivers chair for an extended period and youll disagree. Although there are several adjustments, neither my wife nor I can find a comfortable position for the long haul. Dont think of Nissan as a "Japanese car company". If you do, youll likely expect great reliability and be disappointed. Most of the time weve owned our Pathfinder, the "Check Engine" light has been on. The dealer has tried several times to fix it. That is just one of many problems we have had.