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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  First great purchase - Nissan Maxima - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By JR - December 21 - 8:13 pm

  I purchased my Maxima in 1999 with only 6 miles. The acceleration, fuel economy, and aestetic appearance exceeded my expectations the day I purchased it and now, I am even more pleased with my purchase because I have only had to performed routine maintenance (oil change, new tires, belts, etc.). It still performs very well! I think the Maximas are priced well for their reliability, appearance, and last, but most important fuel economy.

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  2005 Nissan Altima SE-R - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By David Davis - December 21 - 1:30 pm

  This car is great! The way it looks and drives makes it the best sporty car Ive ever owned.

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  2005 Armada - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By mbrochujr - December 21 - 8:10 am

  Reliability is far below the GM trucks. I have 5,000 miles on mine and its going in the shop for the 7th time. The Armada was a nice concept but a poor finished product. I do not recomend it and mine, as I have now filed for Lemon Law protection. Look at the over 6 pages of service bullitons from Nissian.

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  The Versa is verstile! - 2016 Nissan Versa
  By Judith Casey - December 21 - 2:33 am

  We have only had the car a very short while so the repair frequency does not apply. Hudson Nissan was a friendly dealership that was so easy to deal with. Our sales person (Conner Stickley) was awesome. Conner helped set up the Bluetooth connection and made sure it was working properly. He explained everything quite clearly and was very knowledgeable about the Nissan products. Everything about this car is comfortable and stylish. I was amazed at the amount of interior space (including the trunk) and technology packed into this car that was so valued priced. The fuel economy of the Versa is very nice and will help keep our costs down.

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  Like It! - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Jim - December 21 - 12:30 am

  So far so good. I have the SE, and really like the ride quality. Read some reviews that said to stay away from the SE due to hard ride issues. But I really like the way this thing handles with the sport suspension. Overally I recommend this car without hesitation.

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  Great Car - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By paw - December 20 - 11:00 pm

  It is a very snappy car. Holds the road very well. It is a very stylish looking Car. I went from a Yukon xl to car and thought the room would be a big factor, but it acutally is quite roomy. Stopping is excellent. I love the telescope steering wheel. So far I love it. My daughter likes the fact that we are riding on 18 inch wheels.

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  Very mpressed - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Bill F - December 20 - 9:00 pm

  I have 1,100 miles on my 2.5 SL. Very powerful and fun to drive, but it does not get the rated mileage. I am 64" and have plenty of room in the front seats. The back seat, however does not have a lot of headroom. The computer is not accurate as far as displaying the miles per gallon, but is a nice touch. I test drove the Camry (did not like it) and the Accord (close second). My only concern is whether it will hold its resale value. There is more engine noise when the car is cold and when accelerating. Cruising is OK.

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  Bad Warranty - 2013 Nissan NV200
  By marka6 - December 20 - 6:05 pm

  My nv200 tires are wearing out exteamly fast on the rear. The rear axle is not aligned right. Two dealerships are saying this and Nissan still wont fix it. See carcomplaints.com to see all the other people complaining about the same problem.

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  Trouble free at 122k - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By tuvie - December 20 - 6:00 am

  It just turned 122,300 with the original clutch, one O2 sensor change, a toasted CD changer (just use my iPod now), and the usual wear and tear repairs. I change oil every 3-4,000 miles and have yet to burn any between changes. With mixed driving I get 16-17 mpg with winter fuel and 18-19 in the summer. Long highway trips typically return 21-22 mpg. As this is my vacation vehicle it sees deep sand every summer and deep snow every winter without any problems incurred. Im not one to wash and wax too frequently, and the finish has held up really well. There is a 2005 Pathy SE in the family too, and it has run flawlessly thus far.

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  Awesome vehicle - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Budsmom - December 20 - 1:36 am

  I look forward to going to work every morning, knowing how fun my Nissan is to drive. Very quick and handles great, even on the snow!!! I average 25 mpg, city and highway. I can live with that! I am normally a general motors fan..but I could not resist the 2006 Nissan Altimas looks and comfort.