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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  A fast, reliable, loud beast! - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Ski - August 7 - 2:46 am

  I bought this car at 28,000 miles. Its sitting currently at 91,000, with no problems or major issues yet and upon my full inspection, nothing building. This car is extremely fast, with the new exhaust I put on it, amongst other engine modifications Ive done, is louder than any other Z Ive been around. It definitely turns heads! Even though Im getting ready to sell my Z for a older muscle car, Ill get another one here soon. These cars are reliable as anything and are what theyre supposed to be, a raw, fast, no bars held performance vehicle.

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  Poor performance, expensive repairs - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By notsopathfinder - August 6 - 10:43 pm

  Bought this vehicle used with 98,000. Good for first six months, after that, it got real expensive. Replaced both front struts/shocks twice in the same year, persistant belt noise. Rear suspension was crap. Seriously lacking power, even with the standard transmission. Repairs extremely expensive compared to my last vehicle, a Chevy. Wanted $350 just for one headlight, part only, that consistantly had water leaking in and blowing the bulb. Dealer service was horrible, bad enough that they went out of business. Above problems were from normal everyday road driving, no offroad, harsh use. Went back to Chevy because at least I can repair it at about 1/4 the cost of foreign autos.

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  2010 Nissan Versa - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By Y M Yim - August 6 - 5:40 am

  Bought the 2010 1.8S Hatchback versa on the last day of September 2009. It is fun driving. The manipulation is good, although acceleration is a bit weak. Very spacious inside. So far have only one minor problem on the trunk door ajar light, but the dealer was able to take care of it very quickly. A car of good value.

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  Bought it for the MPG, very disappointed - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By erichards - August 6 - 2:36 am

  I traded in a very nice, fully equipped 2007 Altima 3.5 SE for the 2013 2.5 SV because the poor fuel mileage of the 3.5 - I was averaging 21-22 in my daily commute (125 miles round trip) - and thought the new 2.5 and its 27/38 rating would save enough on gas to justify the new car payment. I was wrong; so far I have only been able to average 26-27 mpg in driving that is about 50/50 highway/city. Otherwise in its first 3k miles the car has been otherwise just ok; the seats are more comfortable than the old one, but the whole "zero-gravity" thing is a bit of over-hype. The ride is softer, which is nice for commuting, but it gives up some of the sportyness that the SE offered to get that ride.

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  Ds Z - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By DL Thomas - August 5 - 11:10 am

  ive always had my eye on a 911, but the minute i sat down, buckled up, and took off (and i mean TOOK OFF)i knew this was Z Car for me. the handling- SUPERB-took it out on Hwy 49 back roads to Tahoe opened her up and away we went, smooth transition from inside corner to outside open lane. be prepared for stares. I travel extensively for my job - and this is the car i WANT to be in every single mile. Handling SUPER. Safety GREAT. Cost OUTSTANDING for 287hp. Comfort EXCELLENT (especially the seating - you fit like a glove). Get use to the stares, nose prints on your windows from admirers and having many try to challenge you as you motor along...

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  Horrible fuel mileage - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By catiebear - August 5 - 11:06 am

  I own a 2007 Nissan titan with close to 100,000 kms on it now. I bought it at 70,000 kms to replace a honda ridgeline that could not pull my 4,500 empty trailer. In the three years that I have owned the truck I must say it has been pretty good. It will start faithfully in anything warmer than -17 degrees and is quite reliable. Unfortunately, the steering is horrible and it feels like I am experiencing a death wobble when I drive it over bumps and cracks in the road. I have taken it in to Nissan a number of times only for them to say that there was either too much or too little tire pressure. They did not find problems until my son who is a mechanic brought the issues to their attention.

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  Outstanding LE 4WD Pathfinder - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Andrew G - August 5 - 10:00 am

  This is an unvbelievable car. I recommend it to all.

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  Fun to drive and even better to look at! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Jvtexas - August 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for a almost four months now and Im still in love with it! It turns heads every where I go, and handles and drives great. Cant tell you how many people have stopped me and asked questions about the car and made comments about how great it looks and that they want one. I also love passing BMWs on the road. I also see more of them on the road everytime Im out driving.

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  Great Truck - 2009 Nissan Titan
  By Jzlildevil - August 5 - 6:13 am

  Best truck on the market in its class for sure. I had one issue with a tranny line, dealer fixed I am happy. Tons of power. Does great in the snow and mud. I will be a nissan owner for life. It really does drive like a dream.

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  armada - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By lisa - August 5 - 3:26 am

  no mechanical difficulties have been experienced. the middle row can be tricky to fold down if you dont do it often. other than that, no complaints at all! really nice ride and comfy seats. my kids are able to see out the windows, but the little ones cannot open the doors from the outside, so you have to help them get in.