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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  The Low Down - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Johnnysoup - February 2 - 6:40 am

  I bought this SUV for a few reasons. Ive had succuss with Nissan (98 Frountier & 2000 Frountier Crew Cab) Owned a Jeep Grand Cher and had nothing but probs from brakes to trans. And I sold that after 19,000 miles. Anyways this SUV is good but not great to drive. Decent feedback but there is body sway on any quick type moves. Compared to Pilot and the Honda did NOTHING for me. Yes the Pilot does ride smoother but its more like a station wagon feel and the interior was as blah as a 2000 Civic... Memory seats helps as Im alot taller than the wife. Just use the key fob and the seats set up for you. Nice power to move through traffic. Brakes are fine. Soild SUV from a quality auto maker.

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  Transfer case problem - 2010 Nissan Murano
  By mudder4 - February 1 - 9:43 am

  Ive had my Murano 19 mo. and have enjoyed the style, handling and fair gas mpg so far, avg. 23 mpg overall. Last mo. noticed oil seeping from the transfer case, took it to the dealer thinking oil seals needed replaced and was told the complete transfer case would be changed. Four days later it was fixed, (free rental car was given), and everything seems fine now. After reading many stories online about transfer case and cvt trans. problems involving earlier years Im a little concerned that they may not have been rectified.

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  Nissan Titan SE 4 dr SWB - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Eric V. - February 1 - 7:30 am

  Ive owned Ford, Chevy, Dodge, and now Nissan. By far the Nissan Titan out performs in all aspects of what a truck should be. Ive compared all others in its class, and nothing comes close to the Titan. Ive been more than happy with the truck since Ive owned it and would recommend the truck to anyone who would like a great truck.

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  BUY A ROGUE! - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By ashley17 - February 1 - 7:24 am

  Overall....BEST CAR EVER! I dont know what is wrong with people who fuss about the shape of the car, nothing is wrong with it! Rides like a dream, purrs like a kitten,and will never let you down unless it is a minor problem like an oil change or tires. BUY ONE!

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  The car for those that like to drive - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By JMKLF - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I looked at this car along with the Protege, Cavalier and Focus. After driving them all, this car was by far the best choice. It is FAST and FUN. It has room for my family (two car seats) and still puts a smile on my face when driving. The seats are supportive and well bolstered. The R/F stereo is exceptional (although not world-class). I got leather put in on all seats and inserts and would highly recommend this. My only complaint is that reverse is located on the right side of the shifter (off of 5th/6th) and there is only a detente to push through to get there. You can end up there in spirited up and downshifts (at high speed).

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  looks good - 2010 Nissan Murano
  By big r - January 30 - 2:40 pm

  a quick review, just picked up a 10 SL, loaded except the navi. 1st impressions. interior is nice, cargo wise, its a tad small but for its class it would be second against a Sante Fe. the only thing i hate is the road noise when the sunroof is open.

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  SWEET RIDE - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By drock31 - January 29 - 1:49 am

  I purchased my Maxima about 1/2 a year ago with 89,000 miles on it and so far so good. I may do the struts soon, front a rear, but other than that manual trans is sweet, clutch is working fine, and engine wants to go go go! Glad I went with the manual after reading some reviews of the automatic trans. jerking, plus it is extra fun to drive. My only complaint is the road noise and that it burns a quart of oil every 5,000 miles. I would only by a manual Maxima, and so far happy with my purchase!

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  New Car - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Bill Plance - January 28 - 12:33 pm

  nice car - great mileage (avg. 27mpg. in city) steering too sensitive and outside noise a little strong - overall good car for the price body a little heavy for engine.

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  Problems, but it never left me stranded. Car changes its own oil. . - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By driftisfun - January 27 - 7:35 pm

  Ok its been 5 years since we purchased our gunmetal grey 2002 Maxima w/6 speed manual. The car had roughly 78k on it at the time certified pre-owned vehicle from West Covina Nissan. Now has well over 160k fast, hard miles. Maintenance has been: Front brakes three times, goes thru tires a lot. Front right wheel assembly and hub became loose. Replaced clutch as well. Sound system broke. Power steering leak. Uses 2.5 quarts of oil every month or so, which is a lot. This is very common as are the individual coil packs failing (theres 6), and O2 sensors (4 I believe),Catalytic converter failed. These days my Maxima is firing on only two cylinders and we have thrown in the towel. Car still runs!

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  Too many problems! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By JMM - January 27 - 1:53 pm

  After comparing a number of SUVs I selected the 2005 Pathfinder because of its power, comfort and features. I still enjoy driving it and I am satisfied with everything but the build quality. In the eight months Ive owned it, my Pathfinder has been to the dealer four times for a number of problems. Most have been relatively minor, such as various noises and a bad power window switch. But, the last problem was serious and unacceptable. The rear stabilizer bar completely disconnected from the right rear suspension! Ive owned American cars for over 30 years and have never experienced such a major problem with a new car. This was my first Japanese car and it may be my last!