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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  Long Term Review - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Mike - March 2 - 2:20 am

  As with most first generation models there are a few bugs that had to be ironed out. First were brakes. 3 sets inside 2 years with the last set finally doing the trick. Issue 2 was the serpentine belt/tensioner resulting in a squealing sound every 6 months. Was told Nissan changed belt supplier initially and then went back to their orig. supplier as this appears to of solved the problem. My 1990 version could go 400 hwy miles before topping off again, this one should of been given a larger tank capacity. Lastly, I have a squeak/rattle behind my sunroof. To be addressed when I get some free time. Power seats should have a lock to prevent accidental changes when entering/exiting truck.

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  A Bit Too Early - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Al in DE - March 1 - 11:36 pm

  We purchased this car for my wife and after only 1000 miles have been avg 33 mpg. Great space & comfort! Not a sports sedan, but wasnt looking for one. Nissan unfortunately goes for cheap tires which I will shortly change. Wheels could have a better design. The CVT makes a bit of unusual sound, but gets the job done. Rear suspension should have been of the independent variety as well, but I guess costs have to be cut somewhere. I would recommend the Sentra as a great commuter car and shes quiet and could go all day at that speed without any stress to car or driver. I would recommend giving this car a test drive!!

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  Excellent value for the money!!! - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Tony - March 1 - 6:43 pm

  Its been almost a month now since I bought my Sentra and I love driving it! It is very spacious inside, beautiful display, and excellent audio system. Nissan has not spared using quality materials building the car. This is my first Nissan (usually go for Toyota) and I think I found a new favorite car brand. (So does my wife!). All in all I cant believe that a car with so many extras can be bought for way under $20k!

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  Frontier Rocks!! - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Derrick Mandujano - March 1 - 5:06 pm

  I have always owned Ford Trucks and every one of them seem to break down after 36,000 miles. I traded my 4x4 Ranger Edge for a New 2006 Nissan Frontier LE........Now this is a compact truck to be recond with!!! The Dealership was ecellent in getting what I want and at the price I wanted...I recommend anoyone to Gunn Nissan, they were honest, quick, and kept informed.

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  Please. Everyone goes to NSTHA to complain - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By zxpatric - March 1 - 1:37 pm

  Good and Bad. Good exterior, good seat, ok price. Bad driving train, but wasnt it the most important part of a car? It vibrates violently at RPM 1200~1800, pain to drive since it is mostly used RPM range. It doesnt happen to 2012 Altima rented, so a regression for 2013. I am disappointed also at Nissans slow reaction to this well-known issue. Two new cars test-drived later at dealership had the same problems. So came on, Nissan, do it back to 2012, ok? 2013 Altima owners, please do ourselves a favor to file complaint at https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/VehicleComplaint/index.xhtml

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  Stylish, Good performance and Practical - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By Eileen Pivar - March 1 - 11:40 am

  The Murano handles well, the ride is quiet and comfortable. This mid-size SUV is perfect for my needs. Cargo space is easy to load - from grocery shopping bags to golf clubs and luggage on a recent trip.

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  Very good SUV - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Anton - March 1 - 6:36 am

  Got a used one in 2006 in Ontario. Moved to BC, towed a small car to Florida and again to Ontario. I looked at competition of the same year and nothing really compares to it. I wish A/C lasted me longer

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  Mini Titan - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Richard P. - March 1 - 2:53 am

  A definite upgrade from my Ford Ranger. More room, more power. Spray in bed liner, cargo tie down kit, locking tailgate, and bed rail caps a plus. 6300 lbs. towing capacity. Big truck ride. Nissan did their homework on this one.

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  awesome car - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By ronyn49 - March 1 - 12:16 am

  I bought this car at around 95k miles and it now has about 109k. The engine is smooth and quiet and like all nissan engines, is very torquey and produces power the second you need it. The handling is a bit too soft, but thats the price for a smooth ride. Interior quality and the BOSE stereo are very good, but the deck is not very shock resistant and the digital display is going out. Otherwise, a very good car at a very good price

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  High Maint Cost with subpar parts - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By purza - February 28 - 9:09 pm

  Annoyances: Goodyear SRA tires were toast after 15k miles. Air conditioner compressor stays on until the ignition is turned off. Over-all climate control not good. Brakes are under sized and rotors need replacing often. At 61 K miles drivers side axle seal started leaking. At 70 K miles Passenger side started leaking. Reported to NTSB per Titanclub Website. Called 800-Nissan and their customer service was terrible and wouldnt lift a finger to help me even though many, many other people have the same problem. Now my drivers side seal is leaking again at 120 K miles.