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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  Once it starts, its great... - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Sandy M. - June 18 - 11:33 am

  Everything is great on the vehicle, except the starting problems... has difficulty starting, it takes 2 cranks sometimes (not only in winter, but in all seasons). It has been in the dealership 5 times in the first 12 months I bought it. Nissan Corporation refuses to buy back the vehicle, because the dealership I bought it from keeps on replacing different parts (the dealership also dont report this to CARFAX either (bad dealership)). I am now going to take it to a different Nissan dealership and see what their mechanic says. Nissan has made me miss 5 days of work - not good! I have a manual and I am lucky if I get 27 mpg in the city, I dont drive it hard.

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  Rotor problems - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Jacqueline Fowler - June 18 - 9:46 am

  I am constantly going back because of a grinding noise when you press on the brakes. They have turned the rotors 3 times, and tell me that is is a result of driving. I have less than 45000 and it started happening at 10000. They replaced the rotors and after driving 1500 miles they are grinding again. Another person, my son switched cars with me to dispell the theory that it is my driving, Otherwise this is an excellent car. The driver side window motor constantly goes out is replaced and burns out again. The ride is a little sporty but it turns with ease. Overall I would buy another one.

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  Yes, Im buying out my lease... - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Deb - June 17 - 7:56 pm

  Fast, fun - get lots of compliments all the time everywhere I go. Went to lease blue, came home with black. Love the dash, foot pedals and overall appearance of the car. Mileage is OK, depends on how you drive it (lead foot = lower mileage). Normal driving nets better mileage, but its hard to stay under the speed limit. Would have leased a new one, but the dealers arent dealing, so Im going to keep mine with low mileage, 3,000 mile oil changes and hand washed since I brought her home. Shes a keeper.

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  So Far, So Good - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By rcusack - June 17 - 7:26 pm

  Ive had the car for just over three months now. My miles per gallon is steadily increasing but Im still not satisfied that its anywhere near the EPA estimate. I understand that isnt a perfect number, but it seems unattainable especially considering most of my miles are highway. The design of the car is great. I get compliments constantly. The noise levels in the cabin are average. Nice weather is just arriving so Ill know more about the windows and sunroof soon. Ride quality is very comfortable and the steering is responsive. The engine has enough get up and go to survive city and highway alike. Rockford Fosgate Audio is stellar and I love the intelligent key.

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  Great car.. - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Eddie - June 17 - 5:50 pm

  Driving this feels like rolling on the cloud.. This car Rocks.. Purchasing this car was thee Best choice I have ever made in my life. Drove a few months, no problem at all. Gas Mileage was not as good as advertised, but improved later.

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  A Summary of Nissan Sentra Experience - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By kapes13 - June 17 - 11:50 am

  Vehicle was purchased with 24K miles and has needed serpentine belt replacement, has had 2 recalls all new exhaust and catalytic converter be sure and get fixed on recall, needed ECM reprogram on recall. BAD PROBLEM had fuel shoot out the nozzle, this is the Vent Control Valve needs to be replaced. Mine also has the starting issues and had to modify battery terminals. Also will not eject CD and there has been an onset of dropped mileage since exhaust replacement. Now car has 69,000, trying to take care of it so it will drive 200K, we will see. The car is okay I guess, please heed these issues.

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  Z car - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By James M. Sitzes - June 17 - 9:00 am

  Muscle to have fun on stretches, tight steering and frame to handle turns at high speeds. Too much fun....

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  Fun to Drive - Altima SL - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Daniel F Spies - June 17 - 3:13 am

  I do not like rattles however we found that the sun-roof sliding door will rattle when it is fully closed. The rattle goes away when it is partially or fully open (not the sun-roof itself, only the sliding interior door). I have overcome this problem and found that I really like the car. The get up and go is there when you need it. The CVT transmission provides excellent fuel mileage while maintaining low RPM balanced through the assist of the computer. This car handles very nice through curves on the road. The brake distribution appears to be proportioned perfectly from the front to the rear without unwanted jerky movements.

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  Cant beat it - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By infrared41 - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought one with 94,000 miles and have put 40,000 more on it. Not a single problem other than normal wear and tear. Great ride for an SUV. Real workhorse. Great 4wd. Kinda boxy and ugly but thats what makes it cool. Looks like it was made to be driven in poor conditions. An outstanding vehicle. Highly recommended.

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  Nissan=poor build quality - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By slappy - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Terrible paint Car is constantly going to dealer for"adjustments" and to fix defects and problems caused from poor quality controll