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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  mytruck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By rayh - February 20 - 2:00 am

  The Frontier longbed doesnt have a very tight turning radius, so I find myself backing up to get centered in parking spots; average gas mileage is around 16; Im not a large guy but even with the steering wheel all the way up it still catches my legs getting in and out. Although it has 4 doors, theres very little leg-room in back. My child- seat in the back is only inches from the front seat, so I have to get the kid out side-saddle, and he can kick me upside the head any time he wants. The inside was obviously not designed by or for anyone in North America.

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  Glad I chose the Armada - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By David - February 18 - 9:13 am

  Needed to tow horses. Looked at the Suburban, Expedition, etc. The Armada had more standard safety features and more convienence features than the others. Second row legroom beats any other SUV (by far), and the nav/voice system is best on the market. However two areas could be improved: 1) the suspensions "shudders" when driving over broken pavement. 2) the seats arent very supportive - although the truck has little body roll, the unsupportive seats magnify this effect. Im fortunate enough to have owned LX 470s, RRs and G500s and I still find myself driving the Armada most of the time. If you prefer a "richer" environment, consider the QX56.

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  Good, but one major mechanical issue - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By Denton, TX - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Good overall, but Ive been recently slapped with a big service bill, my left rear axel seal leaks oil on the brake shoes ($275) and the manifold leaks radiator fluid on the timing belt ($925). Disapointing for a newer car. The use of plastic on the interior moving parts is also a poor place to cut corners on manufacturing costs.

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  ex-terra-ah!!!!!! - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By ex-terr-ah!! - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Excellent styling, handeling, and upper body roomieness. Sub-optimal (at best!) drivers side leg room. Brake, gas pedals and the center consel are crowded for feet and lower leg movement during driving. 170 hp V-6 is somewhat under powered for acceleration, but cruises effortlessly. Gas milage rivals a Sherman Tank! Good sound system. Archaic power knobs for mirrors / windows.

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  Nissan Sentra - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By Sergio - February 15 - 11:40 am

  I have own this car since 2004. I bought from a dealership at 44,000 miles. I only had to do Oil Changes until 80,300 miles when the catalytic converter went bad. but, lucky enough was cover under warranty. (but, the dealership made me pay for half $400). Aside from regular up keep i havent had to do much till recently. Now, I am at 127,000 and the radiator was cracked after that was fixed I started having issues with the Idling of the vehicle. which I am trying to get resolved now. Nissan is aware of this issue. when the vehicle is on Park it will go to 2-3,000 RPM. Oh yeah. I also had issues with the pedal sticking. but, I got it resolved. (read below how)

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  Wonderful SUV - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By desire - February 15 - 10:00 am

  This Xterra has been a god sent!!! It is great to be a 23yr old and be able to afford an suv that is reliable and doesnt make you look like you should be hauling the soccer team around. I have one child he is 2 1/2 and the car seat fits nicely he even has his own dvd player on the back of the passenger seat. There is more than enough hauling space. We have used it in the snow and believe me the first snow storm we had after we bought it we were looking for untouched snow, we had a blast and it handled as if there was nothing in its way. The ground clearance is just enough to do all the fun stuff off roding but not to high that you neeed a step stool.

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  In Love - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Scorepin - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased the Xterra XE 4x4 in yeloow. I am so in love with this vehicle. There are only 3 minor irritations. 1....horrible gas milage, 2. It could be a tad bit more confortable and 3. the arm rest is pratically non existent. The major draw back is it needs a bit more gusto. If its a smooth ride youre looking for and not an off road vehicle shop else where. If you want an outdoor vehicle capable of what the others only claim then the Xterra is for you. Fun truck, great colors. Peruzzi in Langhorne went the distance to get me this truck with what I wanted in it. Excellent warranty!

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  A good car,but.... - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Ed Fish - February 14 - 8:10 pm

  I like my new Altima. Have about 5k on it. Things I dont like are...Cant read instruments-poor design, lighting. cant read radio dial. Back up lights ineffective. Roof poorly insulated-noisy wheb raining. Sun roof..wind noise at higher speeds

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  Unhappy with Nissan - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Erin - February 12 - 9:06 am

  This was my first Nissan and I have been very disappointed with the car. The brakes rotors and all went at 40,000, I have replaced the tires all the way around twice Nissan told me that the tires that they put on the car were garbage. They recalled the car for the crank shaft sensor and also had to replace the fuel pump. Yesterday, I noticed it was leaking a small amount of antifreeze. I am looking into buying a Honda or Toyota within the next week, I am afraid that this car is going to be a money pit.

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  Engine Wont Last - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Rob - February 12 - 9:06 am

  Loved driving the 3.5SE...for four years and 67,000 miles. Then the timing chain began whining. Nissan covered the $2,400 repair since it was a known issue (see Technical Service Bulletin). 8 months and 12,000 miles later, I noticed my oil level was low. Seeing no leaks, I tracked the oil level over the next couple of months. At 89,000 miles, dealer determined that engine was burning 1 1/2 quarts of oil every 1,000 miles! Offered to replace engine for $6,600 my cost. Nissan refuses assistance since they already took care of timing chain (to me, kind of irrelevant now). This on a car with all scheduled maintenance receipts. Better have an extended warranty or dump car before its junk.