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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  My first Disappointment in Nissan - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Killian Tools - January 23 - 5:56 pm

  Ive worked and owned several Nissans. This is by far the worst one Ive had. At 67000 I had to have the Alternator replaced ($672.00) Now at 87000 the timing chain is rattling / pecking. Cost of repair $1104.63 Ive put over 200,000 miles on my altima.

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  pathfinder leads the way - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By RJB - January 23 - 3:53 pm

  The outside noise stays outside. I can hear my daughter from the third row seat. The power is there when i need it. The horn is not loud enough. I liked the horn on my ford explorer better. Everything else is up to par.

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  Mistake-imus Maximas - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By David - January 22 - 12:50 am

  I was a happy owner of this vehicle for just under a year. Then I took it in for its 80,000 mile check up. First they found some oil leaks. Then a few days later my radiator had a leak. Then a week later I found that my head gasket was leaking. Over $3000 in repairs later, Im selling this money pit and going for something that with better quality parts that will last me longer. All in all, a very disappointing Nissan. BEFORE PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE...open up the hood and check out the design of the radiator: a plastic frame crimped together with the metal. You can expect to drop over $300 replacing that part in the very near future. Its a wonder the part hasnt been recalled.

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  I like this car - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By tazz62 - January 21 - 3:06 am

  I have had this car since October. This is the best car that I have ever owned. It drives great. I love the CVT except when going down hills. The transmission makes a humming noise. The dealer said this was normal and there was nothing to worry about. I like the keyless remote except I have to keep my windows and trunk locked, because they were opening. The dealer said that if the button hit something, that they could open your window and trunk. The only thing I didnt like was how Nissan packages their options. I really did not want a sun roof, but to get the leather seats, I had to get the sun roof. Also, I wished the outside mirrors would fold down.

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  it is just okay - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By kiowa - January 20 - 5:10 pm

  I have had this car about 9 months now. I should have bought a used luxury for the price. If you have a family larger than 4 forget about space in the hatch, there is no room. Makes a lot of noise on the express way. Not fun to drive in winds at high speeds. Handles like a gem in the snow and ice.

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  Unpretentious solid car - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By Duke_jw - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Recently purchased this 1998 GXE model. Fully equipped, solid, no nonsense car with an engine that is more than adequate for the weight of the car. Gas mileage appears to be excellent. I was drawn to the Altima because of its inherent value as a used vehicle purchase. Simplicity, yet, high quality for a modest price.

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  My Yellow Banana - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By Skymaxx - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I love my Xterra! There is plenty of room for me in the front and passengers like the stadium seating in the back. The rear seats are versatile! But they rattle when you drive. My airbags didnt work in an accident. My seatbelt worked and left a red mark on my neck and chest. I have had a recurring problem with the seatbelt light coming on. I have tried to repair it several times. The roof rack would smack against the roof and was really annoying, after the rubber tabs blew off. Of course, the gas mileage is not the best with any SUV, but, since the gas prices have gone up, I feel like I spend most of my time at the pump.

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  a little ratle nose from window - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By kim sung - January 20 - 10:00 am

  maxima is a great car, but when it hit a pot hole the shock too stiff and side window make a little nose,the speed is great,when travel out state is great on high way, but in the city the shock too stiff,the side mirro too small,

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  Not for 3+ kids - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Kim - January 20 - 9:33 am

  When my husband and I first bought this we only had 2 kids, then came #3. First of all, I cannot fit all 3 of their carseats in the middle seat, I have to put my oldest in the back seat which means she has to step on the middle seat to get in the back because thats the only access because the other 2 car seats are in the middle, also the seats are extremely uncomfortable, after Ive been driving for about 40 minutes I notice just how uncomfortable

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  Performance and some quality - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Steve - January 19 - 11:03 pm

  Bought it w/29,000 miles in excellent condition. At 70,000 miles had to replace the trans. (throw/out bearings grs. 1&2), as w/ a previous maxima. gone though 3 alternators, and entire cooling system. Bose/Clarion radio died. Body, interior and engine held up well. pwr seat does not adjust anymore, little bits of trim cracked and broke - not through abuse or neglect.