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:

• 

  Good car for the money - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Syed - July 14 - 1:56 pm

  I purchased my Sentra brand new in Jan of 2004 and had it till December of 2007 when it was totalled. I put on 130,000 miles within that period and I am very satisfied with the car. I didnt spend any money on the car besides the usual oil changes and brakes. I only had one problem wiht the car during the period I owned it. When the car was started cold in the morning, it would start on the first try but if I was to start the car later on, it would take any where from 2-3 tries for it to start. This problem started within a year of owning the car and worsened as time passed. This was not a big deal because all I had to do was turn the key again and the card would start.

• 

  love my car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Marcia - July 14 - 12:46 pm

  I needed a car that had plenty of room and a great heating system. I have owned 4 Nissans and was familiar with the make. The ride is smooth even while in the backseat.

• 

  Tough - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By Krista Lucas - July 14 - 8:16 am

  Ive been hit hard twice (both times my vehicle was stopped) and the other vehicles had much damage and only very little surface scratches to mine.

• 

  Good Value All Around - 2010 Nissan Armada
  By Bob - July 14 - 5:46 am

  Tried Expedition, Sequoia, Yukon. This is the best bang for the buck. I tow a 5000 pound boat and this has plenty of power. Ride and handling on par for the class. Fold down third row is great. Interior design is attractive and user friendly. Less trucky than Expedition but not Yukon and Sequoia. Blew all others away on features for the price. I expect Nissan reliability over the long haul. Mileage stinks but there is no free lunch when you want space and towing capability. While no full size SUV is fun to drive, it is easy to do lots of miles on the highway without tiring. Its no sports sedan but I already have one of those. Overall, comfortable, roomy, powerful, and capable.

• 

  Watch Out from Behind - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By sw1974 - July 14 - 1:00 am

  I bought my 2009 Rogue S used with 14K miles on it. I had researched it & heard about the rear view issues, but WOW! It is bad. The blind spot on each back corner is a complete design flaw and must be fixed with larger windows in new versions. Its not so much the back window as it is the 2 small side windows. Its a real danger if you ask me, but the rest of the car is fine. I had an 07 Honda CR-V before this one and theyre comparable. I dont mind the CVT transmission and feel the car accelerates better than my CR-V did. I have had no issues in these first few months. Gas mileage is great. AC is COLD, which is nice. The sound system-- the factory version, not Bose--is still good quality.

• 

  Maximus supreme - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By SL8ROCK - July 13 - 7:20 pm

  Bought my SE in May of 06 with about 48k on it and it rides like a dream. Those 6 cylinders come in handy on the highway. Takes curves pretty well, too.

• 

  Tapioca - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By ssj - July 13 - 2:16 am

  Ive owned the Frontier for over 8 months now, and I am selling it today. Any major problems? No, just a coolant leak. Maybe I am too young and immature yet, but the truck, while not bad in any particular way, is just not what I was looking for. I would keep it if perhaps if I needed a truck and wasnt using it as a daily driver.

• 

  Disappointed Nissan Fan - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By TN - July 12 - 9:26 pm

  I owned 3 Sentras before this one and a 97 Maxima and Nissan truck. Loved them all. Not this one. It does get good mileage but considering how underpowered it is should do better. The tires it came with were terrible. I replaced them with Falkens on 17" rims and it sure did make the car look nice IMO. (But thats probably just me, the car never seems to turn anyone elses head.) Things I hate: -often does not start on first try -clunky shift from first to second -too underpowered to maintain 65 mph during cruise control without down shifting -drivers side door seal leaks when driving in rain -Service Engine Soon light on at 60 K -lack of safety equip -seats do not go back far enough

• 

  ...continued - 2012 Nissan Pathfinder
  By mrcarp - July 12 - 8:03 pm

  Great in the snow.

• 

  Great truck, too many problems @6,000 mi - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By stoneman - July 12 - 5:43 pm

  Excellent looking, powerful, fun to drive truck. I get complimants almost daily about the looks. I currently have 6,000 miles, i have had all rotors and pads replaced as i had a nasty braking shimmey. Nissan had a service bulletin an this. Now my transmisson case is dripping fluid, my drivers window is loose and rattles when not shut tight. My one big disappointment when i purchesed it is it has no climate control, this is a $36,000 vehicle!! 2006 models no have it. I waited a model year before buying, i have contacted Nissan and am curious if i hear from them, other than that its back to the dealer for my newest repairs. I honestly love the truck!!!